Beginner Estimated read: 3 mins

-기로 하다

Used to express a firm decision, resolution, or a promise made with oneself or someone else.

Summary

Equivalent

To decide to / Resolved to

Also: -(으)려고 하다 (Plan to - a plan, not a firm decision)

Example

I promised/decided to watch a movie with my friend on the weekend.

친구와 주말에 영화를 보기로 했어요.

Grammar rules

  • Attach directly to any verb stem.
  • Because a decision is usually made in the past, it is almost always conjugated in the past tense as '-기로 했다' (I decided to) or '-기로 약속했다' (We promised to).
  • It implies a stronger commitment than '-(으)려고 하다'. If you do not follow through, it implies breaking a promise/resolution.

    내일부터 다이어트를 하기로 했어요. (I firmly decided to go on a diet starting tomorrow.)

Patterns

1

All Verbs

Past Decision · Verb Stem + 기로 하다

Example sentences

All Verbs · Past Decision · Verb Stem + 기로 하다

I promised/decided to watch a movie with my friend on the weekend.

친구와 주말에 영화를 보기로 했어요.

All Verbs · Past Decision · Verb Stem + 기로 하다

I have decided to quit smoking this year.

올해는 담배를 끊기로 했습니다.

All Verbs · Past Decision · Verb Stem + 기로 하다

We decided to go to Jeju Island for our honeymoon.

우리는 제주도로 신혼여행을 가기로 했어요.

Conversation

A: You're coming to the gathering tomorrow, right?

내일 모임에 올 거지요?

B: No, I decided not to go to the gathering.

아니요, 모임에 가지 않기로 했어요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct form indicating a firm decision.

Meeting.

Studying.