~기로 하다
When you want to express that you have decided to do something, you can use the Korean grammatical pattern ~기로 하다.
It's attached to the end of a verb stem.
For example, if you want to say 'I decided to study,' you would take the verb '공부하다' (to study), remove '-다' to get the stem '공부하-', and then add '기로 했어요' (past tense of '하기로 하다') to get '공부하기로 했어요'.
This pattern is very useful for talking about plans and intentions.
When you want to express that you have decided to do something in Korean, you can use the grammar pattern '~기로 하다'. This pattern is commonly used to talk about plans or decisions you've made. It's quite versatile and can be attached to the stem of a verb.
For example, if you decide to study, you would say '공부하기로 했어요' (gongbuhagiro haesseoyo). The '~기로 하다' part literally means 'to decide on doing something'.
You can use this pattern in various tenses to reflect when the decision was made or when it will be carried out. It's a fundamental expression for communicating intentions.
~기로 하다 is an essential grammatical pattern used to express a decision or a plan to do something. It directly attaches to the stem of a verb. For example, if you want to say "I decided to study Korean," you would say "한국어를 공부하기로 했어요."
It can be used in both present and past tense forms, such as "~기로 해요" (decide to do) or "~기로 했어요" (decided to do). This pattern is incredibly versatile and commonly used in everyday conversation to convey intentions or resolutions.
It's important to note that while it signifies a decision, it often carries a nuance of a firm plan or commitment. For instance, "우리 다음 주에 만나기로 했어" means "We decided to meet next week," implying a confirmed arrangement.
Mastering this pattern will significantly enhance your ability to discuss future plans and personal commitments in Korean, making your communication much more natural and precise.
Alright, let's break down the Korean phrase ~기로 하다. This is super useful because it means "to decide to do something." You'll hear this all the time in everyday conversations, whether it's about plans, work, or just general intentions. It's a key phrase for expressing decisions.
§ Basic structure: Verb stem + ~기로 하다
The basic rule is simple: take the verb stem and attach ~기로 하다. So, for example, if you want to say "to go" (가다), the verb stem is 가-. Add ~기로 하다, and you get 가기로 하다 (to decide to go).
- DEFINITION
- To decide to do something.
내일 영화 보기로 했어요.
Translation hint: I decided to watch a movie tomorrow.
한국어를 열심히 공부하기로 했어요.
Translation hint: I decided to study Korean diligently.
§ In a work setting
At work, you'll hear ~기로 하다 when talking about project decisions, team meetings, or future plans.
- When discussing team decisions:
저희는 다음 주에 새 프로젝트를 시작하기로 했어요.
Translation hint: We decided to start a new project next week.
- When setting deadlines:
회의는 오후 3시에 시작하기로 했습니다.
Translation hint: We decided to start the meeting at 3 PM.
§ In a school environment
Students and teachers use ~기로 하다 for study plans, group assignments, or club activities.
- When making study plans:
방학 동안 책을 많이 읽기로 했어요.
Translation hint: I decided to read many books during the vacation.
- For group projects:
조원들과 내일 도서관에서 만나기로 했어요.
Translation hint: I decided to meet my group members at the library tomorrow.
§ In the news (formal decisions)
While less common in very formal news reports, you might see or hear ~기로 하다 when referring to official decisions or agreements, especially in slightly less formal segments or interviews.
- Government or organizational decisions:
정부는 새로운 정책을 시행하기로 했습니다.
Translation hint: The government decided to implement a new policy.
§ Practical uses you'll actually hear
Beyond specific environments, this phrase is part of daily Korean life. Think about all the decisions you make:
- Deciding on a meal:
점심은 비빔밥을 먹기로 했어요.
Translation hint: I decided to eat bibimbap for lunch.
- Deciding where to meet:
카페에서 만나기로 했어 (casual).
Translation hint: We decided to meet at the cafe.
As you can see, ~기로 하다 is incredibly versatile. Start listening for it and try to use it in your own conversations to sound more natural when talking about decisions and plans. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to make some decisions in Korean!
Alright, so you've learned that ~기로 하다 means 'to decide to do something.' That's great! It's a super useful phrase in Korean. But like with any new vocabulary, there are some common traps that English speakers fall into when they start using it. Don't worry, these are easy to fix once you know what to look out for.
§ Mistake 1: Using ~기로 하다 with Nouns or Adjectives Directly
This is a big one. Remember, ~기로 하다 is for actions, for verbs. You're deciding to do something. You can't decide 'to be a student' with ~기로 하다 in the same way you might think in English. Instead, you need a verb that describes the action.
- DEFINITION
- What people often try to do:
학생이기로 했어요. (I decided to be a student.) - Incorrect.
- DEFINITION
- What you should do instead:
You need a verb. If you want to say you decided to become a student, you'd use a verb like '되다' (to become).
학생이 되기로 했어요.
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[I decided to become a student.]
§ Mistake 2: Confusing ~기로 하다 with ~고 싶다
Sometimes learners mix up 'deciding to do something' with 'wanting to do something.' While they can be related, they're not the same. ~고 싶다 expresses a desire, a wish. ~기로 하다 expresses a firm decision.
- DEFINITION
- Wanting to go:
한국에 가고 싶어요.
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[I want to go to Korea.]
- DEFINITION
- Deciding to go:
한국에 가기로 했어요.
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[I decided to go to Korea.]
§ Mistake 3: Incorrect Tense or Conjugation with 하다
The 하다 at the end of ~기로 하다 conjugates like any other verb. Make sure you're using the correct tense to reflect when the decision was made or when it will take effect.
- DEFINITION
- Decided in the past:
내일부터 운동을 하기로 했어요.
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[I decided to exercise starting tomorrow.]
- DEFINITION
- Deciding right now:
이제부터 채소를 많이 먹기로 해요!
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[Let's decide to eat a lot of vegetables from now on!] (Often used as a suggestion or a shared resolution)
§ Mistake 4: Overusing ~기로 하다 for casual plans
While ~기로 하다 means 'to decide,' it often implies a somewhat firm or significant decision. For very casual plans or suggestions, other expressions might sound more natural.
- DEFINITION
- For a casual suggestion:
우리 점심에 뭐 먹을까요?
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[What shall we eat for lunch?]
- DEFINITION
- When a decision has been made:
점심에 비빔밥을 먹기로 했어요.
- DEFINITION
- Hint:
[We decided to eat bibimbap for lunch.]
§ Recap of common errors:
- Don't attach ~기로 하다 directly to nouns or adjectives. Always use a verb!
- Distinguish between 'wanting' something (~고 싶다) and 'deciding' something (~기로 하다).
- Conjugate the 하다 part of ~기로 하다 correctly for tense.
- Use ~기로 하다 for actual decisions, not just casual plans.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be using ~기로 하다 much more naturally and accurately. Keep practicing, and you'll get it down!
재미있는 사실
This grammatical pattern is very common and essential for expressing intentions and plans in Korean.
수준별 예문
저희는 다음 달에 한국으로 여행 가기로 했어요. 미리 항공권도 예약했고, 숙소도 정했어요. 정말 기대돼요!
We decided to travel to Korea next month. We've already booked flights and arranged accommodation. I'm really looking forward to it!
Here, '여행 가기로 했어요' expresses a definite decision and plans that have already been made and acted upon.
그녀는 더 이상 그 회사에서 일하지 않기로 결정하고, 새로운 도전을 위해 퇴사를 준비 중입니다. 쉽지 않은 결정이었지만, 더 나은 미래를 위한 선택이라고 생각해요.
She decided not to work at that company anymore and is preparing to resign for a new challenge. It wasn't an easy decision, but she thinks it's a choice for a better future.
The phrase '일하지 않기로 결정하고' shows a negative decision, emphasizing a deliberate choice to stop an action.
수많은 논의 끝에, 우리는 프로젝트의 방향을 전면적으로 수정하기로 합의했습니다. 기존 계획에 얽매이지 않고, 새로운 아이디어를 적극적으로 수용하기로 했죠.
After much discussion, we agreed to completely revise the project's direction. We decided not to be bound by the old plans and to actively embrace new ideas.
'수정하기로 합의했습니다' and '수용하기로 했죠' indicate a collective decision reached through discussion and agreement.
저는 건강을 위해 매일 아침 조깅을 하기로 마음먹었어요. 처음에는 힘들겠지만, 꾸준히 노력하면 분명 좋은 결과를 얻을 수 있을 거예요.
I decided to jog every morning for my health. It might be tough at first, but if I keep at it, I'm sure I'll get good results.
'조깅을 하기로 마음먹었어요' emphasizes a personal resolution or determination to start a new habit.
갑작스러운 사고로 인해 회의 일정을 다음 주로 미루기로 했습니다. 참석자들의 안전을 최우선으로 고려한 결정입니다.
Due to a sudden accident, we decided to postpone the meeting until next week. This decision was made with the safety of the attendees as the top priority.
'미루기로 했습니다' shows a decision made in response to an unforeseen circumstance, indicating a change of plans.
그들은 서로의 차이점을 인정하고, 앞으로는 더욱 솔직하게 대화하기로 약속했습니다. 관계 개선을 위한 중요한 한 걸음이 될 거예요.
They acknowledged their differences and promised to communicate more honestly in the future. This will be an important step towards improving their relationship.
'대화하기로 약속했습니다' signifies a mutual agreement or promise made between individuals to perform an action.
정부는 환경 보호를 위해 새로운 법안을 도입하기로 발표했습니다. 시민들의 의견을 수렴하여 실질적인 변화를 만들 계획입니다.
The government announced its decision to introduce new legislation for environmental protection. They plan to gather public opinion to create tangible changes.
'도입하기로 발표했습니다' indicates a formal announcement of a decision made by an organization or authority.
저는 이번 기회에 새로운 언어를 배우기로 결심했습니다. 어려움이 따르겠지만, 꾸준히 노력해서 목표를 달성하고 싶어요.
I decided to learn a new language with this opportunity. It will be challenging, but I want to achieve my goal through consistent effort.
'배우기로 결심했습니다' conveys a strong personal commitment or resolution to undertake a new endeavor.
어휘 가족
명사
팁
Basic Structure
The phrase ~기로 하다 is attached to the stem of a verb. For example, '가다' (to go) becomes '가기로 하다'.
Present Tense Usage
In the present tense, it's commonly used as ~기로 해요 (informal polite) or ~기로 합니다 (formal polite). This indicates a present decision or a future plan.
Past Tense Usage
For a past decision, you would use ~기로 했어요 or ~기로 했습니다. This means 'I decided to do something'.
Future Tense Usage
While you can use ~기로 할 거예요 for a future decision, the present tense forms often imply future actions already, so it's less common.
Example: Study Korean
한국어를 공부하기로 했어요. (I decided to study Korean.)
Example: Meet Friends
친구를 만나기로 했어요. (I decided to meet friends.)
Example: Go Home
집에 가기로 해요. (I decide to go home / Let's decide to go home.)
Expressing Agreement
It can also be used to express an agreement or a mutual decision. For instance, '우리 내일 만나기로 해요.' (Let's decide to meet tomorrow.)
Negative Decisions
To express a negative decision, you can use '안 ~기로 하다' or '~지 않기로 하다'. For example, '술을 마시지 않기로 했어요.' (I decided not to drink alcohol.)
Formal vs. Informal
Remember the honorifics: ~기로 합니다 for formal situations and ~기로 해요 for informal polite situations. Choose based on your audience.
어원
Native Korean
원래 의미: The '~기' part turns a verb into a noun form, and '로 하다' means 'to do with (something)' or 'to decide on (something)'. So, literally, it's 'to do with the act of [verb]'.
Korean문화적 맥락
In Korean culture, making plans and decisions, especially with others, is often expressed using this phrase. It can be used for personal decisions, but also for joint decisions with friends or family. It's a polite and clear way to state what has been decided, or what one intends to do.
셀프 테스트 54 질문
You decided to go to Korea. How would you say that in Korean?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
한국에 가기로 했어요.
You decided to study Korean. How would you say that in Korean?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
한국어를 공부하기로 했어요.
Your friend asked what you decided to do. You decided to eat bibimbap. How would you respond in Korean?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
비빔밥을 먹기로 했어요.
What did the speaker decide to do tomorrow?
Read this passage:
저는 내일 영화를 보기로 했어요. 친구와 같이 볼 거예요.
What did the speaker decide to do tomorrow?
The passage says '내일 영화를 보기로 했어요' which means 'I decided to watch a movie tomorrow.'
The passage says '내일 영화를 보기로 했어요' which means 'I decided to watch a movie tomorrow.'
What did the speaker decide to do on the weekend?
Read this passage:
주말에 집에서 쉬기로 했어요. 밖에 비가 와요.
What did the speaker decide to do on the weekend?
'집에서 쉬기로 했어요' means 'I decided to rest at home.'
'집에서 쉬기로 했어요' means 'I decided to rest at home.'
What did the speaker decide to do this evening?
Read this passage:
오늘 저녁에 한국 친구를 만나기로 했어요. 같이 밥을 먹을 거예요.
What did the speaker decide to do this evening?
'한국 친구를 만나기로 했어요' means 'I decided to meet a Korean friend.'
'한국 친구를 만나기로 했어요' means 'I decided to meet a Korean friend.'
This sentence means 'I decided to study Korean.' The subject '저는' comes first, followed by the object '한국어를', the verb phrase '공부하기로', and the past tense ending '했어요.'
This sentence means 'I decided to meet my friend tomorrow.' The time expression '내일' comes first, followed by the object '친구를', the verb phrase '만나기로', and the past tense ending '했어요.'
This sentence means 'I decided to eat bibimbap for lunch.' The topic '점심은' comes first, followed by the object '비빔밥을', the verb phrase '먹기로', and the past tense ending '했어요.'
저는 다음 주부터 한국어를 ___기로 했어요.
The phrase '~기로 하다' means 'to decide to do something'. So, '배우기로 했어요' means 'decided to learn'.
우리는 내일 영화를 ___기로 했습니다.
The pattern '~기로 하다' is used to express a decision. '보기로 했습니다' means 'decided to watch'.
저는 주말에 집에서 ___기로 했어요.
To say 'I decided to rest at home on the weekend', you use '쉬기로 했어요'.
친구와 함께 저녁을 ___기로 했어요.
To express the decision to eat dinner with a friend, the correct form is '먹기로 했어요'.
저는 건강을 위해 운동을 ___기로 결정했어요.
To state 'I decided to exercise for my health', use '운동을 하기로 결정했어요'. '~기로 결정하다' is similar to '~기로 하다'.
새로운 취미를 ___기로 마음먹었어요.
To say 'I decided to find a new hobby', the correct form is '찾기로 마음먹었어요'. '~기로 마음먹다' means 'to make up one's mind to do something'.
다음 중 '여행 가기로 했어요'의 의미는 무엇인가요?
'~기로 하다'는 어떤 행동을 하기로 결정했음을 나타냅니다.
주말에 영화를 보러 가기로 했어요. 이 문장에서 '~기로 하다'가 나타내는 것은?
'~기로 하다'는 미래의 행동에 대한 결정이나 계획을 의미합니다.
친구가 저녁에 식사하기로 했지만, 갑자기 못 가게 되었어요. 이 문장에서 친구의 원래 계획은 무엇이었나요?
친구는 저녁에 식사하기로 결정했지만, 나중에 변경된 상황을 나타냅니다.
'이번 주말에는 집에서 쉬기로 했어요'는 '이번 주말에는 집에서 쉴 거예요'와 같은 의미이다.
'~기로 하다'는 결정을 나타내고, '~ㄹ 거예요'는 미래의 단순한 계획이나 의지를 나타냅니다. 뉘앙스에 차이가 있습니다.
'~기로 하다'는 과거의 행동에 대한 결정을 나타낼 때만 사용된다.
'~기로 하다'는 주로 미래의 행동에 대한 결정을 나타낼 때 사용됩니다.
어떤 행동을 하기로 마음먹었을 때 '학교에 가기로 했다'라고 말할 수 있다.
'학교에 가기로 했다'는 학교에 가기로 결심했다는 의미입니다.
저는 다음 달부터 한국어를 더 열심히 ___.
The phrase '~기로 하다' means 'to decide to do something'. In this context, it expresses the speaker's decision to study Korean harder from next month.
우리는 주말에 영화를 같이 ___.
This sentence indicates a decision made by 'we' to watch a movie together on the weekend. '~기로 하다' is the correct form to express this decision.
이번 휴가에는 제주도로 ___.
The speaker is stating their decision to go on a trip to Jeju Island for this vacation. The phrase '~기로 하다' is used to express a planned decision.
늦게 도착하는 사람들은 벌칙으로 노래를 ___.
This sentence means that a group of people agreed that those who arrive late will sing a song as a penalty. '~기로 하다' is used here to convey the agreement or decision.
내일부터는 아침 일찍 일어나서 운동을 ___.
The speaker is expressing a firm decision to start exercising early in the morning from tomorrow. '마음먹다' combined with '~기로 하다' emphasizes the resolve.
시험이 끝나면 친구들과 맛있는 저녁을 ___.
This sentence implies a promise or an arrangement made with friends to have a delicious dinner after the exam. '~기로 하다' is used to show this agreed-upon plan.
What did they decide to do after dinner?
What resolution was made for next week?
Where did they decide to go for summer vacation?
Read this aloud:
저는 한국 회사에 취직하기로 결심했어요.
Focus: 취직하기로 결심했어요
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
내년부터는 담배를 끊기로 다짐했어요.
Focus: 담배를 끊기로 다짐했어요
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
우리는 내일 아침 일찍 만나기로 약속했어요.
Focus: 일찍 만나기로 약속했어요
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
저는 내년부터 한국어를 열심히 ___ 했어요.
The phrase '~기로 하다' means 'to decide to do something'. So, '공부하기로 하다' means 'to decide to study'.
우리는 다음 주에 제주도에 ___ 했습니다.
The phrase '~기로 하다' means 'to decide to do something'. So, '가기로 하다' means 'to decide to go'.
내일부터 아침 일찍 ___ 했습니다.
The phrase '~기로 하다' means 'to decide to do something'. So, '일어나기로 하다' means 'to decide to wake up'.
저는 다이어트를 시작하기로 했습니다. (I decided to start a diet.)
'~기로 하다' correctly translates to 'to decide to do something'.
그들은 내년에 결혼할기로 했습니다. (They decided to get married next year.)
The correct form would be '결혼하기로 했습니다'. The verb ending '할' is not used with '~기로 하다'.
우리는 회의 시간을 바꾸기로 결정했습니다. (We decided to change the meeting time.)
'~기로 하다' is used correctly here to express the decision.
The sentence is about reaching a decision after a meeting.
This sentence refers to someone sticking to their principles.
The sentence discusses the government's decision on economic policy.
Read this aloud:
논의 끝에 우리는 더 나은 대안을 찾기로 했습니다.
Focus: 대안을 찾기로 했습니다
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
모든 증거를 검토한 후, 법원은 피고에게 무죄를 선고하기로 결정했습니다.
Focus: 무죄를 선고하기로 결정했습니다
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
불확실한 미래에도 불구하고, 그들은 희망을 잃지 않고 계속 노력하기로 약속했습니다.
Focus: 계속 노력하기로 약속했습니다
당신의 답변:
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This sentence means 'At the meeting, we decided to start a new project.' '회의에서' (at the meeting) comes first, followed by the subject '우리는' (we). Then the object and verb '새로운 프로젝트를 시작하기로 했습니다' (decided to start a new project) follow. The '~기로 하다' structure expresses the decision.
This sentence means 'For my health, I decided to exercise every day starting tomorrow.' '건강을 위해' (for health) sets the purpose. '내일부터' (starting tomorrow) specifies the timing. '매일 운동하기로 결심했어요' (decided to exercise every day) uses the target grammar.
This sentence means 'I promised my parents not to play games too late.' The negative '하지 않기로' (not to do) is key here, showing a decision not to do something. '너무 늦게까지 게임을' (play games too late) is the action, and '부모님과 약속했어요' (promised my parents) is the subject and verb.
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Basic Structure
The phrase ~기로 하다 is attached to the stem of a verb. For example, '가다' (to go) becomes '가기로 하다'.
Present Tense Usage
In the present tense, it's commonly used as ~기로 해요 (informal polite) or ~기로 합니다 (formal polite). This indicates a present decision or a future plan.
Past Tense Usage
For a past decision, you would use ~기로 했어요 or ~기로 했습니다. This means 'I decided to do something'.
Future Tense Usage
While you can use ~기로 할 거예요 for a future decision, the present tense forms often imply future actions already, so it's less common.
예시
다음 주에 여행 가기로 했어요.
관련 콘텐츠
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관련 문법 규칙
work 관련 단어
주 5일제
A2A system where one works five days a week, typically Monday to Friday.
결근
A2Absence from work; not being present at work.
결근하다
A2To be absent from work.
추상적이다
A2To be abstract.
출입증
A2ID card, access card.
회계
B1The systematic recording and reporting of financial transactions.
경리
A2Accounting or bookkeeping, managing financial records.
업적
B1A notable achievement or accomplishment.
적극적이다
A2To be active, to be proactive.
적극적으로
B1In an active, proactive, or enthusiastic manner.