Processing keyword: ~하기로 [hagiro] (Decide to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하기로 [hagiro] (Decide to)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~기로 하다, which is used to express a decision to perform an action. Understanding this structure will help you articulate choices and decisions in Korean, an essential aspect of daily conversations.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The expression ~기로 하다 attaches to the verb stem to mean "to decide to do something". It indicates that the subject has made a decision regarding a future action.
Structure
The structure for using ~기로 하다 is as follows:
[Verb Stem] + 기로 하다
- Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without -다.
Formation Diagram
| Verb (Dictionary Form) | Verb Stem | + 기로 하다 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가기로 하다 | Decide to go |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹기로 하다 | Decide to eat |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 공부하기로 하다 | Decide to study |
| 끝내다 (to finish) | 끝내 | 끝내기로 하다 | Decide to finish |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽 | 읽기로 하다 | Decide to read |
Usage Notes
- The verb 하다 in 기로 하다 can be conjugated to reflect tense and politeness level:
- Past Tense: 기로 했어요 (decided to)
- Present Tense: 기로 해요 (decide to) - less common
- Future Tense: 기로 할 거예요 (will decide to)
- Politeness levels can be adjusted:
- Informal Low: 기로 해
- Informal High: 기로 해요
- Formal: 기로 합니다
3. Comparative Analysis
~기로 하다 vs. ~려고 하다
| Grammar Point | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ~기로 하다 | Deciding to do something | 한국어를 열심히 공부하기로 했어요. (I decided to study Korean hard.) |
| ~려고 하다 | Intending or planning to do something | 내일 등산하려고 해요. (I plan to go hiking tomorrow.) |
- ~기로 하다 emphasizes a decision that has been made.
- ~려고 하다 indicates an intention or plan, which might not be firmly decided.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 친구와 영화를 보기로 했어요. Chinguwa yeonghwareul bogiro haesseoyo. I decided to watch a movie with a friend.
- 내일부터 운동을 시작하기로 했습니다. Naeilbuteo undongeul sijakhagiro haetseumnida. I have decided to start exercising from tomorrow.
- 우리는 회의에서 그 문제를 논의하기로 했어요. Urineun hoeuieseo geu munjereul nonuihagiro haesseoyo. We decided to discuss that issue in the meeting.
- 저는 유학을 가기로 했어요. Jeoneun yuhageul kagiro haesseoyo. I decided to study abroad.
- 그는 회사를 그만두기로 했어요. Geuneun hoesareul geumandugiro haesseoyo. He decided to quit his job.
Contextual Usage
- Formal Written:
- 회사는 새로운 정책을 도입하기로 결정하였습니다. Hwesaneun saeroun jeongchaegeul doiphagiro gyeoljeonghaeotseumnida. The company has decided to introduce a new policy.
- Informal Spoken:
- 우리 주말에 여행 가기로 했어! Uri jumare yeohaeng gagiro haesseo! We decided to go on a trip this weekend!
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
In Korean culture, expressing decisions can vary in formality depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers.
- Using ~기로 했습니다 is formal and used in official announcements or formal settings.
- ~기로 했어요 is polite and appropriate for most situations.
- ~기로 했어 is informal and used among close friends or peers.
Group Decisions
In collectivist Korean culture, decisions are often made in groups. Using ~기로 했다 can reflect a group decision when the subject is 우리 (we).
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
- Incorrect: 먹기기로 하다 Attaching 기로 하다 to 먹기, which already includes -기.
- Correct: 먹 (verb stem) + 기로 하다 = 먹기로 하다
- Confusing with ~기로 했다 vs. ~기로 했다가
- ~기로 했다: Decided to do something.
- 예: 책을 읽기로 했다. (Decided to read a book.)
- ~기로 했다가: Decided to do something but then changed the decision.
- 예: 책을 읽기로 했다가 영화를 보기로 했어요. (I decided to read a book but then decided to watch a movie instead.)
- ~기로 했다: Decided to do something.
Tips
- Remember that 기로 하다 is about making a decision, whereas 려고 하다 is about intention.
- To express a past decision, frequently use the past tense 기로 했다.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~기로 하다 is used to express a decision to perform an action.
- Formed by attaching 기로 하다 to the verb stem.
- Tense and politeness levels are reflected in the conjugation of 하다.
- Different from ~려고 하다, which expresses an intention or plan.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I decided to learn Korean"?
- Answer: 한국어를 배우기로 했어요.
- What is the difference between ~기로 하다 and ~려고 하다?
- Answer: ~기로 하다 expresses a decision made to do something, whereas ~려고 하다 expresses an intention or plan to do something.
- Conjugate 가기로 하다 in the past tense informal polite form.
- Answer: 가기로 했어요.
Congratulations! You have learned how to use ~기로 하다 to express decisions in Korean. Practice by making sentences about decisions you've made recently.