Core Pattern Rule: Predicting Negative Outcomes with -기 십상이다
This pattern is used to express that a negative outcome is very likely or almost certain to happen under specific conditions. It's a strong way to give a warning or make a prediction about an undesirable result.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: Translates to "be likely to," "be prone to," or "it's easy to (do something bad)."
Nuance: The key is that it's almost exclusively used for negative or unwanted consequences. The word 십상 (十常) itself implies something that happens "eight or nine times out of ten," signaling a high probability.
Formation
Simply attach -기 십상이다 to the stem of any verb, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
가다 (to go): 가 + 기 십상이다 → 가기 십상이다
먹다 (to eat): 먹 + 기 십상이다 → 먹기 십상이다
실패하다 (to fail): 실패하 + 기 십상이다 → 실패하기 십상이다
게으르면 실패하기 십상이야. / 서두르면 실수하기 십상이야. / 관리 안 하면 망가지기 십상이야.
Common Combinations: Condition + Consequence
-기 십상이다 is very frequently used as the main clause that follows a conditional clause. This structure sets up a clear cause-and-effect relationship, making it perfect for giving advice or warnings.
Common Conditional Clauses:
-(으)면 (If/When): This is the most common pairing. It describes the action or condition that will lead to the bad result.
따뜻하게 안 입으면... (If you don't dress warmly...)
거짓말하면... (If you lie...)
-아/어서 or -(이)라서 (Because): This explains the reason for the likely negative outcome.
유리라서... (Because it's glass...)
흰색이라... (Because it's white...)
따뜻하게 안 입으면 감기 걸리기 십상이야. / 거짓말하면 들키기 십상이야. / 유리라서 깨지기 십상이에요. / 흰색이라 때 타기 십상이에요.
Synonyms & Differences: -기 쉽다 vs. -기 십상이다
Learners often confuse -기 십상이다 with -기 쉽다, as both can be translated as "it's easy to..." However, their usage is critically different.