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A2 verb #1,500 mais comum 13 min de leitura

정하다

Top 1,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 정하다 em 30 segundos

Explicação 정하다 in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the word 정하다 is introduced as an essential tool for basic survival and social interaction in Korean. When you first start learning the language, you need to know how to make simple plans with people. This word allows you to do exactly that. At this stage, learners focus on pairing the verb with very common, everyday nouns. The most frequent combinations you will learn are 시간을 정하다 (to decide the time), 장소를 정하다 (to decide the place), and 메뉴를 정하다 (to decide the menu). You will practice using the basic polite conjugation, 정해요, in present tense, and 정했어요 in the past tense. A typical A1 conversation might involve one person asking, '우리 언제 만날까요?' (When shall we meet?) and the other person responding, '시간을 정해요' (Let's decide the time). You will also learn the suggestive form 정합시다 (Let's decide), which is highly useful for group settings. The focus at this level is entirely on practical, concrete usage. You do not need to worry about complex grammar structures or abstract concepts yet. Simply understanding that this verb requires the object particle 을 or 를, and knowing how to use it to finalize a simple plan, is the primary goal. It empowers beginners to move from just exchanging greetings to actually organizing activities and participating in social life in Korean.

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As you progress to the A2 elementary level, your ability to use 정하다 expands significantly. You move beyond simply deciding on nouns (like time or place) and start deciding to perform actions. This is a major leap in conversational ability. At this stage, you will master the crucial grammatical pattern -기로 하다/정하다. This allows you to say things like 'I decided to study Korean' (한국어를 공부하기로 정했어요) or 'We decided to go to Seoul' (서울에 가기로 정했어요). This structure is vital for talking about your plans, intentions, and daily routines. Furthermore, at the A2 level, you will begin to use question words in conjunction with the verb. You will learn the -지 grammar form to express uncertainty that needs to be resolved. For example, you will learn how to say 'I haven't decided what to eat yet' (무엇을 먹을지 아직 안 정했어요) or 'Let's decide where to go' (어디에 갈지 정합시다). This adds a layer of nuance to your conversations, allowing you to discuss the process of decision-making rather than just the final result. You will also become more comfortable with the negative forms, using 안 정했어요 (I didn't decide) to communicate your current status. Overall, A2 learners use this word to navigate a much wider variety of daily situations, from travel planning to organizing study schedules, making their Korean sound much more dynamic and functional.

Reaching the B1 intermediate level marks a transition from concrete, everyday logistics to more abstract and varied applications of 정하다. At this stage, you are no longer just deciding on times and menus; you are discussing rules, policies, goals, and life choices. You will start pairing the verb with abstract nouns like 규칙 (rules), 목표 (goals), 전공 (major), and 방향 (direction). For instance, you might say '올해의 목표를 정했습니다' (I have set my goals for this year) or '동아리 규칙을 정해야 해요' (We need to establish the club rules). This reflects an ability to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations. Additionally, B1 learners must master the passive form of the verb, 정해지다 (to be decided). Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is crucial for sounding natural in Korean. You will learn to say '날짜가 정해졌어요' (The date has been decided) instead of always relying on the active '우리가 날짜를 정했어요'. This shift allows for more objective and formal communication. You will also start encountering the word in various media, such as news articles or dramas, where characters make significant life decisions. The B1 level is about expanding your vocabulary network around the word, understanding its application in broader contexts, and refining your grammatical accuracy, particularly regarding the shift from object particles (을/를) to subject particles (이/가) when using the passive form.

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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the focus shifts towards nuance, precision, and the ability to distinguish 정하다 from its close synonyms. A B2 learner understands that while 정하다 is a great all-purpose word, there are times when other words are more appropriate. You will learn to carefully differentiate it from 결정하다 (to decide officially), 고르다 (to pick/choose), 선택하다 (to select), and 결심하다 (to resolve). You will know that while you can use 정하다 for choosing a lunch menu, you should probably use 결정하다 when discussing a company's business strategy or a major financial investment. You will also become adept at using complex sentence structures that incorporate the verb. For example, you might use conditional clauses: '만약 장소가 정해지면, 저에게 알려주세요' (If the place is decided, please let me know). You will use it in reported speech: '친구가 내일 만나기로 정했다고 했어요' (My friend said we decided to meet tomorrow). Furthermore, your understanding of the cultural context deepens. You will recognize how the verb is used in formal business emails, in academic presentations, and in polite negotiations. The B2 level is characterized by a high degree of grammatical fluency and a sophisticated understanding of vocabulary register, allowing you to use the word appropriately in almost any social or professional situation without hesitation.

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At the C1 advanced level, your use of 정하다 becomes almost indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You are no longer thinking about grammar rules or particle placement; the usage is intuitive and automatic. At this stage, you engage with the word in highly complex, abstract, and idiomatic ways. You will comfortably read and understand literature, editorials, and academic papers where the verb is used to discuss philosophical concepts, legal frameworks, or societal norms. For example, you might encounter phrases like '사회의 도덕적 기준을 정하다' (to establish the moral standards of society) or '법적 한계를 정하다' (to determine legal boundaries). You will also master idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms related to decision-making, such as '마음을 정하다' (to make up one's mind) in emotionally charged contexts. Your speaking and writing will demonstrate a perfect command of the verb's various forms, including complex causative or passive-causative structures if necessary. You can effortlessly debate topics, argue points, and negotiate terms using the verb with absolute precision. The C1 learner understands the subtle psychological weight of the word in Korean culture—the implication of finality, the expectation of consensus, and the responsibility that comes with establishing a rule or a plan. Your vocabulary is expansive, and you use the word as a foundational pillar to construct sophisticated, nuanced arguments.

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The C2 mastery level represents complete linguistic and cultural fluency. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, your understanding of 정하다 encompasses its historical roots, its etymological connection to the Hanja character 定 (정), and its evolution in modern Korean society. You can analyze how the word is used in classical literature versus contemporary slang. You are capable of drafting highly sensitive legal documents, corporate contracts, or government policies where the precise definition and application of 'deciding' or 'establishing' are critical. You understand the microscopic nuances between 정하다 and every conceivable synonym, and you can articulate those differences to others. In spontaneous, high-level discourse—such as academic debates, live television interviews, or complex negotiations—you deploy the word flawlessly, manipulating its active, passive, and causative forms to subtly shift blame, emphasize agency, or state objective facts. You recognize regional dialects or generational differences in how decisions are discussed. At the C2 level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool that you wield with absolute mastery to navigate the deepest, most complex layers of Korean language, culture, and thought, demonstrating an intuitive grasp of the language that rivals or even exceeds that of an average native speaker.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

정하다 em 30 segundos

Use it to set a time or place.
Use it to decide to do an action.
Use it to establish rules or goals.
Requires the object particle 을/를.

When you begin your journey into the Korean language, one of the most fundamental, versatile, and universally applicable verbs you will encounter is the word 정하다. This highly essential vocabulary word translates most directly to the English verbs to decide, to set, to determine, to fix, or to choose in the context of making a choice or establishing a specific parameter. The beauty of this word lies in its simplicity and its incredibly broad range of applications across both formal and informal situations in daily Korean life. To truly understand 정하다, we must look at its origins. It comes from the Hanja character 定, which carries the core meaning of fixing something in place or settling something so that it no longer changes. This underlying concept of stabilization is crucial for grasping how Korean speakers use the word. When you use 정하다, you are not merely pondering or thinking about a choice; you are actively taking a state of uncertainty and transforming it into a state of certainty. You are locking down a decision.

우리는 내일 만날 시간을 정하다.

Everyday Usage: In everyday conversation, this word is most frequently paired with nouns related to plans and logistics. For example, when friends gather, the first thing they must do is decide what to eat, which is expressed as 메뉴를 정하다. They must also decide where to meet, expressed as 장소를 정하다, and when to meet, expressed as 시간을 정하다.

회의에서 새로운 규칙을 정하다.

Professional Context: In business or academic settings, the word elevates seamlessly to handle more abstract concepts. A committee might decide on a new policy, a team might set a project deadline, or a government might establish a new law. In these cases, words like 규칙 (rules), 목표 (goals), and 방향 (direction) are frequently used as the object of the verb.

여행 갈 날짜를 미리 정하다.

Furthermore, the concept of decision-making in Korean culture often involves a collective process. Unlike in some Western cultures where individual decisions are highly emphasized, Korean society frequently values consensus. Therefore, you will often hear this verb used in plural contexts, such as 우리 같이 정해요 (Let's decide together). This collaborative spirit is deeply embedded in the language.

아이의 이름을 정하다.

Life Milestones: Beyond daily plans, this verb is used for major life events. Parents use it when deciding a baby's name (이름을 정하다), students use it when choosing a university major (전공을 정하다), and couples use it when setting a wedding date (결혼 날짜를 정하다). It covers the entire spectrum of human choices.

이번 주말에 무엇을 할지 정하다.

As you continue to practice, you will notice that this word is an indispensable tool for navigating daily life in Korea. Whether you are simply trying to figure out which cafe to visit with a friend, or you are sitting in a high-stakes corporate boardroom determining the future strategy of a company, the core action remains the same. You are taking options, evaluating them, and finally fixing one in place. This is the true essence of the word, and mastering its usage will significantly improve your ability to communicate your intentions, organize your schedule, and collaborate effectively with native Korean speakers in any environment.

Understanding the grammatical structure and conjugation patterns of 정하다 is absolutely essential for achieving fluency and sounding natural when speaking Korean. Because it is a regular verb ending in 하, its conjugation follows the most predictable and common patterns in the Korean language, making it relatively easy for learners to master. However, the true complexity and richness of its usage come from the various grammatical structures and particles it pairs with. Let us dive deep into how to construct sentences using this vital verb. First and foremost, as a transitive verb, it requires a direct object. This means you must use the object particles 을 or 를 attached to the noun that represents the thing being decided.

우리는 점심 메뉴를 정하다.

Basic Object Usage: The most fundamental sentence structure is [Noun] + 을/를 + 정하다. If the noun ends in a vowel, use 를 (e.g., 메뉴를). If the noun ends in a consonant, use 을 (e.g., 시간을). This clearly indicates what is being established or chosen.

내일 영화를 보기로 정하다.

Deciding to do an action: When you want to express deciding to perform a specific action rather than just choosing a noun, you must use the grammatical pattern -기로 정하다. You take the stem of the action verb, attach 기로, and then add our main verb. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 가기로 정하다 (to decide to go).

어디로 여행을 갈지 정하다.

Another highly frequent and useful sentence pattern involves question words like what, where, when, who, or how. When you want to say 'decide what to eat' or 'decide where to go', you use the -지 grammar form. The structure is [Question Word] + [Verb Stem] + -(으)ㄹ지 + 정하다. For instance, 무엇을 먹을지 정하다 means 'to decide what to eat'. 어디에 갈지 정하다 means 'to decide where to go'. This pattern is incredibly common in daily conversations when plans are still up in the air and need to be finalized.

아직 날짜를 안 정하다.

Negative Sentences: To say that you have not decided yet, you can use the negative adverb 안 before the verb (안 정했어요) or the negative ending -지 않다 (정하지 않았어요). Often, this is paired with the word 아직 (yet) to form 아직 안 정했어요 (I haven't decided yet), which is a perfect phrase to memorize for when you are still thinking.

우리 만날 장소를 빨리 정하다.

Finally, it is important to understand the passive form, which is 정해지다. This means 'to be decided' or 'to be set'. While English speakers often prefer active voice (e.g., 'We decided the date'), Korean speakers frequently use the passive voice to state facts objectively (e.g., 'The date has been decided' - 날짜가 정해졌어요). Notice that when using the passive form, the object particle 을/를 changes to the subject particle 이/가. Mastering both the active and passive forms will give your Korean a highly sophisticated and natural flow, allowing you to express decisions from multiple perspectives with ease and grammatical accuracy.

To truly master a language, you must step outside the textbook and observe how words are used in the wild. The verb 정하다 is ubiquitous in Korean society, echoing through the halls of corporate offices, buzzing across smartphone messaging apps, and featuring prominently in the dramatic dialogue of popular media. Let us explore the diverse and dynamic environments where you will actually hear this word being used by native speakers on a daily basis. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the realm of social planning and casual get-togethers.

카카오톡에서 약속 시간을 정하다.

Messaging Apps: If you look at any group chat on KakaoTalk among Korean friends, you are guaranteed to see variations of this word. Phrases like '시간 정하자' (Let's set a time) or '어디 갈지 정했어?' (Did you decide where to go?) are the lifeblood of making weekend plans. It is the definitive verb for coordinating social lives.

회사 회의실에서 다음 프로젝트 목표를 정하다.

Corporate Environment: Moving from the casual to the professional, this word is a staple in Korean business culture. During meetings, managers will use formal conjugations to establish agendas. You will hear phrases like '예산을 정합시다' (Let's set the budget) or '담당자를 정해야 합니다' (We need to decide on the person in charge). In these settings, the word carries a weight of authority and finality.

한국 드라마에서 주인공이 마음을 정하다.

Furthermore, if you are a fan of Korean pop culture, particularly K-dramas, you have undoubtedly heard this word during pivotal plot moments. When a character is torn between two lovers, a friend might urge them, '빨리 마음을 정해' (Hurry up and make up your mind). The phrase 마음을 정하다 literally translates to 'to decide one's heart' or 'to set one's mind', and it is used when making emotional or difficult personal choices.

식당에서 메뉴를 보며 무엇을 먹을지 정하다.

Restaurants and Cafes: Another extremely common physical location where this word thrives is inside restaurants and cafes. As soon as you sit down and the waiter hands you the menu, the process of deciding begins. A waiter might politely ask, '메뉴 정하셨나요?' (Have you decided on the menu?), prompting you to place your order. It is a polite and standard customer service phrase.

새해 목표를 정하다.

Lastly, you will see this word heavily utilized around the New Year or at the start of a new school semester. People use it when setting resolutions, establishing new habits, or determining their goals for the upcoming period. Whether it is written in a personal diary or proclaimed on social media, the act of setting a goal (목표를 정하다) is a powerful and universally understood concept in Korea. By recognizing these contexts, you can begin to anticipate when the word will be used and understand the subtle cultural nuances attached to the act of making a decision in Korean society.

Even though 정하다 is a relatively straightforward verb, English speakers and other learners of the Korean language frequently stumble into a few specific grammatical and contextual traps. By identifying these common mistakes early on, you can avoid them and ensure your Korean sounds much more natural and precise. The most prevalent error stems from direct translation, specifically regarding the use of particles. In English, we often say 'I decided ON a date' or 'Let's decide ON a restaurant'. Because the English preposition 'on' or 'at' often translates to the Korean particle 에, learners incorrectly assume they should use 에 with this verb.

시간을 정하다. (Correct) vs 시간에 정하다. (Incorrect)

Particle Errors: This is a critical rule to remember: 정하다 is a transitive verb. It directly impacts the object. Therefore, you must never use the location or time particle 에. You must always use the direct object particles 을 or 를. You are not deciding 'at' a time; you are deciding the time itself. Always say 시간을 정했어요, never 시간에 정했어요.

공부하기로 정하다. (Correct) vs 공부하는 것을 정하다. (Awkward)

Action Verb Complements: Another common mistake occurs when learners try to say they decided to DO something. Beginners often try to turn the action verb into a noun using -는 것 and then attach 을 정하다. While grammatically understandable, it sounds incredibly awkward to native ears. The correct and natural pattern is always -기로 정하다. For example, instead of saying 한국에 가는 것을 정했어요, you should say 한국에 가기로 정했어요.

마음을 정하다. (Correct) vs 생각을 정하다. (Incorrect usage)

Furthermore, there is a subtle vocabulary confusion regarding the mind and thoughts. When you want to say 'I made up my mind', the correct idiom is 마음을 정하다 (literally, to decide the heart/mind). Learners sometimes directly translate 'I decided my thoughts' and say 생각을 정하다. This is incorrect and sounds very unnatural. In Korean, decisions of resolve and determination are matters of the '마음' (heart/mind), not just the '생각' (thoughts).

날짜가 정해지다. (Passive) vs 날짜를 정해지다. (Incorrect)

Passive Voice Confusion: Finally, learners frequently mix up the active and passive forms. When using the passive form 정해지다 (to be decided), the noun is no longer the object being acted upon; it becomes the subject of the sentence. Therefore, you must switch the particle from 을/를 to 이/가. Saying 날짜를 정해졌어요 is a glaring grammatical error. It must be 날짜가 정해졌어요. Paying close attention to these particle shifts will drastically improve your grammatical accuracy.

어떤 옷을 입을지 정하다.

By actively practicing the correct structures—using object particles, utilizing the -기로 pattern for actions, embracing the 마음 idiom, and respecting the passive voice rules—you will navigate the complexities of this word with confidence and precision, avoiding the pitfalls that trap many beginners.

The Korean language is incredibly rich in vocabulary related to choices, decisions, and selections. While 정하다 is the most common and versatile word for 'to decide', there are several other verbs that share similar meanings but carry distinct nuances, levels of formality, and specific use cases. Understanding the differences between these alternatives is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker, allowing you to express your thoughts with pinpoint accuracy. Let us explore the most important synonyms and alternatives.

중요한 문제를 결정하다.

결정하다 (To decide officially): The most direct synonym is 결정하다. While they are often interchangeable, 결정하다 sounds slightly more formal, official, and weighty. You might use 정하다 for deciding what to eat for lunch, but you would use 결정하다 when a company decides on a merger, or a judge makes a ruling. It implies a final, conclusive decision after careful deliberation.

여러 가지 옷 중에서 하나를 고르다.

고르다 (To pick / To choose): Another crucial alternative is 고르다. This word specifically means 'to pick' or 'to choose' from a set of visible or known options. If you are standing in front of a display case of cakes and you point to one, you are using 고르다. 정하다 is broader; you can use it to decide a concept (like a time or a rule) that doesn't physically exist in front of you.

최고의 후보를 선택하다.

Closely related to 고르다 is the word 선택하다. This also means 'to select' or 'to choose', but it is derived from Hanja and sounds more formal and academic. You would use 선택하다 on a multiple-choice test, or when making a significant life choice like selecting a career path. It implies a rational, calculated selection process among various alternatives, whereas 고르다 can be a simple, casual pick.

매일 운동하기로 결심하다.

결심하다 (To resolve / To make up one's mind): When the decision is internal, emotional, or requires willpower, the best word is 결심하다. This translates to 'to resolve' or 'to make a firm resolution'. You use this when you decide to quit smoking, start a diet, or study hard. It is about setting your own internal determination, rather than organizing external logistics like times or dates.

드디어 마음을 먹다.

Finally, there is the highly idiomatic expression 마음을 먹다, which literally translates to 'to eat one's mind'. This is a colorful, native Korean way of saying 'to make up one's mind' or 'to firmly resolve to do something'. It is very similar in meaning to 결심하다 but is used more frequently in casual, spoken Korean to express a strong personal commitment to an action. By mastering these subtle distinctions, you will be able to navigate any situation requiring a choice with the exact right vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Because the root 定 means 'fixed', it appears in many other Korean words related to stability or correctness, such as 정답 (fixed/correct answer) and 안정 (peace/stability).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /t͡ɕʌŋ.ɦa.da/

US /dʒʌŋ.hɑ.dɑ/

In Korean, there is no strong word stress like in English, but the pitch often rises slightly on the second syllable in standard Seoul dialect.

Rima com

성하다 청하다 명하다 통하다 구하다 원하다 편하다 변하다

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'j' (ㅈ) too hard like an English 'J'. It should be softer, closer to a 'ch' sound.
Over-enunciating the 'h' (ㅎ) in 하. It should be very light, almost silent in fast speech.
Putting heavy stress on the first syllable. Keep the syllables relatively even in length.
Mispronouncing the vowel ㅓ (eo) as an English 'o'. It should be more open, like the 'uh' in 'uh-oh'.
Failing to link the sounds smoothly. It should flow as one continuous word, not three separate blocks.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Very easy to read and recognize. The Hanja root is common.

Escrita 3/5

Spelling is simple, but remembering to use the correct object particle (을/를) instead of location particles takes practice.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but conjugating it quickly with -기로 or -지 forms requires mental agility.

Audição 4/5

Because the 'h' sound is weak, it can blend into surrounding words, making it hard to catch in fast, natural speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

시간 (time) 장소 (place) 하다 (to do) 을/를 (object particles) 어디 (where)

Aprenda a seguir

결정하다 (to decide officially) 고르다 (to pick) 약속하다 (to promise/make an appointment) 바꾸다 (to change) 취소하다 (to cancel)

Avançado

확정하다 (to finalize) 채택하다 (to adopt) 결심하다 (to resolve) 지정하다 (to designate) 타협하다 (to compromise)

Gramática essencial

Object Particles (을/를)

시간을 정하다 (NOT 시간에 정하다)

Verb Stem + 기로 하다/정하다 (Deciding to do an action)

내일 영화를 보기로 정했어요.

Question Word + (으)ㄹ지 (Uncertainty clause)

무엇을 먹을지 안 정했어요.

Passive Voice (-아/어지다)

날짜가 정해졌어요. (The date was decided)

Noun + (으)로 (Selection from options)

회의 시간을 3시로 정했습니다.

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Exemplos por nível

우리 시간을 정해요.

Let's decide the time.

시간 (time) + 을 (object particle) + 정해요 (polite present tense).

메뉴를 정합시다.

Let's decide the menu.

메뉴 (menu) + 를 (object particle) + 정합시다 (formal suggestive).

장소를 정했어요?

Did you decide the place?

장소 (place) + 를 (object particle) + 정했어요 (polite past tense question).

이름을 정했어요.

I decided the name.

이름 (name) + 을 (object particle) + 정했어요 (polite past tense).

날짜를 정해요.

Let's decide the date.

날짜 (date) + 를 (object particle) + 정해요 (polite present tense).

아직 안 정했어요.

I haven't decided yet.

아직 (yet) + 안 (negative adverb) + 정했어요 (past tense).

빨리 정하세요.

Please decide quickly.

빨리 (quickly) + 정하세요 (polite imperative).

제가 정할게요.

I will decide.

제가 (I/subject) + 정할게요 (polite future intention).

내일 영화를 보기로 정했어요.

I decided to watch a movie tomorrow.

Verb stem (보) + 기로 정하다 (decided to do).

무엇을 먹을지 정했어요?

Did you decide what to eat?

무엇을 (what) + 먹을지 (to eat - uncertain) + 정하다.

어디로 여행 갈지 정합시다.

Let's decide where to travel.

어디로 (where to) + 갈지 (to go - uncertain) + 정하다.

회의 시간을 두 시로 정했습니다.

We set the meeting time for 2 o'clock.

Noun (두 시) + 로 (particle: as/to) + 정하다.

이번 주말에 만나기로 정했어요.

We decided to meet this weekend.

만나다 (to meet) -> 만나기로 정하다.

아직 전공을 정하지 않았어요.

I haven't decided my major yet.

정하지 않다 is the long form negation of 정하다.

우리는 규칙을 새로 정했어요.

We established new rules.

새로 (newly) acts as an adverb modifying the verb.

누가 갈지 빨리 정해 주세요.

Please decide quickly who will go.

누가 (who) + 갈지 (will go) + 정해 주다 (to decide for someone).

올해의 목표를 구체적으로 정했습니다.

I have set my goals for this year specifically.

구체적으로 (specifically) modifies the verb to show how the decision was made.

결혼식 날짜가 드디어 정해졌어요.

The wedding date has finally been decided.

Passive form: 정해지다. The object becomes the subject (날짜가).

회사에서 새로운 정책을 정하려고 합니다.

The company is planning to establish a new policy.

-려고 하다 indicates an intention or plan to decide.

여행 코스를 정하는 것은 항상 어려워요.

Deciding the travel itinerary is always difficult.

정하는 것 turns the verb into a noun phrase acting as the subject.

마음을 정했으면 이제 행동으로 옮기세요.

If you have made up your mind, now put it into action.

마음을 정하다 is an idiom meaning 'to make up one's mind'.

가격을 얼마로 정할지 고민 중입니다.

I am contemplating how much to set the price at.

얼마로 (at what amount) + 정할지 (to set).

순서를 정해서 한 명씩 발표합시다.

Let's decide the order and present one by one.

정해서 connects two actions: deciding the order, then presenting.

아직 방향이 정해지지 않아서 답답해요.

I feel frustrated because the direction hasn't been decided yet.

Passive negative: 정해지지 않다.

위원회에서 다음 달 예산을 최종적으로 정할 예정입니다.

The committee plans to finally determine next month's budget.

최종적으로 (finally/ultimately) + 정할 예정 (plan to decide).

기준을 명확히 정하지 않으면 나중에 문제가 생길 수 있습니다.

If we don't set clear standards, problems may arise later.

Conditional clause: -지 않으면 (if not).

어느 대학에 진학할지 스스로 정해야 할 시기입니다.

It is the time when you must decide for yourself which university to enter.

스스로 (by oneself) emphasizes independence in decision making.

이미 정해진 규칙을 마음대로 바꿀 수는 없습니다.

You cannot arbitrarily change rules that have already been established.

정해진 (established) acts as an adjective modifying 규칙 (rules).

양측의 합의를 통해 계약 조건을 정하기로 했습니다.

We decided to set the contract terms through mutual agreement.

-를 통해 (through) shows the method of deciding.

휴가 일정을 정하느라 팀원들과 오랫동안 회의를 했습니다.

We had a long meeting with team members because we were deciding the vacation schedule.

-느라 indicates the cause of a negative or time-consuming result.

한 번 마음을 정했으니 끝까지 포기하지 않겠습니다.

Since I have made up my mind once, I will not give up until the end.

-으니 (since/because) connects the decision to the resulting determination.

우선순위를 정하는 것이 시간 관리의 핵심입니다.

Setting priorities is the core of time management.

우선순위 (priority) is a common B2 level collocation.

정부의 부동산 정책 방향이 아직 명확하게 정해지지 않아 시장의 혼란이 가중되고 있다.

The direction of the government's real estate policy has not yet been clearly determined, adding to market confusion.

Complex sentence structure typical of news reports, using passive voice.

개인의 가치관은 무엇이 옳고 그른지를 정하는 중요한 척도가 된다.

Personal values become an important criterion for determining what is right and wrong.

무엇이 옳고 그른지 (what is right and wrong) acts as the object clause.

이 사안은 단독으로 정할 문제가 아니라 이사회 전체의 동의가 필요합니다.

This issue is not a matter to be decided solely; it requires the consent of the entire board of directors.

단독으로 (solely/independently) + 정할 문제 (a problem to decide).

어떤 기준을 적용하느냐에 따라 승패가 정해지는 미묘한 상황입니다.

It is a delicate situation where victory or defeat is determined depending on what criteria are applied.

-느냐에 따라 (depending on) + 정해지다 (passive).

그는 오랜 방황 끝에 마침내 자신의 진로를 정하고 학업에 매진하기 시작했다.

After a long period of wandering, he finally decided on his career path and began to devote himself to his studies.

진로를 정하다 (to decide a career path) is a high-level collocation.

법률의 테두리 안에서 처벌의 수위를 정하는 것은 판사의 고유 권한이다.

Determining the level of punishment within the boundaries of the law is the inherent authority of the judge.

수위를 정하다 (to determine the level/degree).

운명이 이미 정해져 있다고 믿는 사람들은 종종 삶에 대해 수동적인 태도를 취한다.

People who believe that destiny is already determined often take a passive attitude towards life.

정해져 있다 (to be in a state of having been decided).

서로의 이해관계가 얽혀 있어 타협점을 정하기가 여간 까다로운 것이 아니다.

Because mutual interests are intertwined, finding a point of compromise is extremely difficult.

타협점을 정하다 (to set a point of compromise).

헌법은 국가의 기본 질서를 정하는 최고의 규범으로서 모든 법률의 근간이 된다.

The Constitution, as the supreme norm that establishes the basic order of the state, forms the foundation of all laws.

Highly formal, academic language using 정하는 as an adjectival modifier.

언어의 의미는 고정불변하게 정해진 것이 아니라 사회적 합의에 의해 끊임없이 변화한다.

The meaning of language is not fixed and immutably determined, but constantly changes through social consensus.

고정불변하게 (immutably) + 정해진 것 (a decided thing).

해당 조약의 구체적인 이행 방안을 정함에 있어 양국 간의 치열한 외교전이 예상된다.

A fierce diplomatic battle is expected between the two countries in determining the specific implementation plans of the treaty.

-함에 있어 (in doing so) is a highly formal written grammar structure.

인간의 자유의지와 미리 정해진 숙명론 사이의 철학적 논쟁은 수 세기 동안 지속되어 왔다.

The philosophical debate between human free will and predetermined fatalism has continued for centuries.

미리 정해진 (predetermined) used in a philosophical context.

기업의 존망을 정할 수도 있는 중대한 결단인 만큼, 최고경영자의 심사숙고가 요구된다.

As it is a crucial decision that could determine the survival or demise of the company, the deep contemplation of the CEO is required.

존망을 정하다 (to determine survival or demise).

예술 작품의 가치를 정하는 절대적인 기준이 존재하는가에 대한 미학적 담론은 여전히 현재 진행형이다.

The aesthetic discourse on whether an absolute standard for determining the value of a work of art exists is still ongoing.

가치를 정하는 (determining the value) in an academic discourse.

역사적 사건의 성격을 어떻게 정하느냐는 후대 사가들의 역사관에 크게 좌우된다.

How the nature of a historical event is determined depends heavily on the historical perspective of later historians.

성격을 정하다 (to define/determine the nature or character).

이 규정은 예외적인 상황에서의 절차를 명확히 정함으로써 행정의 자의성을 배제하고자 제정되었다.

This regulation was enacted to exclude arbitrariness in administration by clearly establishing procedures in exceptional situations.

-음으로써 (by means of doing) + 정하다.

Colocações comuns

시간을 정하다

장소를 정하다

날짜를 정하다

메뉴를 정하다

규칙을 정하다

목표를 정하다

이름을 정하다

방향을 정하다

마음을 정하다

순서를 정하다

Frases Comuns

아직 안 정했어요.

— I haven't decided yet. Used when you are still thinking about a choice.

메뉴를 아직 안 정했어요.

어떻게 정할까요?

— How shall we decide? Used to ask for suggestions on the decision-making process.

시간을 어떻게 정할까요?

정해진 시간에

— At the set time. Used to refer to an appointment or deadline.

정해진 시간에 도착해 주세요.

네가 정해.

— You decide. Used informally to give the other person the power to choose.

나는 다 좋아. 네가 정해.

마음대로 정하지 마.

— Don't decide arbitrarily. Used to warn someone not to make a decision without consulting others.

혼자 마음대로 정하지 마세요.

가기로 정했어요.

— I decided to go. A standard pattern for deciding to do an action.

내일 파티에 가기로 정했어요.

무엇을 할지 정하다.

— To decide what to do. Used when plans are completely open.

주말에 무엇을 할지 정합시다.

정해진 운명.

— Predetermined destiny. A philosophical or dramatic phrase.

그것은 정해진 운명입니다.

규칙대로 정하다.

— To decide according to the rules. Used in formal or competitive settings.

모든 것은 규칙대로 정합니다.

다시 정합시다.

— Let's decide again. Used when a previous decision needs to be changed.

계획이 취소되었으니 날짜를 다시 정합시다.

Frequentemente confundido com

정하다 vs 결정하다

결정하다 is more formal and official. 정하다 is for everyday things like time and food.

정하다 vs 고르다

고르다 means to pick from visible options (like picking a shirt). 정하다 is broader and includes abstract concepts (like setting a rule).

정하다 vs 결심하다

결심하다 is for internal, emotional resolutions (like deciding to quit smoking). 정하다 is for external logistics.

Expressões idiomáticas

"마음을 정하다"

— To make up one's mind. Literally 'to decide the heart'.

어느 대학에 갈지 마음을 정했어요.

Neutral

"갈피를 못 잡다"

— To be unable to decide or find direction. Literally 'cannot catch the page mark'.

너무 복잡해서 갈피를 못 잡겠어요.

Neutral

"도장을 찍다"

— To finalize a decision, usually a contract or marriage. Literally 'to stamp a seal'.

드디어 계약서에 도장을 찍었습니다.

Informal/Business

"못을 박다"

— To make a firm, unchangeable decision or statement. Literally 'to drive a nail'.

그는 안 가겠다고 못을 박았어요.

Informal

"주사위는 던져졌다"

— The decision is made and cannot be reversed. Literally 'the die is cast'.

이미 주사위는 던져졌으니 최선을 다합시다.

Literary/Dramatic

"결판을 내다"

— To bring something to a final decision or conclusion, often a dispute.

오늘 이 문제의 결판을 냅시다.

Informal/Aggressive

"마음을 굳히다"

— To firm up one's decision. Literally 'to harden the mind'.

그 회사로 이직하기로 마음을 굳혔어요.

Neutral

"가닥을 잡다"

— To begin to find a direction or make a preliminary decision. Literally 'to catch a strand'.

수사 방향의 가닥을 잡았습니다.

Journalistic

"종지부를 찍다"

— To put an end to something or make a final decision. Literally 'to put a period'.

오랜 논쟁에 종지부를 찍었습니다.

Formal/Literary

"뜻을 세우다"

— To set a goal or resolve to achieve something significant. Literally 'to establish one's will'.

젊은 시절에 큰 뜻을 세워야 합니다.

Formal/Inspirational

Fácil de confundir

정하다 vs 결정하다

Both translate to 'decide'.

결정하다 uses Hanja and sounds much more formal and weighty. You 정하다 a lunch menu, but a judge 결정하다 a verdict.

메뉴를 정하다 (O) / 메뉴를 결정하다 (A bit too formal for lunch)

정하다 vs 고르다

Both can mean 'choose'.

고르다 is a physical or direct selection from a set of items. 정하다 is establishing a plan or parameter.

옷을 고르다 (Pick a shirt) / 시간을 정하다 (Set a time)

정하다 vs 선택하다

Both mean 'select/decide'.

선택하다 is formal and implies a logical choice between clear alternatives (like A, B, or C).

전공을 선택하다 (Select a major)

정하다 vs 결심하다

Both mean 'decide/resolve'.

결심하다 is strictly for personal determination and willpower. You cannot '결심하다' a meeting time.

다이어트를 결심하다 (Resolve to diet)

정하다 vs 마음을 먹다

Idiom for deciding.

마음을 먹다 is an informal idiom meaning to make up your mind to do something difficult.

공부하기로 마음을 먹다 (Made up my mind to study)

Padrões de frases

[Noun]을/를 정하다

시간을 정해요.

[Verb Stem]기로 정하다

공부하기로 정했어요.

[Question Word] + (으)ㄹ지 정하다

어디 갈지 정합시다.

[Noun]이/가 정해지다

규칙이 정해졌어요.

[Noun](으)로 정하다

장소를 서울로 정했습니다.

정해진 [Noun]

정해진 시간에 오세요.

[Clause]느냐에 따라 정해지다

어떻게 하느냐에 따라 결과가 정해집니다.

[Noun]을/를 정함에 있어

기준을 정함에 있어 주의가 필요하다.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

결정 (decision)

정부 (government - related root)

정답 (correct answer - related root)

Verbos

결정하다 (to decide)

정해지다 (to be decided)

지정하다 (to designate)

Adjetivos

일정하다 (to be consistent/fixed)

특정하다 (to be specific)

Relacionado

정확하다 (to be accurate)

정상 (normal)

정식 (formal/official)

안정 (stability)

고정 (fixation)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Top 500 most common words in spoken Korean.

Erros comuns

시간에 정했어요. → 시간을 정했어요.
English speakers translate 'decide ON a time' and use the location particle 에. This is wrong. 정하다 needs a direct object particle (을/를).
한국에 가는 것을 정했어요. → 한국에 가기로 정했어요.
While '가는 것' turns the verb into a noun, it sounds very unnatural. To say 'decided to do', you must use the -기로 정하다 pattern.
날짜를 정해졌어요. → 날짜가 정해졌어요.
When using the passive form 정해지다 (to be decided), the noun becomes the subject. You must change the object particle (를) to the subject particle (가).
생각을 정했어요. → 마음을 정했어요.
To say 'I made up my mind', learners often translate 'thoughts' (생각). In Korean, the correct idiom uses 'heart/mind' (마음).
식당에서 옷을 정했어요. → 식당에서 옷을 골랐어요.
When physically picking an item from a selection (like clothes in a store), you should use 고르다 (to pick), not 정하다.

Dicas

Watch Your Particles

Never use 에 (at/to) with this verb. Always use 을/를. It is 시간을 정하다, not 시간에 정하다.

Soften the 'H'

When speaking quickly, the ㅎ in 하 becomes very weak. Pronounce it more like 'jung-a-da' to sound like a native speaker.

Learn the Passive

Native speakers love the passive voice. Memorize '정해졌어요' (It has been decided) to sound much more advanced.

Be Collaborative

Instead of saying '내가 정할게' (I will decide), try '우리 같이 정해요' (Let's decide together) to respect Korean group dynamics.

The -기로 Pattern

To say you decided TO DO something, always use -기로. 공부하기로 정했어요 (Decided to study).

Upgrade for Business

If you are writing a formal email, swap 정하다 for 결정하다. It instantly makes your writing look more professional.

Catch the Question Words

Listen for words like 언제 (when), 어디 (where), or 무엇 (what) before the verb. They signal that a decision is being negotiated.

Decide Your Heart

Use the phrase 마음을 정하다 when you finally make a tough personal choice. It shows deep emotional resolve.

The -지 Clause

Use -지 to express uncertainty. 무엇을 먹을지 (what to eat) + 정하다 (decide). This is crucial for making plans.

The 'Not Yet' Phrase

Memorize '아직 안 정했어요' (Haven't decided yet). It buys you time when someone asks you a question you can't answer yet.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine you are in the JUNGLE (정) and you HAVE (하) to DECIDE (다) which path to take to survive. JUNG-HA-DA = Decide.

Associação visual

Picture a judge banging a gavel. The sound it makes is 'JUNG!'. When the gavel hits, the decision is made (HA-DA).

Word Web

정하다 (Center) 시간 (Time) 장소 (Place) 메뉴 (Menu) 결정하다 (Synonym) 고르다 (Synonym) 정해지다 (Passive) 규칙 (Rule)

Desafio

Next time you go out to eat with friends, try to be the one who finalizes the choice. Point to the menu and say '이걸로 정했어요' (I decided on this one).

Origem da palavra

The word 정하다 is a native Korean verb formation that utilizes the Sino-Korean (Hanja) root 定 (정). The character 定 originally depicts a house or building under a roof, symbolizing something that is settled, fixed, or at peace. The native Korean verb suffix -하다 (to do) was attached to this root to create the active verb.

Significado original: Historically, it meant to stabilize, to pacify, or to fix something firmly in place so that it would not move or change.

Sino-Korean root combined with native Korean verb suffix.

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to use the imperative form '정해!' (Decide!) with anyone older than you or in a higher position, as it sounds extremely demanding and disrespectful. Always use polite forms like '정해 주세요' (Please decide).

English speakers tend to use 'decide' very actively and individually ('I decided'). Koreans use passive forms ('It was decided') or plural forms ('We decided') much more frequently to sound polite and collaborative.

The popular K-drama trope where the male lead grabs the female lead's wrist and says '내가 정했어' (I decided), though this is considered outdated and overly aggressive in modern society. Variety shows like 'Running Man' where cast members constantly yell '빨리 정해!' (Decide quickly!) during games. The famous Korean proverb '시작이 반이다' (Starting is half the battle), which implies that making the initial decision (정하다) to start is the hardest part.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Making Social Plans

시간을 정하다
장소를 정하다
언제 만날지 정하다
메뉴를 정하다

Business Meetings

일정을 정하다
담당자를 정하다
목표를 정하다
예산을 정하다

Personal Goals

목표를 정하다
진로를 정하다
마음을 정하다
규칙을 정하다

Shopping/Dining

메뉴를 정하다
선물을 정하다
색깔을 정하다
사이즈를 정하다

Travel Planning

날짜를 정하다
목적지를 정하다
숙소를 정하다
코스를 정하다

Iniciadores de conversa

"이번 주말에 우리 어디로 놀러 갈지 정했어요?"

"오늘 점심 메뉴는 누가 정할까요?"

"올해 꼭 이루고 싶은 목표를 정하셨나요?"

"여행 갈 때 계획을 꼼꼼하게 정하는 편인가요?"

"가장 정하기 어려운 결정은 무엇이었나요?"

Temas para diário

오늘 하루의 일정을 어떻게 정했는지 적어보세요.

최근에 내린 가장 중요한 결정(정한 일)에 대해 써보세요.

만약 내일 여행을 간다면 어디로 갈지 정하고 이유를 설명해보세요.

자신만의 특별한 삶의 규칙을 정한다면 무엇으로 할 것인가요?

결정을 내리기(정하기) 어려울 때 당신은 어떻게 하나요?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, this is a very common mistake. 정하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it needs a direct object. You must use 을 or 를. Always say 시간을 정하다. You are deciding the time, not deciding 'at' the time.

They mean the same thing, but 결정하다 is more formal and official. Use 정하다 for everyday plans with friends (food, time, place). Use 결정하다 for business, legal matters, or very important life choices.

You use the grammar pattern -기로 하다/정하다. Take the verb stem 가 (from 가다), add 기로, and then add 정했어요. So, 가기로 정했어요 means 'I decided to go'.

You need to use the passive form, which is 정해지다. In the past tense, it becomes 정해졌어요. Remember to change the object particle (을/를) to a subject particle (이/가). Example: 날짜가 정해졌어요 (The date has been decided).

It's better to use 고르다 (to pick/choose) when selecting a physical item from a group of options in front of you. 정하다 is better for abstract things like times, rules, or concepts.

It means 'I haven't decided yet'. 아직 means 'yet', 안 is the negative 'not', and 정했어요 is the past tense of decide. It's a very useful phrase when you are still thinking.

You can say '정하셨어요?' (Did you decide?) or '결정하셨어요?' (Have you decided?). If you are at a restaurant, the waiter might ask '메뉴 정하셨나요?'.

It is an idiom that literally translates to 'decide the heart/mind'. It means to make up your mind about an emotional or difficult personal choice.

It is a completely regular verb ending in -하다. It conjugates very predictably: 정해요 (present), 정했어요 (past), 정할 거예요 (future).

Yes, absolutely. 목표를 정하다 (to set a goal) is a very common and natural collocation in Korean.

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