Solemn Promises to Juniors: -(으)마
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The -(으)마 ending is a formal, authoritative way for a superior to promise something to a junior.
- Use only with verb stems: '내가 하마' (I will do it).
- Only for promises directed at juniors or subordinates.
- Never use with adjectives; it is strictly for volitional actions.
Overview
The sentence ending -(으)마 is a first-person declarative form used to make a solemn promise or express strong, benevolent volition. It belongs to the 해라체 (haerache), or the plain speech style, which is fundamentally reserved for situations where the speaker holds a higher social status than the listener (e.g., in age, rank, or seniority). Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a king's decree, a grandparent's heartfelt assurance, or a master's vow to a disciple.
Its usage conveys a powerful sense of authority, responsibility, and unwavering commitment that is far stronger than the more common promise form, -을게.
At its core, -(으)마 is a performative utterance—the act of saying it is the act of making the binding promise. Unlike -을게, which often carries a nuance of checking the listener's reaction or seeking their tacit approval, -(으)마 is a unilateral declaration. The speaker is not offering to do something; they are announcing that it will be done, on their honor.
Due to its archaic and authoritative flavor, it's rarely heard in everyday modern conversation among peers. However, it remains prevalent in literature, historical dramas (사극), and specific familial contexts, making it essential for a C2-level understanding of Korean nuance.
Mastering this ending requires a deep grasp of social hierarchy and context. Using it incorrectly can be highly jarring and perceived as arrogant or out of touch. It's a tool of immense weight, used not for casual offers but for promises that carry the speaker's full authority and sincerity.
Its function is to reassure, decree, or commit with absolute finality from a position of seniority.
How This Grammar Works
-(으)마 when speaking to a social superior. Its very existence is predicated on a power differential between the speaker and the listener.해라체 style, the same speech level a general might use to issue orders or a professor might use when lecturing in a very traditional manner.-(으)마 is always the first person ('I', or 내가). You cannot use this grammar to promise or state the volition of another person. The promise originates from the speaker and is delivered to the listener.아빠가 내일 장난감을 사 주마 (Dad will buy you a toy tomorrow), but he cannot say *삼촌이 내일 장난감을 사 주마 to state what the uncle will do.-(으)마 imbues the promise with a sense of benevolent authority. While 해라체 can sound harsh or impersonal in other contexts (e.g., -는다), the -(으)마 ending has a distinctly warm and protective undertone when used appropriately. It’s the voice of someone taking responsibility for the well-being or desires of a junior.걱정 말거라. 내가 모든 것을 해결하마 (Do not worry. I shall resolve everything).-었/았- or the future/supposition infix -겠-. The -(으)마 ending itself inherently contains the meaning of a future action based on present will.-시- is grammatically incorrect, as it clashes with the downward nature of the 해라체 style. It is a complete, self-contained unit of meaning: a first-person, authoritative, future promise to a junior.Formation Pattern
-(으)마 is straightforward and depends on whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. The rule is applied directly to the verb stem without any intermediate tense or mood markers.
ㄹ:
-마 directly to the stem. For stems ending in ㄹ, the ㄹ is not dropped.
가다 (to go) | 가- | 가 + 마 | 가마 | ...go. |
주다 (to give) | 주- | 주 + 마 | 주마 | ...give. |
만들다 (to make) | 만들- | 만들 + 마 | 만들마 | ...make. |
살다 (to live) | 살- | 살 + 마 | 살마 | ...live. |
ㄹ):
-으마 to the stem.
먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹 + 으마 | 먹으마 | ...eat. |
찾다 (to find) | 찾- | 찾 + 으마 | 찾으마 | ...find. |
돕다 (to help) | 돕- | 돕 + 으마 | 도우마 | ...help. (ㅂ irregular) |
듣다 (to listen) | 듣- | 듣 + 으마 | 들으마 | ...listen. (ㄷ irregular) |
ㅂ, ㄷ, ㅅ irregulars) follow their standard conjugation rules before -으마 is attached. For example, with 돕다, the ㅂ changes to 오, and because 오 is a vowel, you might expect 도오마. However, it's treated as 도우 before a vowel, resulting in 도우마. Similarly, 듣다 becomes 들으마. This consistency with other vowel-initial grammar is a key pattern to remember.
When To Use It
-(으)마 appears in several distinct and important contexts. Knowing these will allow you to deploy it for precise effect in writing and recognize it in media.- Literary and Historical Contexts: This is the primary domain of
-(으)마. In novels, webtoons, screenplays, and historical reenactments, it's the default way for characters of high stature to make promises. A king might promise his loyal general a reward (내가 큰 상을 내리마), or a wise master might promise to teach a student a secret technique (때가 되면 그 비법을 전수해 주마). It instantly establishes a character's authority and the gravity of their words.
- Familial Hierarchies (Modern Usage): This is the most likely place you'll hear
-(으)마in modern spoken Korean. Grandparents frequently use it with their grandchildren as a term of endearment and authoritative care. A grandmother seeing her grandson crying over a broken toy might say,울지 마라, 할미가 새것으로 사 주마(Don't cry, Grandma will buy you a new one). Parents may also use it with young children, though less commonly than grandparents. It has a distinctly warm, if old-fashioned, feeling in this context.
- Intrapersonal Promises (Inner Monologue): In writing or thought, a person can use
-(으)마to make a solemn vow to themselves. This adds a layer of dramatic resolve and determination, as if one's higher self is making a contract with one's current self. For example, a character facing a final challenge might think,이번에야말로 반드시 성공하고야 말마(This time, I will absolutely see it through to success). It externalizes an internal commitment.
- Figurative or Humorous Effect: Among friends who are aware of its nuance,
-(으)마can be used ironically. By adopting the persona of a king or an elder, a friend can playfully promise something trivial. If a friend is begging for a sip of your expensive coffee, you might laugh and say,알겠다. 딱 한 입만 특별히 허락하마(Alright. I shall specially permit you just one sip). This usage requires high linguistic and social awareness from both parties to be understood as a joke.
Common Mistakes
-(으)마 create several common traps for learners, even at an advanced level.- The Status Reversal Error: This is the most critical mistake. Never use
-(으)마when speaking to someone older or of higher status. Saying제가 내일 일찍 오마(I shall come early tomorrow) to your boss is a major social faux pas. It sounds profoundly arrogant, as if you are claiming authority over them. It's not just impolite; it's a fundamental violation of Korean social grammar and will likely be met with confusion or offense.
- The Second/Third-Person Promise Error: Remember,
-(으)마is exclusively for first-person subjects. A sentence like어머니가 저녁을 준비하마(Mother shall prepare dinner) is ungrammatical. The speaker can only vouch for their own actions. The correct way to express this would be a simple statement of fact, like어머니가 저녁을 준비하실 거야.
- The Adjective/Copula Error: Promises are actions. Therefore,
-(으)마can only attach to action verbs. You cannot promise a state of being. Attaching it to descriptive verbs (adjectives) or the copula (이다/아니다) is incorrect. *예쁘마(I shall be pretty) - Incorrect.*학생이마(I shall be a student) - Incorrect.
훌륭한 사람이 되겠다 (I will become a great person).- The
-으마요Fallacy: Learners accustomed to making verbs polite by adding-요may instinctively try to create*-으마요. This is grammatically impossible.-(으)마belongs to the해라체(plain style), while-요belongs to the해요체(informal polite style). They are mutually exclusive systems. Attempting to combine them is like trying to merge two different operating systems; the result is nonsensical.
- Trivial Promises: Using
-(으)마for a minor, non-committal action diminishes its power and sounds strange. If you're simply telling a friend you'll go to the store,-을게(가게에 갈게) is natural. Saying가게에 가마sounds overly dramatic, as if your trip to the store is a matter of great historical importance. Reserve-(으)마for promises that have weight and significance within the context.
Real Conversations
Here are a few scenarios where you might encounter -(으)마.
Scenario 1
> 손녀 (Granddaughter): 할아버지, 이야기 또 해 주세요! 너무 재미있어요!
> (Grandpa, tell me another story! It's so much fun!)
> 할아버지 (Grandfather): 허허, 알겠다. 오늘 밤엔 이 할아버지가 세상에서 가장 재미있는 옛날 이야기를 해 주마.
> (Haha, alright. Tonight, this grandpa shall tell you the most interesting folk tale in the world.)
Scenario 2
> 신하 (Subject): 황후마마, 부디 통촉하여 주시옵소서!
> (Your Majesty the Queen, I implore you to grant us your wisdom!)
> 황후 (Queen): 그대의 충심은 잘 알겠다. 염려를 거두거라. 내 반드시 이 일의 진실을 밝혀내마.
> (I am well aware of your loyalty. Put away your concerns. I shall certainly uncover the truth of this matter.)
Scenario 3
> 친구 A (Friend A): 와, 그 치킨 진짜 맛있겠다. 한 입만... 제발.
> (Wow, that chicken looks amazing. Just one bite... please.)
> 친구 B (Friend B): 으음... 너의 간절함을 보아, 내 특별히 닭다리 하나를 너에게 하사하마.
> (Hmm... Seeing your desperation, I shall specially bestow one chicken leg upon you.)
Quick FAQ
-(으)마 ever used in a modern business or professional setting?Almost never. Its authoritative and archaic nature is completely at odds with modern workplace etiquette, which favors either formal (-습니다) or respectfully informal (-요) speech. A CEO using it would sound either like they were acting in a play or were extremely old-fashioned and out of touch. Stick to standard professional language.
-(으)마 compare to -겠다 and -을게?This is a crucial distinction. They all relate to future actions but differ in nuance, authority, and listener consideration.
-을게 | 해체/해요체 | Intention/Offer. Seeks listener's approval or acknowledges their presence. | Collaborative. The action affects the listener. | 내가 할게. (I'll do it, if that's okay.) |-겠다 | All Styles | Strong Will/Volition. Internal resolve. Can be used regardless of listener. | Incidental. The focus is on the speaker's decision. | 제가 하겠습니다. (I will do it.) |-(으)마 | 해라체 | Authoritative Promise. A binding vow from a superior to a junior. | Passive Recipient. The promise is bestowed upon them. | 내가 하마. (I shall do it [for you].) |-(으)마 to make a negative promise?Not directly. A form like -지 않으마 is not used. A promise is inherently about a future affirmative action. To promise not* to do something, you would typically use a different structure emphasizing that refusal or negation, often with a stronger sense of will, such as 다시는 그런 일을 하지 않겠다 (I will not do such a thing again).
-(으)마 in song lyrics. Is that a common use?Yes, it can be used in poetic or lyrical contexts to create a dramatic, introspective, or epic tone. Much like its use in an inner monologue, it allows the singer to make a powerful, personal declaration to the listener or to themselves, fitting the heightened emotional state of a song.
-(으)마 Conjugation
| Verb Stem | Ending | Result |
|---|---|---|
|
가
|
-마
|
가마
|
|
먹
|
-으마
|
먹으마
|
|
만들
|
-마
|
만들마
|
|
주
|
-마
|
주마
|
|
읽
|
-으마
|
읽으마
|
|
보
|
-마
|
보마
|
Meanings
A sentence ending used by a speaker of higher status to express a firm intention or promise to a listener of lower status.
Solemn Promise
An authoritative declaration of future intent.
“내가 다 해결하마.”
“걱정 마라, 내가 지켜주마.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + (으)마
|
내가 하마
|
|
Negative
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Question
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Past
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Future
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Polite
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Formality Spectrum
제가 하겠습니다. (Promise)
내가 할게. (Promise)
내가 하마. (Promise)
내가 할게. (Promise)
Hierarchy of -(으)마
Usage
- Promise Solemn vow
- Volition Strong intent
Examples by Level
내가 하마.
I will do it.
내가 주마.
I will give it to you.
내가 보마.
I will watch it.
내가 오마.
I will come.
내가 다 해결하마.
I will solve everything.
걱정 마라, 내가 지켜주마.
Don't worry, I will protect you.
내일 다시 연락하마.
I will contact you again tomorrow.
내가 직접 가마.
I will go myself.
그 일은 내가 처리하마.
I will handle that matter.
내가 너를 믿어주마.
I will believe in you.
내가 너에게 기회를 주마.
I will give you a chance.
내가 이 문제를 풀어주마.
I will solve this problem for you.
네가 원하는 것을 다 들어주마.
I will grant everything you want.
내가 끝까지 책임지마.
I will take responsibility until the end.
내가 너의 짐을 덜어주마.
I will lighten your burden.
내가 너를 이끌어주마.
I will lead you.
내가 너를 위해 이 길을 열어주마.
I will open this path for you.
내가 너의 앞날을 지켜보마.
I will watch over your future.
내가 너에게 진실을 말해주마.
I will tell you the truth.
내가 너를 다시 일으켜 세우마.
I will help you stand up again.
내가 너를 이 어둠에서 구원하마.
I will save you from this darkness.
내가 너의 이름을 기억하마.
I will remember your name.
내가 너를 위해 최선을 다하마.
I will do my best for you.
내가 너의 뜻을 따르마.
I will follow your will.
Easily Confused
Both express future intent.
Common Mistakes
사장님, 제가 하마.
사장님, 제가 하겠습니다.
예쁘마.
예쁘겠지.
친구야, 내가 하마.
친구야, 내가 할게.
내가 하마 (to a professor).
제가 하겠습니다.
Sentence Patterns
내가 ___하마.
Real World Usage
내가 너를 지켜주마.
Hierarchy Alert
Smart Tips
Use -(으)마 for a firm, authoritative promise.
Pronunciation
Intonation
Use a falling, firm tone.
Firm/Authoritative
내가 하마↓
Strong, final promise.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Ma' (Mother) promising her child. 'Ma' says -(으)마 to her child.
Visual Association
A tall mentor placing a hand on a junior's shoulder, looking firm and protective.
Rhyme
When you are the boss and want to say 'I will', use -(으)마 to show your skill.
Story
A king tells his knight, 'I will reward you.' He says, '보상하마.' The knight feels honored because the king used the solemn -(으)마.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences promising to help a fictional junior character.
Cultural Notes
Reflects the Confucian hierarchy.
Used for dramatic effect.
Used by coaches/leaders.
Derived from older volitional forms.
Conversation Starters
When would you use -(으)마?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
내가 ___.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises내가 ___.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises내일 편지를 ___.
용사여, 내가 너를 돕마.
내가 / 지켜 / 너를 / 주마
네 이야기를 ___.
Find the error:
Match the following:
내가 장난감을 ___.
Which one sounds like a historical hero?
선생님, 제가 청소하마.
돌아오마 / 곧 / 내가
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, it is rude.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
suru
Korean's hierarchy is more rigid.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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