Meaning
To choose a course of action after consideration.
Cultural Background
Decisions are often made collectively. Using '우리' (we) instead of '나' (I) when announcing a decision is common, even if you made it yourself. The 'Kyeol-jae' (결재) system involves multiple levels of approval before a final {결정|決定} is made. A decision isn't 'real' until the boss signs off. Younger Koreans use '결정장애' (decision-making disability) as a slang term for being indecisive, especially when choosing food. Official government decisions are published in a 'Gwan-bo' (official gazette), where the word {결정|決定} is used strictly for finalized laws.
Drop the '을'
In 90% of spoken Korean, people just say '{결정|決定}하다'. Only keep the '을' if you want to emphasize the noun 'decision' itself.
Don't be too formal
Using this with your best friend about what movie to watch might make them laugh or think you're being sarcastic.
Meaning
To choose a course of action after consideration.
Drop the '을'
In 90% of spoken Korean, people just say '{결정|決定}하다'. Only keep the '을' if you want to emphasize the noun 'decision' itself.
Don't be too formal
Using this with your best friend about what movie to watch might make them laugh or think you're being sarcastic.
The 'Consultation' Rule
In Korea, saying 'I'll decide after talking to my boss/parents' is a polite way to delay a decision without saying no.
Use with ~기로
Always remember the pattern [Verb Stem] + 기로 + {결정|決定}하다. It's the most useful grammar structure for this phrase.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {결정|決定}을 하다.
저는 내년에 유학을 가기로 ______.
The sentence describes a decision already made, so the past tense '결정했어요' is most natural.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a business meeting?
How would you say 'We have decided on the budget'?
{결정|決定}했습니다 is the formal and professional way to announce a decision.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 아직 메뉴 안 골랐어? B: 아니, 나는 비빔밥으로 ______.
The dialogue is informal (반말), so '결정했어' fits the register.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you use '{결정|決定}을 내리다'?
'내리다' implies a formal or authoritative decision handed down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Choosing the Right Word
Practice Bank
4 exercises저는 내년에 유학을 가기로 ______.
The sentence describes a decision already made, so the past tense '결정했어요' is most natural.
How would you say 'We have decided on the budget'?
{결정|決定}했습니다 is the formal and professional way to announce a decision.
A: 아직 메뉴 안 골랐어? B: 아니, 나는 비빔밥으로 ______.
The dialogue is informal (반말), so '결정했어' fits the register.
When would you use '{결정|決定}을 내리다'?
'내리다' implies a formal or authoritative decision handed down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but only if it's a serious choice, like the color of your new car or house. For a crayon, use '고르다' or '정하다'.
{결정|決定} is making a choice between options. {결심|決心} is making a firm promise to yourself to do something.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine in polite daily conversation, but very common in business.
You can say '저는 {결정|決定}을 잘 못 해요' or use the slang '결정장애가 있어요'.
It sounds a bit heavy. '물로 할게요' (I'll do water) is much more natural.
It means 'to hand down a decision,' usually used for authorities like judges or bosses.
Not a direct slang word, but '픽하다' (from English 'pick') is used by younger people for making a choice.
No, that's incorrect. You 'eat' a heart (마음을 먹다), but you 'do' a decision ({결정|決定}을 하다).
최종 {결정|決定} (Choe-jong gyeol-jeong).
No, it's often dropped in speech. '{결정|決定}했어요' is more common than '{결정|決定}을 했어요'.
망설임 (hesitation) or 취소 (cancellation).
Yes, it's very common in diaries when reflecting on choices made during the day.
Related Phrases
{결심|決心}하다
similarTo resolve to do something
정하다
synonymTo set or decide
선택하다
similarTo select
확정하다
specialized formTo finalize
마음을 먹다
idiomaticTo make up one's mind
