Suh ChangWhoon
Written by 서 창훈, a certified Korean teacher with 14+ years of experience in Japan. He previously worked as a government officer, cybersecurity consultant, and English interpreter. Today, he teaches Korean in real classrooms without complex grammar explanations — instead, he trains students’ brains to speak naturally. His unique method is now the foundation of all his Korean courses.
Table of Contents
마음을 먹다 Meaning
The Korean expression 마음을 먹다 is an idiomatic phrase that translates to “to make up one’s mind” or “to decide” in English. It’s a versatile expression often used when someone resolves to do something, whether it’s a big life decision or a simple daily choice.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the meaning, usage, and cultural nuance of this phrase, along with some practical examples to help you understand and use 마음을 먹다 Meaning in English effectively.
What does 마음을 먹다 mean?
When to Use 마음을 먹다?
You can use 마음을 먹다 in situations where you:
- Make a firm decision to do something.
- Resolve to overcome a challenge.
- Commit to changing your habits or starting something new.
마음을 먹다 Example
- Here are a few examples to show how 마음을 먹다 Meaning in English is used in real-life situations:
Simple Daily Decisions
Original Korean Sentence
오늘은 집에서 쉬기로 마음을 먹었어.
Pronunciation Guide
오느른 (o-neu-reun) 지베서 (ji-be-seo) 쉬기로 (swi-gi-ro) 마으믈 (ma-eu-meul) 머것써 (meo-geot-sseo).
Meaning and Context
오늘 (today) 은 (my topic is today) 집 (home) 에서 (at) 쉬 (to rest) 기로 (to (decide)) 마음을 먹 (to make up my mind) 었 (past tense) 어(I’m telling you casually).
Grammar
* -기로 마음을 먹었다: to decide
English Translation
I decided to rest at home today.
Literal Translation
(I) decided to rest at home today.
Expressing Excitement
Original Korean Sentence
드디어 가고 싶었던 콘서트 티켓을 사기로 마음을 먹었어!
Pronunciation Guide
드디어 (deu-di-eo) 가고 (ga-go) 싶었던 (si-peo-tteon) 콘서트 (kon-seo-teu) 티켓 (ti-ket) 을 (eul) 사 (sa) 기로 (gi-ro) 마음을 (ma-eu-meul) 먹었어 (meo-geo-sseo)!
Meaning and Context
드디어 (finally) 가고 싶었던 (wanted to go) 콘서트 (concert) 티켓 (ticket) 을 (my object is a ticket) 사 (to buy) 기로 (to (decide)) 마음을 먹 (to make up my mind) 었 (past tense) 어 (I’m telling you casually)!
English Translation
I’ve finally decided to buy the concert tickets I wanted so badly!
Literal Translation
(I)’ve finally decided to buy concert ticket (I) wanted to go!
This is just a small taste of my sentence breakdowns.
My “Story Style Breakdown™” method — where I teach grammar through simple, story-like sentence breakdowns—is only inside my course.
Most Korean courses stop at grammar. Mine goes beyond — with stories, breakdowns, and real practice to help you speak.
Resisting Temptation
Original Korean Sentence
다이어트 때문에 디저트를 안 먹기로 마음을 먹었어.
Pronunciation Guide
다이어트 (da-i-eo-teu) 때무네 (ddae-mu-ne) 디저트를 (di-jeo-teu-reul) 안 (an) 먹끼로 (meok-ggi-ro) 마으믈 (ma-eu-meul) 머것써 (meo-geot-sseo).
Meaning and Context
다이어트 (diet) 때문에 (because of) 디저트 (dessert) 를 (my object is dessert) 안 (not) 먹 (to eat) 기로 (to (decide)) 마음을 먹 (to make up my mind) 었 (past tense) 어 (I’m telling you casually).
English Translation
I decided not to eat dessert because of my diet.
Literal Translation
(I) decided not to eat dessert because of diet.
Overcoming Hesitation
Original Korean Sentence
오랜 고민 끝에 유학을 가기로 마음을 먹었어요.
Pronunciation Guide
오랜 (o-ren) 고민 (go-min) 끄테 (kkeu-te) 유하글 (yu-ha-geul) 가기로 (ga-gi-ro) 마으믈 (ma-eu-meul) 머것써요 (meo-geot-sseo-yo).
Meaning and Context
오랜 (a long time of) 고민 (consideration) 끝에 (at last) 유학 (to study abroad) 을 (my object is studying abroad) 가 (to go) 기로 (to (decide)) 마음을 먹 (to make up my mind) 었 (past tense) 어요. (I’m telling you polite and friendly).
Grammar
끝에: at the end of/ after.
English Translation
After much thought, I’ve decided to study abroad.
Literal Translation
After long time consideration, (I)’ve decided to go study abroad.
Cultural Insight
In Korean culture, decisions are often made with a strong emotional component, which is why the word 마음 (mind/heart) is emphasized in the expression “마음을 먹다.” Understanding the **마음을 먹다 meaning** reveals that it’s not just about logic but also about aligning your feelings and determination when making a firm decision.
Synonyms for 마음을 먹다
Example
If you want to use other expressions with similar meanings, try these:
- 결심하다: To resolve (more formal).
- 다짐하다: To vow or pledge.
- 각오하다: To prepare oneself mentally (usually for challenges).
Conclusion: Mastering 마음을 먹다 meaning
By understanding and using phrases like “마음을 먹다 meaning in English you can express yourself more naturally in Korean and deepen your cultural appreciation. Happy learning!
