Business Formality: -ㄴ/은/는 바입니다 (It Is That)

At its heart, this grammar uses the noun 바. In Korean, 바 is a dependent noun. It usually means "thing," "fact," or "way." When you combine it with the formal ending 입니다, you are literally saying, "It is the fact that [Action/State]." This structure removes the focus from the speaker's personal feelings. It places the focus on the statement itself. It makes your words feel objective and firm. Even though it's technically a noun phrase, it functions as a sentence ending. You will mostly see this in written reports, official speeches, and public announcements. It’s like a grammar traffic light that tells everyone to stop and listen carefully. Yes, even native speakers find this pattern a bit intimidating sometimes! But don't worry, once you see the pattern, it's quite consistent.

1. 1To use this correctly, you need to look at the tense and the type of word you are using. Follow these steps:
2. 2For Present Tense Verbs: Take the verb stem and add -는 바입니다. For example, 생각하다 (to think) becomes 생각하는 바입니다.
3. 3For Present Tense Adjectives: Take the stem and add -ㄴ/은 바입니다. Use -ㄴ if it ends in a vowel and -은 if it ends in a consonant. 좋다 (to be good) becomes 좋은 바입니다.
4. 4For Past Tense (Both): Use the past tense modifier -(으)ㄴ. 결정하다 (to decide) becomes 결정한 바입니다 (It is what has been decided).
5. 5For Future Tense: This is rarer, but you might see -(으)ㄹ 바입니다 to indicate a strong intention or future fact.

This is your go-to tool for "Big Moments." Use it when you are in a job interview and want to sound like a top-tier candidate. Use it when writing a formal business proposal to a partner company. It is perfect for public speaking or giving a presentation at a university. If you are announcing a new policy or a change in a project, this grammar adds the necessary authority. Think of it as the "Official Stamp" of Korean grammar. You are not just saying something; you are declaring it. Imagine you are the captain of a ship or a representative of a company. That is the energy you want to channel when using this pattern.

Do not use this with your friends. Seriously, don't! If you tell your friend, "It is the fact that I want to eat fried chicken" using -는 바입니다, they will think you've been watching too many historical dramas. It is far too stiff for casual settings. Avoid it when ordering food at a regular restaurant or asking for directions on the street. It’s also not suitable for casual emails or text messages. Using it in the wrong place makes you sound like a robot or someone trying way too hard to be fancy. It’s like wearing a ball gown to a gym—technically impressive, but very out of place.

One big mistake is mixing levels of politeness. You cannot use this with casual words like 반말. Always pair it with formal vocabulary. Another mistake is overusing it. If every sentence in your speech ends with -ㄴ 바입니다, it becomes repetitive and heavy. Use it for your main points to make them stand out. Some people also forget the space between the modifier and 바. Remember, 바 is a noun, so it needs its own space! For example, 생각하는바입니다 is wrong; 생각하는 바입니다 is correct. Think of that space as a little breathing room for your very important statement.

The most common comparison is with the standard formal ending -습니다. While -습니다 is polite and formal, it is used for general conversation. -ㄴ/은/는 바입니다 is much more declarative. It’s the difference between saying "I think so" and "It is my official stance that it is so." Another similar pattern is -ㄴ/은/는 것입니다. This also turns a sentence into a noun phrase, but it is much more common and less "stiff." If -ㄴ/은/는 것입니다 is a business suit, -ㄴ/은/는 바입니다 is a full military uniform with medals. Choose the one that fits the level of authority you need to project.