Processing keyword: ~하기로 [hagiro] (Decide to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기로 [hagiro] (Decide to)

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

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

• ~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

1. 친구와 영화를 보기로 했어요. Chinguwa yeonghwareul bogiro haesseoyo. I decided to watch a movie with a friend.
2. 내일부터 운동을 시작하기로 했습니다. Naeilbuteo undongeul sijakhagiro haetseumnida. I have decided to start exercising from tomorrow.
3. 우리는 회의에서 그 문제를 논의하기로 했어요. Urineun hoeuieseo geu munjereul nonuihagiro haesseoyo. We decided to discuss that issue in the meeting.
4. 저는 유학을 가기로 했어요. Jeoneun yuhageul kagiro haesseoyo. I decided to study abroad.
5. 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

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Incorrect: 먹기기로 하다 Attaching 기로 하다 to 먹기, which already includes -기.
   • Correct: 먹 (verb stem) + 기로 하다 = 먹기로 하다
2. 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.)

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

1. How do you say "I decided to learn Korean"?
   • Answer: 한국어를 배우기로 했어요.
2. 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.
3. 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.