Korean Grammar Point
~해야지 [haeyaji] (Decide to)

~해야지 [haeyaji] (Decide to)

Short explanation:

Used to express a personal decision or intention, similar to 'I should' or 'I will' in English.

Formation:

Verb stem + '아/어/여야지'

Examples:

오늘은 일찍 집에 가야지, 내일 일찍 일어나야 되니까.
Oneureun iljjik jib-e gayaji, naeil iljjik ileonaya doeni-kka.
I should go home early today since I need to wake up early tomorrow.
건강을 위해 운동을 시작해야지.
Geongangeul wihae undongeul sijakhaeyaji.
I should start exercising for my health.
나는 다양한 책을 읽어야지, 이렇게 하면 나의 지식을 넓힐 수 있을 것이다.
Naneun dayang-han chaek-eul ilkeoya-ji, ileohke haemyeon naui jisikeul neolphil su iss-eul geos-ida.
I should read a variety of books, by doing so I can broaden my knowledge.
하지만, 천천히 먹어야지, 그래야 소화가 잘 될 것입니다.
Hajiman, cheoncheonhi meogeoya-ji, geulaeya sohwaga jal doel geosibnida.
But, I should eat slowly, that way, it will digest well.

Long explanation:

'~해야지 [haeyaji]' is a useful grammatical structure in Korean which is used to show a decision made by the speaker about doing something in the future. It's typically used when somebody is talking to himself or herself, deciding on what to do next. It can be translated as 'I should' or 'I will' in English. This can also be used when providing a softer suggestion to someone else.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~해야지 [haeyaji] (Decide to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~해야지 [haeyaji] (Decide to)

Lesson on Grammar Point: ~해야지 [haeyaji] (Decide to)


1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing one's intention or decision to do something is essential in daily conversations. The grammar point ~해야지 [haeyaji] is commonly used to convey a personal decision or strong intention to perform an action. This lesson will explore the usage, formation, and nuances of ~해야지, helping you understand and apply it naturally in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~해야지 is used to express:

  • A personal decision or strong intention to do something.
  • A self-directed promise or resolution.
  • Sometimes used to lightly suggest what someone else should do (casual).

Structure

The structure for forming ~해야지 is as follows:

Verb Stem + 해야지
가다 (to go) → 가 해야지

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 해야지
  • Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without .
  • 해야지: Attached directly to the verb stem.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove from the dictionary form of the verb.
    • 예: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹
  2. Attach 해야지: Combine the verb stem with 해야지.
    • 먹 + 해야지 → 먹어야지
  3. Conjugation Note:
    • When the verb stem ends with a vowel, it may combine smoothly.
    • When the verb stem ends with a consonant, you may need to adjust for natural pronunciation.

3. Comparative Analysis

~해야지 vs. ~해야겠다

  • ~해야지: More self-reflective, often used when talking to oneself about a decision.

    • 예: 이제 공부를 열심히 해야지. (I should study hard now.)
  • ~해야겠다: Expresses a realization or decision made at the moment of speaking, can be less self-focused.

    • 예: 운동을 시작해야겠다. (I think I should start exercising.)

~해야지 vs. ~하려고 하다

  • ~해야지: Emphasizes decision or intention with a sense of resolution.
  • ~하려고 하다: Indicates an intention or plan but is less forceful.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 밤에는 일찍 자야지.

    • I have to sleep early at night.
  2. 회사를 위해 열심히 일해야지요.

    • I must work hard for the company.

Informal Situations

  1. 이제 그만 먹어야지.
    • I should stop eating now.
  2. 주말에 친구를 만나야지.
    • I'll decide to meet my friend on the weekend.

Spoken Language

  1. 운동을 더 해야지!
    • I need to exercise more!
  2. 다음에는 늦지 말아야지.
    • I shouldn't be late next time.

Written Language

  1. 새해부터는 저축을 시작해야지.
    • I will start saving from the New Year.
  2. 앞으로는 실수를 줄여야지.
    • I must reduce mistakes going forward.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • ~해야지 is casual and often used in self-talk or among close friends.
  • To make it more polite or formal, you can use ~해야지요 or ~해야죠.
    • 예: 지금 가야지요. (I should go now.)

Cultural Relevance

  • Reflects the Korean value of self-improvement and accountability.
  • Often used when making resolutions or committing to personal goals.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 알아야지 못해: An expression meaning "Of course I know."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using ~해야지 in formal writing where a more formal expression is needed.
    • Incorrect: 내일 회의에 참석해야지.
    • Correct: 내일 회의에 참석해야 합니다. (I must attend the meeting tomorrow.)
  • Mistake: Confusing ~해야지 with ~해야지 않다 (double negative).
    • Remember that ~해야지 already implies an affirmative decision.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 해야지 as telling yourself "I have to do it!"
  • Practice: Use ~해야지 when setting personal goals to internalize its usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~해야지 is used to express a decision or strong intention to perform an action.
  • It reflects a self-directed promise or resolution.
  • Commonly used in casual speech and self-talk.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you form ~해야지 with the verb 공부하다?
    • Answer: 공부해야지.
  2. Is ~해야지 formal or informal?
    • Answer: Informal; it can be made formal with ~해야지요.
  3. Translate to Korean: "I should exercise every day."
    • Answer: 매일 운동해야지.

By understanding and practicing ~해야지, you can express your intentions and decisions naturally, just like a native Korean speaker!

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