Core Pattern Rule: Expressing a Firm Decision with -기로 마음먹다
This pattern is used to express a firm decision or resolution to do something. It's stronger than simply saying you've 'decided' to do something; it implies you've made up your mind after some thought or struggle.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: "Resolved to..." or "Made up one's mind to..."
When to use: Use it for significant personal decisions, like quitting a bad habit, starting a new routine, or making a major life change. It emphasizes the strength of your intention.
Formation
This pattern combines a verb with the fixed phrase -기로 마음먹다.
Structure: Verb Stem + -기로 마음먹다
It attaches directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Breakdown:
-기: A nominalizer that turns the verb into a noun-like form (e.g., 하다 → 하기 "doing").
-로: A particle indicating the choice or decision made.
마음(을) 먹다: A common idiom meaning "to make up one's mind."
The script lines all use the past tense, 마음먹었어(요), because you are typically talking about a resolution you have already made.
살 빼기로 마음먹었어. / 담배를 끊기로 마음먹었어요. / 이직하기로 마음먹었어.
Synonyms & Differences: -기로 하다 vs. -기로 마음먹다
Learners often confuse -기로 마음먹다 with a similar pattern, -기로 하다. While both translate to "decided to," they have different nuances.
-기로 하다 (or -기로 했어)
Meaning: "Decided to" or "planned to."
Nuance: This is a general-purpose pattern for any decision, plan, or agreement. It can be a simple, casual choice or a plan made with others. It's neutral and doesn't carry strong emotional weight.
Example: 친구랑 영화 보기로 했어요. (I decided/agreed to see a movie with my friend.)
-기로 마음먹다 (or -기로 마음먹었어)
Meaning: "Resolved to" or "made up one's mind to."
Nuance: This implies a stronger, more personal, and often more difficult decision. It highlights an internal commitment and determination. Using it for a simple plan like watching a movie would sound overly dramatic.