Processing keyword: ~하기로 하다 [hakiro hada] (Decide to do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기로 하다 [hakiro hada] (Decide to do)

Grammar Point: ~하기로 하다 (hakiro hada) - "Decide to do"

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~하기로 하다 is a useful structure that means "to decide to do (something)." It is commonly used when expressing a decision or resolution regarding an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

~하기로 하다 is made up of two components:

• ~하다 (hada): which means "to do."
• ~기 (gi): is a gerund form that turns verbs into nouns. The structure essentially combines these parts to express the idea of making a decision to perform a specific action.

Structure

The general structure can be outlined as follows:

Verb stem + (으)ㄹ + 기로 하다

• If the verb stem ends with a consonant, use (으)ㄹ
• If the verb stem ends with a vowel, just add ㄹ

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~기로 하다 vs ~기로 결정하다 (gyeoljeonghada)
  • Both can mean "to decide," but ~기로 하다 is more common in everyday conversation, while ~기로 결정하다 is more formal and often used in written contexts.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 결혼하기로 하였어요.
   • (Gyeolhonhagiro hayeosseoyo.)
   • "I decided to get married."
2. Informal Context:
   • 내일 영화를 보기로 했어.
   • (Nael yeonghwareul bogiro haesseo.)
   • "I decided to watch a movie tomorrow."
3. Written Context:
   • 연구를 계속하기로 했다.
   • (Yeongureul gyesokhagiro haetda.)
   • "I decided to continue the research."
4. Spoken Context:
   • 주말에 여행하기로 했어?
   • (Jumare yeohaenghagiro haesseo?)
   • "Did you decide to travel on the weekend?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, decisions often involve consultation or agreement with others, especially in group settings. Thus, using ~하기로 하다 can indicate personal resolution but may also reflect a consensus.

Levels of Politeness

The formality of this expression can be adjusted by changing the verb ending based on the audience:

• Informal: 하기로 해.
• Polite: 하기로 해요.
• Formal: 하기로 하였습니다.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "결심하다 (gyeolsimhada)" - means "to resolve" or "to determine," and often overlaps with the notion of making a decision.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is using ~기로 하다 improperly with embedded sentences (e.g., missing the verb form).
• Example of a mistake: "영화를 봐기로 하다." (should be „영화를 보기로 하다”)

Learning Strategies

• Use a mnemonic such as "HAGA (decide) to do it!" to remember the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기로 하다 means "to decide to do."
• The structure includes converting verb stems into noun forms with ~기.
• Varies in politeness levels based on context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I decided to run" in Korean?

   • Answer: 달리기로 하다 (dalligiro hada).

2. What is the more formal version of using ~기로 하다?

   • Answer: ~기로 하였습니다.

3. Is ~기로 하다 only used in spoken language?

   • Answer: No, it can be used in both spoken and written contexts.