Inevitability: 'Bound to...' (-기 마련이다)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -기 마련이다 to express that something is natural, inevitable, or bound to happen as a result of circumstances.
- Attach -기 to the verb stem: 먹다 → 먹기 마련이다.
- It expresses a logical, objective, or universal truth.
- It is rarely used for personal, subjective desires.
Overview
The Korean grammar pattern -기 마련이다 (-gi maryeonida) expresses the idea that something is inevitable, a natural consequence, or a universal truth. At a B2 level, you'll find this pattern indispensable for articulating observations about life, human nature, or general principles that hold true due to inherent characteristics or predictable causality. It signifies that a certain outcome is simply "bound to happen"" or "only natural" given the circumstances, reflecting a common understanding or an experiential certainty.
This pattern goes beyond mere prediction; it conveys a sense of inherent logic or established pattern, framing events as part of a natural order. For instance, stating that 노력하면 성공하기 마련이다 (noryeokhamyeon seonggonghagi maryeonida — "If you try hard, success is bound to come") implies a generally accepted principle rather than a hopeful guess. Mastery of -기 마련이다 allows you to express nuanced observations about predictable societal behaviors, personal growth, or the fundamental workings of the world around you.
How This Grammar Works
-기 마련이다 functions by nominalizing a verb or adjective stem using the suffix -기 (-gi), effectively transforming the action or state into a noun clause. This nominalized form then combines with 마련이다 (maryeonida), where 마련 itself conceptually refers to "preparation," "arrangement," or "provision." However, in this grammatical construction, 마련이다 is lexicalized to convey "it is a matter of course" or "it is naturally arranged that." Therefore, the full pattern VERB/ADJECTIVE STEM + -기 마련이다 linguistically constructs the idea that a certain action or state is an inherent arrangement or a natural state of affairs. It emphasizes that the described event is not a random occurrence but rather a logical, often unavoidable, result stemming from an intrinsic property, an established pattern, or a general principle.날씨가 추우면 옷을 두껍게 입기 마련이다 (nalssiga chuoomyeon oseul dukkeopge ipgi maryeonida — "If the weather is cold, you are bound to dress warmly") describes a universally understood reaction to a stimulus.-기 마련이다 offers a way to articulate these observations with a sense of natural inevitability rather than strict obligation or external compulsion. It highlights that the described event is a consequence that naturally follows, often due to cause-and-effect relationships or common human experience.운동을 꾸준히 하면 건강해지기 마련이에요 (undongeul kkujunhi hamyeon geonganghaejigi maryeoniyo — "If you exercise steadily, you are bound to become healthy"). This isn't a command; it's an observation about the natural result of consistent effort. This pattern helps you articulate common sense and shared human experience, fostering empathy or providing a gentle reality check.Formation Pattern
-기 마련이다 is straightforward, as it attaches directly to the verb or adjective stem. There are no irregular conjugations or batchim rules to consider for the initial -기 attachment, simplifying its application. The final 이다 part is then conjugated according to the desired politeness level, making it adaptable to various social contexts.
-기 마련이다
-기 마련이다 | 먹다 (먹-) | 먹기 마련이다 | meokgi maryeonida | Bound to eat |
-기 마련이다 | 가다 (가-) | 가기 마련이다 | gagi maryeonida | Bound to go |
-기 마련이다 | 좋다 (좋-) | 좋기 마련이다 | johgi maryeonida | Bound to be good |
-기 마련이다 | 예쁘다 (예쁘-) | 예쁘기 마련이다 | yeppeugi maryeonida | Bound to be pretty |
이다:
이다 component of -기 마련이다 can be conjugated to match the formality of your speech.
실수하다 - to make a mistake) | Romanization | Usage Context |
-기 마련입니다 | 실수하기 마련입니다 | silsoohagi maryeonimnida | News reports, public speeches, formal writing |
-기 마련이에요 | 실수하기 마련이에요 | silsoohagi maryeoniyeyo | Everyday polite conversation, general use |
-기 마련이야 | 실수하기 마련이야 | silsoohagi maryeon-iya | Close friends, family, informal settings |
-기 마련이다 | 실수하기 마련이다 | silsoohagi maryeonida | Written contexts, descriptive statements |
사람은 나이가 들면 생각이 바뀌기 마련이에요. (sarameun naiga deulmyeon saenggagi bakkwigi maryeoniyeyo.) - "It's natural for people's thoughts to change as they get older." (Polite)
새로운 일을 시작하면 처음엔 익숙하지 않기 마련입니다. (saeroun ireul sijakhamyeon cheoeomen iksukaji anki maryeonimnida.) - "When you start something new, it's bound to be unfamiliar at first." (Formal)
오랜 시간 떨어져 있으면 서운해지기 마련이야. (oraen sigan tteoreojyeo isseumyeon seounhaejigi maryeon-iya.) - "If you're separated for a long time, it's natural to feel sad/disappointed." (Casual)
When To Use It
-기 마련이다 to express a natural tendency, an inevitable outcome, or a universal truth that arises from a given situation, human nature, or a general principle. It's about describing what is inherently expected or logically follows, rather than a mere possibility or a personal prediction. This pattern allows you to articulate observations with a sense of predictable regularity and inherent logic.- 1Expressing Universal Truths and General Principles:
-기 마련이다 to state commonly accepted facts or observations about life that are almost always true. These are often principles learned through experience.시간이 약이라고, 슬픔도 시간이 지나면 잊히기 마련이에요.(sigani yagirago, seulpeumdo sigani jinamyeon ichigi maryeoniyeyo.) - "They say time is medicine, so sadness is also bound to be forgotten as time passes."물건은 오래 쓰면 닳기 마련이다.(mulgeoneun orae sseumyeon dalki maryeonida.) - "Things are bound to wear out if you use them for a long time."
- 1Offering Gentle Advice or Comfort:
처음에는 다 서투르기 마련이니까 너무 걱정하지 마세요.(cheoeomeneun da seotureugi maryeoninikka neomu geokjeonghaji maseyo.) - "Everyone is bound to be clumsy at first, so don't worry too much." (Comfort)시험이 다가오면 불안하기 마련이지요.(siheomi dagaomyeon buranhagi maryeonijiyo.) - "When exams approach, it's natural to feel anxious, isn't it?" (Empathy/Observation)
- 1Making Observations about Human Nature or Behavior:
-기 마련이다 is a suitable choice. It reflects an understanding of psychology or societal norms.사람은 자기가 보고 싶은 것만 보기 마련이에요.(sarameun jagiga bogo sipeun geotman bogi maryeoniyeyo.) - "People are bound to see only what they want to see."칭찬을 들으면 기분이 좋아지기 마련이죠.(chingchaneul deureumyeon gibuni joajigi maryeonijyo.) - "If you hear praise, you're bound to feel good, right?"
- 1Describing Natural Processes or Outcomes:
겨울이 지나면 봄이 오기 마련이다.(gyeouri jinamyeon bomi ogi maryeonida.) - "After winter, spring is bound to come."무리하게 일하면 결국 병나기 마련이에요.(murihage ilhamyeon gyeolguk byeongnagi maryeoniyeyo.) - "If you overwork, you're bound to get sick eventually."
-기 마련이다 lies in its emphasis on an intrinsic, almost deterministic, progression. It's less about a strict rule (like -는 법이다) and more about a general tendency that holds true because of the inherent nature of the subject or situation. It allows you to speak with a degree of wisdom and understanding about life's predictable currents.Common Mistakes
-기 마련이다 is relatively simple, learners often make errors related to its nuance, context, and distinction from similar expressions. Avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for accurate and natural usage at a B2 level.- 1Confusing with
-는 법이다(-neun beopida):
-는 법이다 suggests a more rigid, almost authoritative "law" or "rule" that dictates how things should be, often with a prescriptive or proverbial tone. -기 마련이다, conversely, describes a natural tendency or inevitable outcome based on observation and experience, without necessarily implying a strict moral or universal law.- Incorrect:
교통 규칙을 어기면 벌금을 내기 마련이다.(While true,-는 법이다fits better for a strict rule/law.) - Correct (
-는 법이다):교통 규칙을 어기면 벌금을 내는 법이다.(gyotong gyuchigeul eogimyeon beolgeumeul naeneun beopida.) - "If you violate traffic rules, you are subject to paying a fine." (A rule of law) - Correct (
-기 마련이다):새로운 환경에 적응하려면 시간이 걸리기 마련이다.(saeroun hwangyeonge jeogeunghamyeon sigani geolligi maryeonida.) - "It naturally takes time to adapt to a new environment." (An observed tendency)
- 1Using for Specific, Non-Inevitable Events:
-기 마련이다 describes a general truth or a highly probable, natural consequence. You cannot use it for specific, one-off events that are not inherently destined to occur or are merely planned.- Incorrect:
저는 내일 친구를 만나기 마련이에요.(Unless there's an absolute cosmic certainty, this is wrong.) - Correct:
저는 내일 친구를 만날 예정이에요.(jeoneun naeil chingureul mannal yejeongieyo.) - "I plan to meet a friend tomorrow." - Correct (
-기 마련이다):헤어지면 아프기 마련이죠.(heeojimyeon apeugi maryeonijyo.) - "It's natural to feel pain when breaking up." (A general emotional consequence)
- 1Incorrect Tense Usage (Particularly Past Tense):
-기 into the past tense is grammatically incorrect and illogical for this pattern's meaning.- Incorrect:
그때는 시험에 떨어졌기 마련이었어요. - Correct (Rephrased):
그때는 시험에 떨어질 수밖에 없었어요.(geuttaeneun siheome tteoreojil subakke eopseosseoyo.) - "At that time, I had no choice but to fail the exam." (Uses a different, more appropriate pattern) - Correct (
-기 마련이다in present):노력 없이 좋은 결과를 얻기는 어렵기 마련이다.(noryeok eopshi joeun gyeolgwareul eotgineun eoryeopgi maryeonida.) - "It's natural for it to be difficult to get good results without effort."
- 1Omitting
이다:
이다 is an integral part of the -기 마련이다 construction, completing the predicative phrase. Omitting it leaves an incomplete and ungrammatical sentence.- Incorrect:
사람은 실수하기 마련. - Correct:
사람은 실수하기 마련이다.(sarameun silsoohagi maryeonida.) - "People are bound to make mistakes."
- 1Confusing with
-게 되어 있다(-ge doeeo itda):
-게 되어 있다 emphasizes a pre-determined state, a fixed system, or an established mechanism. It often refers to something designed or structured to operate in a certain way. -기 마련이다 focuses more on natural occurrences or inherent tendencies that arise from less rigid circumstances.이 기계는 온도가 높으면 자동으로 멈추게 되어 있어요.(i gigyeneun ondoa nopeumyeon jadongeuro meomchuge doeeo isseoyo.) - "This machine is designed to stop automatically if the temperature is high." (A system's design)오래된 친구는 서로에게 편하기 마련이죠.(oraedoen chinguneun seoroege pyeonhagi maryeonijyo.) - "Old friends are naturally comfortable with each other." (An inherent human relationship tendency)
-기 마련이다 with greater precision.Real Conversations
-기 마련이다 is frequently used in everyday Korean, spanning casual chats, social media, and even more reflective or advisory contexts. It lends a touch of wisdom or empathetic understanding to the speaker's words.
1. Casual Chat (Texting between friends):
- A: 요즘 일이 너무 힘들다 ㅠㅠ (yojeum iri neomu himdeulda ttuttu) - "Work's been so hard lately ㅠㅠ"
- B: 새로운 일은 원래 힘들기 마련이야. 곧 괜찮아질 거야! (saeroun ireun wonrae himdeulgi maryeon-iya. got gwaenchanajil geoya!) - "New work is naturally hard at first. You'll be fine soon!"
- Here, B offers comfort by stating a universal truth about starting new things.
2. Social Media Post (Instagram caption):
- (Picture of a messy desk)
- 창의적인 사람은 책상이 지저분하기 마련이라잖아? #작업중 #현실은그냥어질러진거 (chang-uijeogin sarameun chaeksangi jijeobunhagi maryeonirajanha? #jak-eopjung #hyeonsireungeunyang-eojilleojingeo) - "They say creative people are bound to have messy desks, right? #working #inrealityit'sjustmessy"
- This is a lighthearted use, referencing a common stereotype and applying -기 마련이다 to justify a personal situation.
3. Advice from a Senior (Work context):
- 처음에는 실패도 하고 좌절도 하겠지만, 포기하지 않으면 결국 성공하기 마련이에요. (cheoeumeneun silpaedo hago jwajeoldo hagetjiman, pogihaji aneumyeon gyeolguk seonggonghagi maryeoniyeyo.) - "At first, you'll fail and get frustrated, but if you don't give up, you're bound to succeed in the end."
- A senior colleague offers encouragement and wisdom, framing success as the natural outcome of perseverance.
4. Observing Human Nature (Dialogue):
- A: 저렇게 열심히 준비했는데도 긴장될까요? (jeoreoke yeolsimhi junbihaenneundedo ginjangdoelkkanyo?) - "Even after preparing so hard, will they still be nervous?"
- B: 아무리 완벽하게 준비해도 중요한 순간에는 긴장하기 마련이죠. (amuri wanbyeokhage junbihaedo jungyohan sunganeneun ginjanghagi maryeonijyo.) - "No matter how perfectly you prepare, it's natural to be nervous at an important moment."
- This conversation highlights the inevitability of human emotion in stressful situations.
These examples demonstrate how -기 마련이다 allows speakers to express observations, offer reassurance, and share general wisdom in a way that feels natural and empathetic, rather than prescriptive. It's a powerful tool for connecting with others by acknowledging shared human experiences.
Quick FAQ
-기 마련이다.- Can I use
-기 마련이다with any verb or adjective?
- Is it suitable for casual texting or social media?
이야 ending (e.g., -기 마련이야), it's very common in informal written and spoken communication. It's a way to state relatable observations or offer sympathetic advice among peers.- Does it carry a positive, negative, or neutral nuance?
노력하면 성공하기 마련이다 - "If you try, you're bound to succeed"), negative ones (e.g., 실수하기 마련이다 - "bound to make mistakes"), or simply neutral observations (e.g., 계절이 바뀌면 날씨도 변하기 마련이다 - "When seasons change, the weather is bound to change").- Can I use it in the past tense?
-기 마련이다 inherently describes a general principle or an ongoing tendency, which by its nature exists in the present. It is not used to describe a past event that was bound to happen.-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없었다 ("had no choice but to...").- Is it similar to "must" in English?
-기 마련이다 implies a natural or logical outcome based on inherent properties or common experience. It's closer to "bound to" or "it is only natural that..."- How does it differ from related rules like
-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다?
-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 means "there is no choice but to..." or "cannot help but...", conveying a strong sense of lack of alternative or compulsion. -기 마련이다, while also expressing inevitability, focuses more on the natural tendency or expected outcome given circumstances, without necessarily implying a forced action or absence of choice. For example, 돈이 없어서 아르바이트를 할 수밖에 없어요 ("I have no choice but to do a part-time job because I have no money") is a forced action, whereas 젊을 때는 돈이 부족하기 마련이다 ("It's natural to be short on money when you're young") is a natural tendency.Formation Table
| Verb Stem | Suffix | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
먹다
|
기 마련이다
|
먹기 마련이다
|
|
가다
|
기 마련이다
|
가기 마련이다
|
|
변하다
|
기 마련이다
|
변하기 마련이다
|
|
오르다
|
기 마련이다
|
오르기 마련이다
|
|
실수하다
|
기 마련이다
|
실수하기 마련이다
|
|
배우다
|
기 마련이다
|
배우기 마련이다
|
Meanings
Used to state that a certain outcome is natural, expected, or inevitable given the circumstances.
Universal Truth
Expressing that something is a natural law of life.
“세월이 흐르면 변하기 마련이다.”
“만남이 있으면 헤어짐도 있기 마련이다.”
Logical Consequence
Predicting an outcome based on a cause.
“밤이 되면 어두워지기 마련이다.”
“연습을 안 하면 실력이 줄기 마련이다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 기 마련이다
|
실수하기 마련이다
|
|
Negative (Internal)
|
V + 지 않기 마련이다
|
변하지 않기 마련이다
|
|
Past (Rare)
|
V + 기 마련이었다
|
변하기 마련이었다
|
Formality Spectrum
사람은 누구나 실수를 하기 마련입니다. (General life advice)
사람은 누구나 실수를 하기 마련이에요. (General life advice)
사람은 누구나 실수하기 마련이야. (General life advice)
사람은 다 실수하게 돼 있어. (General life advice)
Inevitability Logic
Nature
- 꽃이 피다 flowers bloom
Human
- 실수하다 make mistakes
Examples by Level
공부하면 성적이 오르기 마련이다.
If you study, your grades are bound to go up.
봄이 오면 꽃이 피기 마련이다.
When spring comes, flowers are bound to bloom.
연습하면 잘하기 마련이다.
If you practice, you are bound to do well.
잠을 자면 피곤이 풀리기 마련이다.
If you sleep, your fatigue is bound to go away.
사람은 누구나 실수를 하기 마련이다.
Everyone is bound to make mistakes.
오래 쓰면 고장이 나기 마련이다.
If you use it for a long time, it is bound to break.
비가 오면 길이 젖기 마련이다.
If it rains, the road is bound to get wet.
열심히 하면 결과가 나오기 마련이다.
If you work hard, results are bound to come.
세월이 흐르면 모든 것이 변하기 마련이다.
As time passes, everything is bound to change.
기대가 크면 실망도 크기 마련이다.
If expectations are high, disappointment is also bound to be high.
경험이 없으면 당황하기 마련이다.
If you lack experience, you are bound to be flustered.
가까운 사이일수록 예의를 지키기 마련이다.
The closer you are, the more you are bound to keep manners.
시장의 원리에 따라 가격은 오르내리기 마련이다.
According to market principles, prices are bound to fluctuate.
갈등이 생기면 대화로 풀기 마련이다.
When conflict arises, it is natural to resolve it through dialogue.
성공 뒤에는 고난이 따르기 마련이다.
Hardship is bound to follow success.
준비가 철저하면 성공하기 마련이다.
If preparation is thorough, success is bound to happen.
권력은 부패하기 마련이라는 것이 역사의 교훈이다.
History teaches that power is bound to corrupt.
인간의 본성은 환경에 따라 변하기 마련이다.
Human nature is bound to change according to the environment.
진실은 언젠가 드러나기 마련이다.
The truth is bound to be revealed eventually.
예술가는 시대의 흐름을 반영하기 마련이다.
Artists are bound to reflect the trends of their time.
모든 유기체는 소멸하기 마련이라는 사실을 받아들여야 한다.
One must accept the fact that all organisms are bound to perish.
언어는 사회적 약속이기에 변화하기 마련이다.
Since language is a social contract, it is bound to change.
관습은 타성에 젖기 마련이므로 개혁이 필요하다.
Customs are bound to become stagnant, so reform is necessary.
고독은 인간이 짊어지고 가야 할 숙명이기 마련이다.
Loneliness is bound to be a fate that humans must carry.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'inevitable'.
Common Mistakes
나는 가기 마련이다
사람은 가기 마련이다
먹기 마련이다 (I want to eat)
먹고 싶다
비가 오기 마련이다 (It is raining now)
비가 오고 있다
숙제하기 마련이다
숙제를 해야 한다
그가 오기 마련이다 (He is coming)
그가 올 것이다
내일 비가 오기 마련이다
내일 비가 올 것이다
공부하기 마련이다 (I am studying)
공부하고 있다
그것은 일어나기 마련이다 (It will happen)
그것은 일어나게 되어 있다
내가 성공하기 마련이다
성공하기 마련이다
그는 화내기 마련이다
그는 화를 내게 되어 있다
정부가 정책을 바꾸기 마련이다
정부는 정책을 바꾸게 되어 있다
그가 실패하기 마련이다
그는 실패할 수밖에 없다
이것은 고치기 마련이다
이것은 고쳐지기 마련이다
Sentence Patterns
___하기 마련이다.
Real World Usage
노력하면 성공하기 마련입니다! #화이팅
Focus on Verbs
Smart Tips
Use this to sound wise.
Pronunciation
Linking
The '기' and '마련' are pronounced smoothly together.
Falling
변하기 마련이다 ↓
Conveys a sense of finality and objective truth.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ma-ryeon' (마련) as 'Made-ready'. It is 'made ready' by nature to happen.
Visual Association
Imagine a river flowing downhill. It is 'bound to' reach the ocean. The river is the verb, the ocean is the result.
Rhyme
If you do it, it will be, -기 마련이다, you see.
Story
A wise old man sits on a hill. He watches the sun set. He says, 'The sun is bound to set, just as the day is bound to end.' He uses -기 마련이다 to describe the cycle of life.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things that are 'bound to happen' in your daily life.
Cultural Notes
Koreans often use this to show empathy by normalizing a struggle.
Derived from the noun '마련' (preparation/arrangement).
Conversation Starters
인생에서 가장 변하기 마련인 것은 무엇일까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
사람은 누구나 실수를 ___ 마련이다.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises사람은 누구나 실수를 ___ 마련이다.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises마련이다 / 사람은 / 늙기 / 누구나
When it rains, the ground is bound to get wet.
과거는 (잊혀지다)...
휴대폰을 오래 쓰면 배터리가 빨리 (닳다)...
Match the pairs:
공부를 안 하면 성적이 떨어졌기 마련이다.
If you are hungry, you are bound to get angry (hangry).
Which one sounds like empathetic advice?
친구가 많으면 (싸우다)...
마련이다 / 진실은 / 드러나기 / 결국
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, it's for general truths.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
~はずだ
Japanese 'hazu' can be more subjective.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
No choice but to... (-ㄹ/을 수밖에 없다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다` is a powerful expression of inevitability. It conveys that du...
Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
Overview Korean, like English, distinguishes between habitual or general actions and actions that are actively in progre...
To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
Overview Korean grammar employs `-(ㄹ/을) 대로` to express that a state or action has reached its absolute **utmost limi...
Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
Overview At the B2 CEFR level in Korean, you're moving beyond basic sentence construction to express nuanced ideas, subt...
Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다
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