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

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

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern ~기로 하다 is a commonly used expression that means "to decide to do something." It's essential for expressing decisions, intentions, or resolutions in everyday conversation. Mastering this grammar point will help you communicate your plans and decisions effectively in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~기로 하다 is used when the speaker decides or resolves to take a particular action. It conveys the idea of making a decision to do something.

Structure

Formation:

1. Verb Stem + -기로 하다

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Formation Diagram

Let's break down the formation step by step:

1. Identify the verb's dictionary form (infinitive).
   • Example verb: 가다 (to go)
2. Remove the verb ending 다 to find the verb stem.
   • Verb stem: 가
3. Add -기로 하다 to the verb stem.
   • Combined form: 가 + 기로 하다 = 가기로 하다

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Conjugation

The verb 하다 in ~기로 하다 is conjugated according to the tense and politeness level.

Present Tense

• Informal Polite: -기로 해요
• Formal Polite: -기로 합니다

Tense	Politeness Level	Conjugation	Translation
Present	Informal Polite	가기로 해요	I decide to go
Present	Formal Polite	가기로 합니다	I decide to go

Past Tense

• Indicates a past decision.

Tense	Politeness Level	Conjugation	Translation
Past	Informal Polite	가기로 했어요	I decided to go
Past	Formal Polite	가기로 했습니다	I decided to go

Future Tense

• Less common; implies a plan to decide.

Tense	Politeness Level	Conjugation	Translation
Future	Informal Polite	가기로 할 거예요	I will decide to go
Future	Formal Polite	가기로 할 것입니다	I will decide to go

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~기로 하다 with Similar Grammar Points

~(으)려고 하다 (Intend to)

• Meaning: Indicates intention or plan to do something.
• Usage: Focuses on the speaker's intention, not necessarily a firm decision. Example:
• 한국에 가려고 해요.
  I intend to go to Korea.

~기로 결정하다 (Decide to)

• Meaning: Similar to ~기로 하다 but more formal and emphasizes the act of deciding.
• Usage: Used in formal contexts or written language. Example:
• 회사에서 새로운 정책을 도입하기로 결정했습니다.
  The company decided to implement a new policy. Comparison Table:

Grammar Point	Formality	Nuance
~기로 하다	Casual to Formal	General decision or resolution
~(으)려고 하다	Casual to Formal	Intention or plan
~기로 결정하다	Formal	Formal decision after consideration

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1: Daily Life

• 오늘부터 다이어트를 하기로 했어요.
  I decided to start dieting from today.

Example 2: Future Plans

• 졸업 후에 유학을 가기로 했습니다.
  I have decided to study abroad after graduation.

Example 3: Group Decision

• 친구들과 매주 만나기로 했어요.
  My friends and I decided to meet every week.

Example 4: Formal Context

• 회사에서 직원 교육을 강화하기로 했습니다.
  The company has decided to strengthen employee training.

Formal vs. Informal Speech

• Informal:
  • 내일 등산하기로 했어.
    I decided to go hiking tomorrow.
• Informal Polite:
  • 내일 등산하기로 했어요.
• Formal Polite:
  • 내일 등산하기로 했습니다.

Spoken vs. Written Language

• Spoken:
  • 이번 주말에 뭐 하기로 했어?
    What did you decide to do this weekend?
• Written:
  • 정부는 세금을 인상하기로 했다.
    The government decided to increase taxes.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing decisions may also reflect on group harmony and social relationships. Decisions are often discussed collectively, and using ~기로 하다 can indicate a mutual agreement.

Levels of Politeness

Choosing the appropriate politeness level is crucial:

• Casual: Used among close friends and peers.
• Informal Polite: Default form for everyday conversations.
• Formal Polite: Used in formal settings, respect towards elders or superiors.

Idiomatic Expressions with ~기로 하다

• 결심하기로 하다: To make up one's mind. Example:
  • 새해에는 담배를 끊기로 결심했어요.
    I made up my mind to quit smoking in the new year.
• 약속하기로 하다: To promise to do something. Example:
  • 다시 만나기로 했어요.
    We promised to meet again.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment of -기로 하다
   • Incorrect: 먹다기로 하다
   • Correct: 먹기로 하다 Tip: Ensure -기로 하다 is directly attached to the verb stem.
2. Confusing with ~고 하다
   • Incorrect Usage: 시험이 어렵고 했어요.
   • Correct Usage: 시험이 어렵다고 했어요.
     (They) said the exam is difficult. Tip: Remember that ~고 하다 is used in indirect speech, not for decisions.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "기로" as "key to" making a decision.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Create your own sentences expressing decisions you make daily.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기로 하다 is used to express a decision or resolution to perform an action.
• Attach -기로 하다 directly to the verb stem without any modifications.
• Conjugate 하다 according to tense and politeness.
• Be mindful of similar grammar patterns to avoid confusion.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "We decided to watch a movie tonight" in Korean?
   • Answer:
     오늘 밤에 영화 보기로 했어요.
2. What is the polite formal past tense of -기로 하다 when attached to 먹다 (to eat)?**
   • Answer:
     먹기로 했습니다.
3. Fill in the blank:
   저는 내일부터 일찍 일어나___ ___.
   (I decided to wake up early starting tomorrow.)
   • Answer:
     기로 했어요.

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By understanding and practicing ~기로 하다, you enhance your ability to express decisions and plans confidently in Korean. Keep practicing with different verbs and contexts to become more fluent in using this essential grammar point.

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