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HOW TO USE -기 마련이다
In Korean, the expression -기 마련이다 is used to talk about things that are natural, expected, or bound to happen.
It’s a useful structure for expressing general truths or inevitable outcomes in daily life and writing.
USING -기 마련이다
The expression -기 마련이다 is used to indicate that something is bound to happen, natural, or inevitable based on logic, experience, or human nature. It conveys a sense of universal truth, common outcome, or expected behavior.
English Equivalents:
- It’s only natural that…
- It’s bound to…
- Usually happens that…
- It’s inevitable that…
This grammar doesn’t usually carry strong emotion like regret (unlike -고 말다), but rather reflects understanding, observation, or wisdom about life.
PATTERN
Verb stem + 기 마련이다
| 사람은 실수하기 마련이에요. | People are bound to make mistakes. |
| 처음에는 누구나 긴장하기 마련이에요. | It’s natural for anyone to be nervous at first. |
| 칭찬을 받으면 기뻐하기 마련이에요. | When praised, people are bound to be happy. |
View More Examples:
| 슬픈 영화를 보면 울기 마련이에요. | Watching a sad movie usually makes people cry. |
| 기대가 크면 실망하기 마련이에요. | When expectations are high, disappointment is natural. |
USEFUL RELATED VOCABULARY
| 화를 내다 | to get angry |
| 웃다 | to laugh |
| 울다 | to cry |
| 긴장하다 | to get nervous |
| 놀라다 | to be surprised |
| 실망하다 | to be disappointed |
| 기뻐하다 | to be glad |
| 걱정하다 | to worry |
| 피곤해하다 | to feel tired |
| 지루해하다 | to feel bored |
| 창피해하다 | to feel embarrassed |
| 감동받다 | to be touched |
| 좋아하다 | to like |
| 무서워하다 | to feel scared |
| 기대하다 | to expect / look forward to |
See More Examples:
| 열심히 일하면 피곤하기 마련이에요. | If you work hard, you’re bound to get tired. |
| 갑자기 큰 소리가 나면 놀라기 마련이에요. | It’s natural to be startled when there’s a loud noise. |
| 오랜만에 만난 친구를 보면 반갑기 마련이에요. | It’s only natural to be happy to see a friend after a long time. |
| 실수하면 창피해하기 마련이에요. | When you make a mistake, it’s natural to feel embarrassed. |
| 걱정이 많으면 잠을 못 자기 마련이에요. | If you worry too much, you’re bound to have trouble sleeping. |
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FAQs
What does -기 마련이다 mean in Korean?
This expression is used to state general truths or natural outcomes.
It translates roughly to “it is bound to…” or “it’s natural that…”
Can -기 마련이다 be used in both positive and negative contexts?
Yes.
You can use it to express both positive and negative outcomes that are considered natural or inevitable.
E.g. 사람은 실수하기 마련이에요 – “People are bound to make mistakes.”
Is -기 마련이다 formal or informal?
It tends to be used in more formal or written Korean, such as essays, speeches, or thoughtful reflections.
In everyday conversation, other expressions might be used instead.
How is -기 마련이다 different from -게 마련이다?
They mean the same thing and are interchangeable.
The structure -게 마련이다 is simply a variation that is also grammatically correct and commonly used.
Can I use -기 마련이다 with any verb?
Generally, yes. Just conjugate the verb stem with -기 and attach 마련이다.
However, it is most natural with verbs that describe common behaviors, habits, or inevitable outcomes.
Can I study Korean at LTL ?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.