Processing keyword: ~하기로 하다 [hakiro hada] (Decide to)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하기로 하다 [hakiro hada] (Decide to)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the grammar structure "~하기로 하다" is used to express a decision to perform a certain action. It translates to "decide to do" in English. This pattern is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean to indicate that someone has made up their mind about doing something.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~하기로 하다: To decide to do something.
Structure
To form this expression, attach "기로 하다" to the stem of a verb.
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 기로 하다
Breakdown
- Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without the ending –다.
- 기로 하다: A grammatical construction where 기 nominalizes the verb, 로 indicates the method or means, and 하다 means "to do."
Verb Conjugation Table
| 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 |
| 만나더 (to meet) | 만나 | 만나기로 하다 | Decide to meet |
| 배우다 (to learn) | 배우 | 배우기로 하다 | Decide to learn |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
1. ~기로 결정하다
- Meaning: To decide to do something (more formal, often after thorough consideration).
- Usage: Similar to ~하기로 하다 but emphasizes the decisiveness and often used in formal contexts. Example:
- 회의 일정을 변경하기로 결정했습니다.
- We have decided to change the meeting schedule.
2. ~(으)려고 하다
- Meaning: To intend to do something; plan to do.
- Usage: Indicates intention or plan, but not necessarily a final decision. Example:
- 주말에 등산을 가려고 해요.
- I'm planning to go hiking this weekend. Nuance Differences:
- ~기로 하다: Implies a firm decision has been made.
- ~(으)려고 하다: Suggests an intention or plan that may not be finalized.
4. Examples in Context
1. Formal Situations
- 우리는 계약을 연장하기로 했습니다.
- We have decided to extend the contract.
- 회의를 매주 월요일에 열기로 합니다.
- We decide to hold meetings every Monday.
2. Informal Situations
- 친구들과 여행을 가기로 했어.
- I decided to go on a trip with my friends.
- 오늘부터 운동을 시작하기로 했어.
- I've decided to start exercising from today.
3. Spoken Language
- 이번 달부터 저축하기로 했어요.
- I decided to start saving money from this month.
- 그 사람과 다시 만나지 않기로 했어.
- I decided not to meet that person again.
4. Written Language
- 정부는 새로운 법안을 도입하기로 하였다.
- The government decided to introduce a new bill.
- 회사는 제품 가격을 인상하기로 결정했다.
- The company decided to increase the product prices.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Collective Decision-Making: In Korean culture, decisions are often made collectively rather than individually. Using ~하기로 하다 can reflect a group's consensus.
- Politeness Levels: Adjusting the verb 하다 to different politeness levels is important in Korean to show respect.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
| Politeness Level | Ending | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | 기로 합니다 | Formal settings, business |
| Informal Polite | 기로 해요 | Everyday conversation |
| Informal | 기로 해 | Between close friends, peers |
Idiomatic Expressions
- 마음(을) 먹다: Lit. "to eat one's heart"; to make up one's mind.
Example:
- 더 열심히 공부하기로 마음먹었어요.
- I've made up my mind to study harder.
- 더 열심히 공부하기로 마음먹었어요.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using the Wrong Tense
- Incorrect: 내일 일찍 일어나기로 해요. (Deciding now for tomorrow but may sound like a habit.)
- Correct: 내일 일찍 일어나기로 했어요. (I have decided to wake up early tomorrow.)
- Confusing with Intention (~(으)려고 하다)
- Incorrect: 한국어를 배우기로 해요. (May sound like you decide frequently.)
- Correct: 한국어를 배우기로 했어요. (I decided to learn Korean.)
Learning Strategies
- Tense Awareness: Use past tense 했다 to indicate a decision has been made.
- Mnemonic Device: Think "기로" as "Key to" making a decision.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Create sentences using verbs you frequently use.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~하기로 하다 expresses a decision to do something.
- Attach 기로 하다 to the verb stem.
- Use past tense 했다 to indicate the decision is made.
- Adjust politeness levels according to the situation.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: "I decided to read a book." → 책을 읽___ 했어요.
- Answer: 책을 읽기로 했어요.
- True or False: ~하기로 하다 and ~(으)려고 하다 have the same meaning.
- Answer: False. (~하기로 하다 indicates a decision; ~(으)려고 하다 indicates intention or plan.)
- Convert to Korean: "We decided to meet at 3 PM."
- Answer: 우리는 오후 3시에 만나기로 했어요.
By understanding and practicing the use of ~하기로 하다, you'll be able to express decisions confidently and naturally in Korean.