Processing keyword: ~기로 하다 [giro hada] (Decide to do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기로 하다 [giro hada] (Decide to do)

~기로 하다 [giro hada] (Decide to do)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing decisions or planned actions is crucial for effective communication. The grammar pattern ~기로 하다 is commonly used to indicate that someone has decided to do something. This lesson will help you understand how to use ~기로 하다 to express your decisions naturally in Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~기로 하다 is used to express a decision or resolution to perform a certain action. It translates to "to decide to do" in English.

Structure

Verb Stem + 기로 하다

1. Verb Stem: Obtain the verb stem by removing -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. 기로 하다: Add 기로 하다 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

Conjugation Patterns

Present Tense

• Informal Low: 가기로 해
• Informal Polite: 가기로 해요
• Formal Polite: 가기로 합니다 Past Tense (Commonly used to express a past decision)
• Informal Low: 가기로 했어
• Informal Polite: 가기로 했어요
• Formal Polite: 가기로 했습니다

3. Comparative Analysis

~기로 하다 vs. ~(으)려고 하다

• ~기로 하다 implies that a decision has been made and is more definite.
• ~(으)려고 하다 indicates an intention or plan that might change. Example:
• 한국어를 배우기로 했어요.
  • I decided to learn Korean. (Decision made)
• 한국어를 배우려고 해요.
  • I'm planning to learn Korean. (Intention)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 내일 일찍 일어나기로 했어요.
   • I decided to wake up early tomorrow.
2. 친구와 함께 여행 가기로 했습니다.
   • I decided to go on a trip with a friend.
3. 주말에 집에서 쉬기로 했어요.
   • I decided to rest at home over the weekend.
4. 그 책을 읽기로 했어.
   • I decided to read that book.
5. 다이어트를 시작하기로 합니다.
   • I decide to start a diet.

Context Variations

• Formal Setting:
  • 회의를 다음 주에 열기로 했습니다.
    • We decided to hold the meeting next week.
• Casual Conversation:
  • 영화를 보기로 했어.
    • I decided to watch a movie.
• Expressing Collective Decisions:
  • 우리는 매주 운동하기로 했어요.
    • We decided to exercise every week.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The ending -습니다 is used for formal situations.
• Using ~기로 하다 shows a firm decision, which is important in professional and social contexts in Korea.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 마음을 먹다 (To make up one's mind) is similar in meaning.
  • 예: 새로운 일을 시작하기로 마음먹었어요.
    • I've made up my mind to start a new job.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~기로 하다 with Adjectives
   • Incorrect: 행복하기로 했어요.
     • Happiness is a state, not an action.
   • Correct: 행복해지기로 했어요.
     • I decided to become happy.
2. Confusing ~기로 하다 with ~기 때문에
   • Incorrect: 일이 많기로 회의에 못 갔어요.
   • Correct: 일이 많기 때문에 회의에 못 갔어요.
     • I couldn't attend the meeting because I had a lot of work.

Tips

• Remember: Use action verbs with ~기로 하다.
• To express a decision involving an adjective, convert it into a verb (e.g., 커지다 - to become bigger).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기로 하다 is used to express a definite decision to perform an action.
• Attach 기로 하다 to the verb stem.
• Conjugate 하다 according to tense and politeness level.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form a sentence using ~기로 하다 with the verb 쓰다 (to write) in informal polite past tense.
   • Answer: 쓰기로 했어요. (I decided to write.)
2. What's the difference between 가기로 했어요 and 가려고 했어요?
   • Answer: 가기로 했어요 means "I decided to go," whereas 가려고 했어요 means "I intended to go."
3. How do you say "We decided to study Korean" in formal polite form?
   • Answer: 저희는 한국어를 공부하기로 했습니다.

By mastering ~기로 하다, you'll be able to express your decisions clearly and confidently in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs to become more familiar with this grammar pattern!