Core Pattern Rule: It Depends on How You... (-기 나름이다)
This pattern expresses that the outcome of something is not fixed, but depends on the action or manner of the verb it's attached to. It's equivalent to saying "it depends on how you...", "it's all about how you...", or "it's up to..." in English.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: The result or situation is contingent on the action described by the verb.
When to use: Use it to emphasize that personal effort, perspective, or the way something is done is the deciding factor. It's often used to give advice or make philosophical statements about life, success, or happiness.
Formation
This pattern is very straightforward to form. Simply attach -기 나름이다 to the stem of any action verb.
Verb Stem + -기 나름이다
생각하다 (to think) → 생각하기 나름이다
노력하다 (to make an effort) → 노력하기 나름이다
보다 (to see/look) → 보기 나름이다
행복은 생각하기 나름이야. / 성공은 노력하기 나름이야. / 모든 건 마음먹기 나름이에요.
Common Combinations & Nuance
This pattern often appears in set phrases and with certain types of verbs, carrying a nuance of personal responsibility or empowerment.
Common Verb Types
-기 나름이다 frequently pairs with verbs related to:
Mindset/Thought: 생각하다 (to think), 마음먹다 (to decide), 받아들이다 (to accept)
Action/Effort: 하다 (to do), 노력하다 (to try), 쓰다 (to use), 가꾸다 (to cultivate)
Perception/Expression: 보다 (to see), 말하다 (to say), 해석하다 (to interpret)
The Phrase "It's up to [Person]"
A very common usage is [Person] 하기 나름이다 to mean "It's up to [Person]" or "It depends on what [Person] does."
Example: 결과는 너 하기 나름이야. (The outcome depends on you.)
This highlights that the responsibility for the result lies with that specific person.
모든 건 마음먹기 나름이야. / 받아들이기 나름이에요. / 남자는 여자 하기 나름이야. / 인생은 살기 나름이에요.