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마음을 먹다

A2 noun #3,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

마음을 먹다

ma-eumeul meokda Top 3,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 마음을 먹다 em 30 segundos

Explicação 마음을 먹다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '마음을 먹다' as a special way to say 'I decided.' Even though '먹다' usually means 'to eat' (like eating rice - 밥을 먹다), here it is used with '마음' (mind/heart) to mean making a big decision. You will mostly see it in the past tense: '마음먹었어요' (I decided). For example, if you decide to study Korean today, you can say '한국어 공부하기로 마음먹었어요.' It's a very common phrase that makes you sound more like a native speaker than just using 'decide.' Just remember: Action + 기로 + 마음먹다.

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At the A2 level, you should start using '마음을 먹다' to express personal resolutions and intentions. This phrase is more idiomatic than '결정하다' (to decide). It implies that you have thought about something and finally made a firm choice. A common pattern is 'Verb stem + -기로 마음을 먹다.' For instance, '내일부터 운동하기로 마음먹었어요' (I've decided to exercise from tomorrow). Notice that in casual speech, the particle '를' is often omitted. You should also recognize the adverb '단단히' (firmly) which often comes before the phrase to show strong determination.

At the B1 level, you can appreciate the nuance between '마음을 먹다' and its synonyms like '결심하다.' While '결심하다' is a formal Sino-Korean word, '마음을 먹다' is a native Korean idiom that carries more emotional weight. It suggests an internal process of 'internalizing' a decision. You can use it in various forms, such as '마음먹은 대로' (as one intended) or '마음먹기에 달렸다' (it depends on your mindset). At this level, you should be able to use it to describe life changes, such as moving, changing jobs, or starting a difficult hobby, emphasizing the personal willpower involved.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '마음을 먹다' in complex sentences and understanding its role in Korean rhetorical style. It often appears in motivational contexts or discussions about psychology and willpower. You might encounter it in literature or news features describing a person's grit. You should also understand related idiomatic expressions like '독하게 마음먹다' (to resolve fiercely/coldly) and how they differ in register from the standard phrase. This level involves using the phrase to express not just simple decisions, but the internal struggle and eventual commitment to a significant path.

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At the C1 level, '마음을 먹다' becomes a tool for nuanced expression of human agency and determination. You should understand its metaphorical depth—how 'eating' the mind signifies the complete absorption of a purpose into one's identity. You can analyze its use in classical and modern literature to signify a character's turning point. Furthermore, you should be able to contrast it with more obscure terms like '뜻을 세우다' or '작정하다' in terms of social register and historical connotation. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how '마음' functions as the seat of both emotion and will in the Korean linguistic framework.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '마음을 먹다' and its socio-linguistic implications. You can use it in high-level debates about free will, destiny, and personal responsibility (e.g., '모든 것이 마음먹기에 달려 있다는 결정론적 사고'). You understand the historical evolution of the verb '먹다' as a functional metaphor for internalizing abstract concepts. You can use the phrase and its derivatives with perfect prosody and cultural accuracy, recognizing when the idiom adds a layer of 'Jeong' (Korean sentiment) or 'Uiji' (willpower) that a standard verb like '결정하다' lacks. You can also play with the idiom in creative writing or sophisticated wordplay.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

마음을 먹다 em 30 segundos

A Korean idiom meaning 'to make up one's mind' or 'to resolve.'
Literally translates to 'to eat one's mind,' implying internalizing a decision.
Commonly used for serious personal goals like dieting, studying, or quitting habits.
Often used with the '-기로' pattern and the adverb '단단히' (firmly).

The Korean expression 마음을 먹다 (ma-eum-eul meok-da) is a fascinating idiomatic verb phrase that literally translates to "to eat one's mind" or "to eat one's heart." However, its actual meaning has nothing to do with consumption and everything to do with determination. It is the quintessential Korean way of saying 'to make up one's mind,' 'to resolve,' or 'to decide firmly.' In the Korean linguistic worldview, the word '마음' (maeum) encompasses the heart, the mind, and the soul. When you 'eat' this mind, you are internalizing a decision, making it a part of your physical and spiritual being. It suggests a level of commitment that goes beyond a simple choice; it implies a resolution that you intend to swallow and keep within you.

Literal Meaning: To eat (먹다) the mind/heart (마음).
Functional Meaning: To form a firm intention or resolve to do something after careful thought.

This phrase is ubiquitous in daily life. Whether someone is deciding to start a diet, quit smoking, move to a new country, or finally confess their feelings to a crush, 마음을 먹다 is the go-to expression. It carries a weight of personal agency. While the word '결정하다' (gyeol-jeong-ha-da) means 'to decide' in a general or administrative sense, 마음을 먹다 feels more personal and internal. It is about the internal struggle and the eventual arrival at a point of no return.

열심히 공부하기로 마음을 먹었어요. (I have made up my mind to study hard.)

The nuance of this phrase often implies that the decision wasn't easy. It suggests a process of overcoming hesitation or doubt. When someone says they finally 'ate their mind,' it signals to the listener that they are serious. It is often used with the grammar pattern -기로 (decided to) to specify the action being resolved. For example, '다이어트하기로 마음먹었어' (I decided to go on a diet). Notice how in casual speech, the object marker '를' is often dropped, turning it into '마음먹다'.

한번 마음을 먹으면 끝까지 해야 해요. (Once you make up your mind, you must see it through to the end.)

Cultural Context: Korean culture emphasizes 'uiji' (willpower). This phrase is the verbal manifestation of exercising that willpower.

In summary, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the internal resolution and the psychological shift from 'thinking about it' to 'doing it.' It is a powerful, evocative, and deeply Korean way to express one's determination.

Using 마음을 먹다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the common patterns it follows. Since it functions as a verb phrase, it needs to be conjugated based on the tense and formality level required by the social context. The most common structure is: [Action Verb + -기로] + 마음을 먹다. This '-기로' suffix acts like 'to' in 'decided to,' linking the action to the resolution.

Common Pattern 1: Verb Stem + 기로 마음(을) 먹다 (Decided to [Verb])
Common Pattern 2: 단단히 마음을 먹다 (To make up one's mind firmly)

Let's look at the conjugation. In the past tense, which is how this phrase is most frequently used (because the decision has already been made), it becomes '마음을 먹었다' (neutral/written), '마음을 먹었어요' (polite), or '마음먹었어' (informal). The use of the adverb '단단히' (firmly/tightly) is a very common collocation, emphasizing that the resolve is unshakable, much like tightening a knot.

새해에는 담배를 끊기로 마음을 먹었습니다. (I have resolved to quit smoking in the New Year.)

Another important aspect is the flexibility of the object marker '를'. In formal writing or emphatic speech, keep it: '마음을 먹다'. In fast, natural conversation, it is almost always dropped: '마음먹다'. It can even be used as a noun-modifying form: '마음먹은 대로' (as one intended/as one made up one's mind). This highlights how the phrase transitions from a verb to a descriptor of one's will.

When using it in questions, you might ask someone, '정말 그렇게 하기로 마음먹었어?' (Have you really made up your mind to do that?). This implies you are checking the depth of their commitment. It is also used in the negative, though less frequently: '아직 마음을 못 먹었어요' (I haven't been able to make up my mind yet). This suggests a state of indecision or lack of courage to commit.

독학으로 한국어를 배우기로 마음먹었어요. (I decided to learn Korean through self-study.)

Key Adverbs: 독하게 (harshly/resolutely), 확실히 (certainly), 이미 (already).

By mastering these patterns, you can express complex intentions and resolutions naturally. Remember that '마음을 먹다' is about the *act* of resolving, whereas '결심하다' is the *fact* of the decision. Use '마음을 먹다' to add a touch of personal emotion and determination to your Korean sentences.

You will encounter 마음을 먹다 in a wide variety of contexts, from heart-wrenching K-drama scenes to motivational speeches and everyday kitchen table conversations. In K-dramas, this phrase is often used during a turning point in the protagonist's journey. For instance, when a character who has been bullied finally decides to stand up for themselves, they might say in a monologue, '이제는 다르게 살기로 마음먹었어' (Now, I've made up my mind to live differently). It marks a psychological shift from victimhood to agency.

In Workplace Settings: A colleague might use it when discussing a career change: '사표를 내기로 마음먹었습니다' (I've resolved to hand in my resignation).
In Personal Relationships: It's used when making big life steps: '그녀에게 프로포즈하기로 마음먹었어요' (I've made up my mind to propose to her).

In the realm of self-improvement and 'Gat-saeng' (living a productive life—a popular Korean trend), you'll hear influencers and YouTubers constantly using this phrase. They might talk about '마음먹기' as a skill—the ability to set one's mind and stick to it. You'll see titles like '마음만 먹으면 당신도 할 수 있다' (If you just make up your mind, you can do it too). This highlights the cultural belief that the mind is the primary engine for any achievement.

어렵게 마음먹고 시작한 일이니까 포기하지 마세요. (Since it's something you started after making a difficult resolution, don't give up.)

In news reports or documentaries, you might hear it used in a more formal tone when describing a public figure's decision to run for office or retire. However, even in these formal contexts, the phrase retains its core sense of an internal, personal commitment. It's also a staple in sports commentary, where an athlete is said to have '마음을 독하게 먹고' (harshly resolved) to win the match after a previous loss.

이번에는 진짜 마음먹고 온 것 같아요. (I think they really came here with a firm resolution this time.)

Common Variety Show Usage: When a celebrity attempts a difficult challenge, the captions often read '큰 마음 먹고 도전!' (Taking a big resolution and challenging!).

Ultimately, 마음을 먹다 is heard wherever there is a story of change, growth, or determination. It is a word that bridges the gap between a thought and an action, making it one of the most expressive parts of the Korean language for describing human will.

While 마음을 먹다 is a common phrase, learners often fall into several traps. The most obvious mistake is a literal interpretation. Beginners might think it refers to some strange psychological cannibalism or a literal physical act. Remember, it is a 100% metaphorical idiom. You are not 'eating' anything; you are 'resolving.'

Mistake 1: Confusing with '결정하다': Using '마음을 먹다' for trivial decisions like what to eat for lunch. It's too heavy for that. Use '결정하다' or '골랐다' instead.
Mistake 2: Wrong Particles: Using '마음이 먹다' (The mind eats) instead of '마음을 먹다' (To eat the mind). The mind is the object of the resolution.

Another common error is the misuse of the verb '먹다' with other nouns where it doesn't fit. While you can 'eat' your mind (resolve) or your age (get older), you cannot 'eat' your plan (계획을 먹다 - incorrect) or 'eat' your goal (목표를 먹다 - incorrect). For plans and goals, you should use '세우다' (to establish). 마음 is uniquely paired with 먹다 in this context.

Incorrect: 점심 메뉴를 마음먹었어요.
Correct: 점심 메뉴를 결정했어요.

Learners also struggle with the placement of the adverb '단단히'. It should come before '마음을', not after the verb. '단단히 마음을 먹다' sounds natural, while '마음을 먹다 단단히' sounds like a poetic afterthought or a mistake. Additionally, be careful not to confuse '마음을 먹다' with '마음에 들다' (to like/to enter the heart). They look similar but have opposite meanings: one is about your will, the other is about your preference.

Incorrect: 한국에 가기로 마음에 들었어요.
Correct: 한국에 가기로 마음먹었어요.

Formality Mismatch: Using the casual '마음먹었어' in a very formal business presentation might seem slightly too personal or colloquial. Use '결심했습니다' for a more professional tone.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll be able to use this powerful idiom like a native speaker, conveying the right amount of gravity and personal resolve in your Korean conversations.

While 마음을 먹다 is a fantastic idiom, there are several other ways to express the idea of deciding or resolving in Korean. Understanding the differences between these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct synonym is 결심하다 (gyeol-sim-ha-da), which is a Sino-Korean word (Hanja: 決心). It literally means 'to decide the heart.' It is more formal and often used in written contexts or serious speeches.

결심하다 (Gyeol-sim-ha-da): More formal than '마음을 먹다'. Used for big life resolutions, official statements, or in books.
결정하다 (Gyeol-jeong-ha-da): To decide on a specific option or course of action. It's more objective and less about internal willpower.

Another interesting alternative is 뜻을 세우다 (tteus-eul se-u-da), which means 'to set one's intention' or 'to establish a purpose.' This is even more formal and often carries a sense of long-term life goals or moral resolutions. For example, a young scholar might '뜻을 세우다' to serve their country. On the other end of the spectrum, we have 작정하다 (jak-jeong-ha-da), which means 'to intend' or 'to be determined,' often with a slightly more aggressive or stubborn nuance.

Comparision:
1. 다이어트하기로 마음먹었어요 (Natural, personal resolution).
2. 다이어트하기로 결심했습니다 (Formal, serious announcement).
3. 다이어트하기로 결정했어요 (Simple choice between options).

For very firm, unshakable resolutions, you might hear 단단히 벼르다 (dan-dan-hi bye-reu-da), which means to wait for an opportunity with a firm resolution, often involving revenge or a significant comeback. This is much more specific than the general '마음을 먹다'. Finally, there is 각오하다 (gak-o-ha-da), which means 'to be prepared for' or 'to brace oneself.' This is used when the decision involves facing a hardship or a difficult consequence.

어떤 결과가 나와도 각오하고 있어요. (I am prepared for whatever result comes, having steeled my mind.)

Quick Reference: 마음을 먹다: Personal/Idiomatic. 결심하다: Formal/Serious. 결정하다: Objective/Choice. 각오하다: Bracing for hardship.

Choosing the right word depends on how much 'heart' (마음) you want to put into the sentence. For most personal resolutions, '마음을 먹다' is the most natural and expressive choice for a learner at the A2-B1 level.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In Korean, 'eating' (먹다) is a versatile metaphor for internalizing something. You 'eat' age to get older, 'eat' a goal to achieve it (in some sports contexts), and even 'eat' an insult (to be insulted).

Guia de pronúncia

UK ma.ɯm.ɯl mʌk.da

US ma.um.ul mʌk.da

The stress is relatively even, but '마음' (ma-eum) and '먹' (meok) carry the most semantic weight and are slightly emphasized.

Rima com

적다 (jeok-da) 죽다 (juk-da) 속다 (sok-da) 꺾다 (kkeok-da) 닦다 (dakk-da) 볶다 (bok-da) 섞다 (seokk-da) 엮다 (yeokk-da)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'eu' (ㅡ) like 'oo' (ㅜ). Keep lips unrounded.
Releasing the final 'k' in 'meok' too strongly. It should be a stop.
Confusing 'meok' with 'mok' (throat).
Over-stressing the object marker 'eul'.
Merging 'ma-eum' into a single syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize once the idiom is learned.

Escrita 3/5

Requires correct use of the '-기로' pattern.

Expressão oral 3/5

Natural delivery requires dropping '를' in casual contexts.

Audição 2/5

Very common in dramas and talk shows.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

마음 먹다 결정 공부 운동

Aprenda a seguir

결심하다 각오하다 뜻을 세우다 작심삼일 마음먹기에 달렸다

Avançado

심산이다 심기일전 배수의 진을 치다 초지일관

Gramática essencial

-기로 하다/먹다

가기로 했어요 / 가기로 마음먹었어요

-은/는 대로

마음먹은 대로 하세요

-기 나름이다

모든 건 마음먹기 나름이에요

-(으)려고

공부하려고 마음먹었어요

-(으)니까 (Causal)

마음먹었으니까 해보세요

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Exemplos por nível

공부하기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to study.

Past tense of 마음먹다.

운동하기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to exercise.

Verb + -기로 pattern.

일찍 일어나기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to wake up early.

Adverb '일찍' used with the phrase.

우유를 마시기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to drink milk.

Simple object usage.

한국에 가기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to go to Korea.

Destination + -에 가기로.

책을 읽기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to read a book.

Object marker '를' is used.

사과를 먹기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to eat an apple.

Double '먹다' (eat apple vs eat mind).

오늘부터 마음먹었어요.

I made up my mind starting today.

Time marker '부터'.

살을 빼기로 마음을 먹었습니다.

I have resolved to lose weight.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

담배를 끊기로 단단히 마음먹었어요.

I firmly decided to quit smoking.

Adverb '단단히' adds emphasis.

한국어를 열심히 배우기로 마음먹었어요.

I decided to learn Korean hard.

Adverb '열심히' modifies the action.

이제부터 다르게 살기로 마음먹었어요.

I've decided to live differently from now on.

Abstract concept of 'living'.

부모님께 말하기로 마음을 먹었나요?

Have you made up your mind to tell your parents?

Interrogative form -나요?

내일은 꼭 일찍 가기로 마음먹었어요.

I've resolved to go early tomorrow for sure.

Emphasis word '꼭'.

새해 계획을 세우고 마음을 먹었어요.

I made a New Year's plan and made up my mind.

Connecting two clauses with -고.

혼자 여행하기로 마음먹는 것은 어려워요.

Making up your mind to travel alone is difficult.

Gerund form '마음먹는 것'.

어렵게 마음을 먹었으니 끝까지 해보세요.

Since you made up your mind with difficulty, try to do it until the end.

Causal connector -(으)니까.

마음먹은 대로 일이 잘 안 풀려요.

Things aren't working out as I intended.

Noun-modifying form '마음먹은'.

그는 유학을 가기로 마음을 굳게 먹었다.

He firmly made up his mind to study abroad.

Adjective '굳게' (firmly) used as adverb.

모든 일은 마음먹기에 달려 있다.

Everything depends on how you make up your mind.

Common expression '-기에 달려 있다'.

독하게 마음먹지 않으면 성공하기 힘들어요.

It's hard to succeed unless you resolve fiercely.

Adverb '독하게' (fierce/hard).

한번 마음먹은 것은 꼭 지키는 편이에요.

I tend to keep what I've once resolved.

Grammar pattern '-는 편이다'.

그녀는 사표를 내기로 마음을 먹고 회사를 떠났다.

She resolved to resign and left the company.

Sequential actions with -고.

다시 시작하기로 마음먹는 게 쉽지 않았어요.

It wasn't easy to make up my mind to start again.

Nominalized phrase as a subject.

죽을 각오로 마음을 먹고 훈련에 임했다.

He engaged in training after resolving with a 'do or die' attitude.

High-level idiom '죽을 각오로'.

그가 마음을 고쳐먹고 성실하게 살기 시작했다.

He changed his mind (re-resolved) and started living sincerely.

Compound verb '고쳐먹다' (to change one's mind/ways).

아무리 어렵더라도 마음만 먹으면 할 수 있습니다.

No matter how hard it is, if you just make up your mind, you can do it.

Concessive '아무리 ~더라도' and conditional '만 먹으면'.

큰 마음 먹고 비싼 카메라를 샀어요.

I took a big resolution (splurged) and bought an expensive camera.

Idiom '큰 마음 먹다' meaning to do something big/expensive.

그는 이번 선거에 출마하기로 마음을 굳혔다.

He solidified his resolution to run in this election.

Synonym-like usage with '굳히다' (solidify).

마음먹은 일을 미루는 것은 좋지 않은 습관입니다.

Delaying things you've resolved to do is a bad habit.

Noun modification and subject marking.

그녀가 마음을 어떻게 먹느냐에 따라 결과가 달라질 것이다.

The result will change depending on how she makes up her mind.

Indirect question pattern '-느냐에 따라'.

자신의 한계를 넘어서기로 마음먹은 순간 기적이 일어났다.

The moment he resolved to go beyond his limits, a miracle happened.

Complex noun clause '~기로 마음먹은 순간'.

세상을 바꾸겠다는 원대한 뜻을 품고 마음을 먹었다.

He resolved with a grand ambition to change the world.

Literary style with '뜻을 품다'.

범죄의 유혹을 뿌리치고 바르게 살기로 마음을 다잡았다.

He steeled his resolve to live uprightly, shaking off the temptation of crime.

Verb '다잡다' (to pull oneself together).

인생의 전환점에서 그는 새로운 도전을 하기로 마음을 굳게 먹었다.

At the turning point of his life, he firmly resolved to take on a new challenge.

Metaphorical 'turning point' usage.

마음을 먹는다는 것은 단순히 생각하는 것과는 차원이 다른 문제다.

Making up one's mind is a matter of a different dimension than simply thinking.

Philosophical comparison.

그는 실패를 거울삼아 다시는 같은 실수를 하지 않기로 마음먹었다.

Using failure as a mirror, he resolved never to make the same mistake again.

Idiom '거울삼아' (taking as a lesson).

그가 마음을 독하게 먹고 수련에 정진한 결과 달인의 경지에 올랐다.

As a result of resolving fiercely and devoting himself to practice, he reached the level of a master.

Formal resultative structure.

사회적 편견에 맞서 싸우기로 마음먹은 그녀의 용기에 박수를 보낸다.

I applaud her courage for resolving to fight against social prejudice.

Complex sentence with nested clauses.

한 치의 망설임도 없이 마음을 먹고 실행에 옮겼다.

Without a single inch of hesitation, he made up his mind and put it into action.

Idiom '한 치의 망설임도 없이'.

인간의 의지가 마음먹기에 따라 운명을 개척할 수 있다는 사실을 증명했다.

He proved the fact that human will can carve out destiny depending on how one resolves.

Academic/Philosophical register.

그는 모든 세속적 욕망을 내려놓고 구도의 길을 걷기로 마음을 먹었다.

He let go of all worldly desires and resolved to walk the path of seeking truth.

Religious/Spiritual context.

마음을 먹는 행위 자체가 뇌의 신경 가소성에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구가 활발하다.

Research on the impact of the act of resolving itself on brain neuroplasticity is active.

Scientific/Formal register.

그는 불의에 타협하지 않고 진실을 밝히기로 마음을 굳건히 먹었다.

He firmly resolved to reveal the truth without compromising with injustice.

Ethical/Legal context.

역사적 대업을 완수하기 위해 그는 죽음을 불사하고 마음을 먹었다.

To complete a great historical task, he resolved even at the risk of death.

Historical/Epic register.

마음을 먹는다는 것의 실존적 의미를 고찰하는 철학적 담론이 이어졌다.

A philosophical discourse contemplating the existential meaning of 'making up one's mind' continued.

Abstract noun usage.

그는 자신의 전 재산을 사회에 환원하기로 큰 마음을 먹고 실천했다.

He took a great resolution to return his entire fortune to society and acted on it.

Philanthropic context.

마음먹은 바를 끝내 이루어내는 집념은 가히 경이로웠다.

The tenacity to finally achieve what he had resolved was truly marvelous.

Literary '바' usage.

Colocações comuns

단단히 마음을 먹다

독하게 마음을 먹다

큰 마음 먹고

마음먹기에 달려 있다

마음먹은 대로

마음을 고쳐먹다

굳게 마음을 먹다

한번 마음먹으면

마음을 먹기까지

마음먹은 김에

Frases Comuns

마음만 먹으면

— If only one decides to do it. Used to encourage someone.

너는 마음만 먹으면 뭐든 할 수 있어.

큰 마음 먹다

— To make a big decision, often involving spending a lot of money or taking a risk.

큰 마음 먹고 비싼 코트를 샀어요.

마음을 고쳐먹다

— To change one's mind for the better or turn over a new leaf.

이제부터는 마음 고쳐먹고 열심히 살게요.

마음먹은 대로 되다

— To go as planned or as one intended.

모든 일이 마음먹은 대로 되었으면 좋겠어요.

마음먹기에 달렸다

— It all depends on your mindset or determination.

성공은 당신이 마음먹기에 달렸습니다.

어렵게 마음먹다

— To make a decision after a lot of struggle or hesitation.

어렵게 마음먹은 일이니 포기하지 마세요.

단단히 마음먹고 오다

— To come with a firm resolution or preparedness.

오늘은 단단히 마음먹고 왔습니다.

마음먹은 바

— What one has resolved to do.

마음먹은 바를 이루기 위해 노력하세요.

마음을 독하게 먹다

— To resolve very fiercely or without mercy towards oneself.

그는 마음을 독하게 먹고 훈련했다.

마음먹기 나름이다

— It depends on how you choose to think/resolve.

세상 일은 다 마음먹기 나름이에요.

Frequentemente confundido com

마음을 먹다 vs 마음에 들다

Means 'to like something.' '마음을 먹다' means 'to decide.'

마음을 먹다 vs 결정하다

'결정하다' is more about choosing between options; '마음을 먹다' is more about personal resolve.

마음을 먹다 vs 마음이 가다

Means 'to be drawn to/interested in something.'

Expressões idiomáticas

"마음을 먹다"

— To make up one's mind (The core idiom).

결국 하기로 마음을 먹었다.

Neutral

"굴뚝같다"

— To strongly desire to do something (often used when one can't actually do it, contrasting with 마음먹다).

가고 싶은 마음은 굴뚝같지만 시간이 없어요.

Informal

"작심삼일"

— A resolution that lasts only three days. (Giving up quickly).

제 다이어트는 항상 작심삼일이에요.

Neutral

"마음이 굴뚝같다"

— Very eager to do something.

도와주고 싶은 마음이 굴뚝같아요.

Informal

"마음을 비우다"

— To clear one's mind of greed or desire.

마음을 비우고 결과를 기다리세요.

Neutral

"마음을 놓다"

— To feel relieved or at ease.

시험이 끝나서 마음을 놓았어요.

Neutral

"마음을 돌리다"

— To change someone's mind or one's own mind.

그녀의 마음을 돌리기가 쉽지 않아요.

Neutral

"마음이 무겁다"

— To have a heavy heart (feel guilty or worried).

거짓말을 해서 마음이 무거워요.

Neutral

"마음이 가볍다"

— To have a light heart (feel relieved).

일을 다 끝내니 마음이 가볍네요.

Neutral

"마음을 잡다"

— To settle down or focus one's mind.

이제 마음 잡고 공부 좀 해라.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

마음을 먹다 vs 결심하다

Both mean 'to decide.'

'결심하다' is formal/Hanja-based; '마음을 먹다' is idiomatic/Native.

새해 결심을 했다 vs 새해에 마음을 먹었다.

마음을 먹다 vs 각오하다

Both involve determination.

'각오하다' implies preparing for something difficult or painful.

고생할 각오를 했다.

마음을 먹다 vs 작정하다

Both mean 'to intend.'

'작정하다' can sound more stubborn or even negative depending on context.

싸우려고 작정했다.

마음을 먹다 vs 다짐하다

Both mean 'to resolve.'

'다짐하다' is like making a promise or a vow to oneself or others.

성공하겠다고 다짐했다.

마음을 먹다 vs 선택하다

Both involve a choice.

'선택하다' is simply 'to select' an item or option.

빨간색을 선택했다.

Padrões de frases

[Action]기로 마음먹었어요.

공부하기로 마음먹었어요.

단단히 마음먹고 [Action].

단단히 마음먹고 운동을 시작했어요.

마음먹은 대로 [Result].

마음먹은 대로 잘 안 돼요.

마음먹기에 달려 있다.

성공은 마음먹기에 달려 있어요.

큰 마음 먹고 [Expensive Action].

큰 마음 먹고 명품 가방을 샀어요.

마음을 독하게 먹지 않으면...

마음을 독하게 먹지 않으면 이길 수 없어요.

마음을 고쳐먹고...

그는 마음을 고쳐먹고 새 사람이 되었다.

마음먹은 바를 이루다.

그는 결국 마음먹은 바를 이루어냈다.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

마음 (mind/heart)

먹기 (the act of eating/resolving)

Verbos

마음먹다 (to resolve - combined form)

고쳐먹다 (to change one's mind)

먹다 (to eat)

Relacionado

결심 (resolution)

의지 (willpower)

결정 (decision)

각오 (preparedness)

다짐 (pledge)

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Korean.

Erros comuns

마음이 먹다 → 마음을 먹다
The mind is the object, not the subject doing the eating.
커피를 마음먹었어요 → 커피를 마시기로 마음먹었어요
You must use the '-기로' pattern with a verb, not just a noun.
마음을 먹다 for choosing lunch → 점심 메뉴를 결정하다
The phrase is too heavy/serious for trivial daily choices.
마음을 먹다 vs 마음에 들다 → Usage depends on meaning
Don't confuse 'deciding' (먹다) with 'liking' (들다).
계획을 마음먹다 → 계획을 세우다
You 'set' (세우다) a plan, but you 'eat' (먹다) your mind/resolution.

Dicas

Use with -기로

Always pair it with '-기로' when you are deciding to do a specific action.

Drop the 'Eul'

In casual talk, say 'ma-eum-meok-eoss-eo' (마음먹었어) to sound more like a local.

Learn 'Dandani'

The adverb '단단히' (firmly) is the best friend of this phrase. Use them together!

Mindset is Key

Remember the phrase '마음먹기 나름' (It's all about your mindset) to encourage friends.

Don't be too dramatic

Avoid using it for choosing a movie or a coffee flavor.

Past Tense

You'll use the past tense '먹었다' 90% of the time because the resolution is usually done.

Context Clues

If you hear it in a drama, look for a character making a life-changing choice.

Internal vs External

Use '마음을 먹다' for internal will and '결정하다' for external choices.

Mind over matter

The phrase reflects the Korean belief that determination can overcome any obstacle.

Eat the thought

Swallowing a thought makes it yours forever. That's '마음을 먹다'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine you have a 'decision' written on a piece of paper. To make it truly part of you, you 'eat' it. Now it's in your '마음' (heart/mind). You've '마음을 먹다'!

Associação visual

Picture a person literally swallowing a glowing heart/brain to represent internalizing a firm resolution.

Word Web

마음 먹다 결심 의지 단단히 기로 계획 성공

Desafio

Try to write three resolutions you made this year using the pattern '[Action]기로 마음먹었어요'.

Origem da palavra

Composed of the native Korean word '마음' (maeum - mind/heart) and '먹다' (meokda - to eat).

Significado original: The literal meaning is 'to eat the mind.'

Koreanic (Native Korean vocabulary).

Contexto cultural

It is a positive, neutral phrase. No specific sensitivities.

The closest English equivalent is 'to make up one's mind,' but the Korean version is more visceral because of the 'eating' metaphor.

Commonly found in K-pop lyrics about determination (e.g., BTS, TWICE). A frequent theme in 'K-Dramas' during character growth arcs. Mentioned in Korean Buddhist teachings regarding the power of the mind.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

New Year's Resolutions

새해 복 많이 받고 마음먹은 대로 하세요
올해는 담배 끊기로 마음먹었어요

Starting a Diet

진짜 이번에는 마음먹고 뺄 거야
마음만 먹으면 살 뺄 수 있어

Career Change

이직하기로 마음을 먹었습니다
큰 마음 먹고 회사를 그만뒀어요

Learning a Skill

한국어 마스터하기로 마음먹었어요
독학하기로 마음먹는 게 쉽지 않네요

Buying something expensive

큰 마음 먹고 질렀어요 (slang for bought)
마음먹고 산 거니까 아껴 써야지

Iniciadores de conversa

"올해 가장 크게 마음먹은 일이 뭐예요?"

"혹시 마음먹은 대로 안 돼서 속상했던 적 있어요?"

"마음만 먹으면 할 수 있는 일이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"어렵게 마음먹고 시작한 취미가 있나요?"

"마음을 고쳐먹게 된 특별한 계기가 있었나요?"

Temas para diário

오늘 내가 새롭게 마음먹은 일에 대해 써보세요. (Write about something you newly resolved to do today.)

'마음먹기에 달렸다'는 말에 동의하나요? 왜 그렇게 생각하는지 적어보세요.

과거에 큰 마음 먹고 샀던 물건에 대한 추억을 써보세요.

자신의 인생에서 가장 힘들게 마음먹었던 결정은 무엇이었나요?

마음먹은 대로 일이 풀리지 않았을 때 어떻게 대처하나요?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Literally, yes. But it's an idiom. In Korean, '먹다' is used for internalizing abstract concepts. So, you are 'consuming' the decision to make it part of you.

Not really. It sounds too dramatic. If you say 'I ate my mind to eat a cookie,' people will laugh. Use '결정하다' or just '먹을래요' for small things.

Yes, it is often written as one word (마음먹다), especially in dictionaries and casual writing, though '마음을 먹다' is also correct.

It means you made a big decision that was likely difficult or expensive. For example, buying a house or quitting a job.

You can say '아직 마음을 못 먹었어요.' This implies you are still struggling to make a firm resolution.

'결심하다' is formal and Sino-Korean. '마음을 먹다' is a native idiom that feels more personal and natural in conversation.

Yes, but usually when talking about personal motivation or big strategic pivots, rather than daily administrative decisions.

It means to change your mind for the better, often used when someone stops being bad and decides to be good.

No. '마음' must be the object. '마음이 먹다' would mean 'the mind eats,' which doesn't make sense here.

Yes, basic usage is A2, but it has nuanced applications all the way to C2.

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