B1 verb Neutral

결심하다

kjʌlɕimɦada

To make a firm decision to do something. Important for IELTS Speaking when discussing life changes or goals.

Examples

3 of 5
1

담배를 끊기로 결심하는 것이 쉽지 않아요.

Deciding to quit smoking is not easy.

2

그는 고심 끝에 사직을 결심했습니다.

He decided to resign after much deliberation.

3

나 이번에는 진짜 공부 열심히 하기로 결심했어.

I've really decided to study hard this time.

Word Family

Noun
결심
Verb
결심하다
💡

Memory Tip

Gyeolsim sounds like 'Goal-Sim'. Sim (heart) + Goal. Put your heart on a goal.

Quick Quiz

건강을 위해서 술을 끊기로 ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 결심했어요

Examples

1

담배를 끊기로 결심하는 것이 쉽지 않아요.

everyday

Deciding to quit smoking is not easy.

2

그는 고심 끝에 사직을 결심했습니다.

formal

He decided to resign after much deliberation.

3

나 이번에는 진짜 공부 열심히 하기로 결심했어.

informal

I've really decided to study hard this time.

4

주인공은 복수를 결심하며 마을을 떠난다.

academic

The protagonist leaves the village, resolving to take revenge.

5

회사는 새로운 시장에 진출하기로 결심했습니다.

business

The company has decided to enter a new market.

Word Family

Noun
결심
Verb
결심하다

Common Collocations

굳게 결심하다 to make a firm resolution
결심이 서다 to reach a decision
결심을 굳히다 to strengthen one's resolve
작심삼일 a resolution that lasts only three days
결심을 알리다 to announce one's decision

Common Phrases

죽기로 결심하다

to be determined to die (usually metaphorical for extreme effort)

다시 결심하다

to resolve again

결심한 바

what one decided

Often Confused With

결심하다 vs 결정하다

Gyeoljeonghada is a general 'to decide' (e.g., lunch), while Gyeolsimhada implies a personal 'resolution' or 'vow'.

📝

Usage Notes

Often follows the grammar pattern '~기로 결심하다'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid using Gyeolsimhada for trivial choices like choosing a color; use Gyeoljeonghada instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Gyeolsim sounds like 'Goal-Sim'. Sim (heart) + Goal. Put your heart on a goal.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 決心 (gyeol-sim), literally 'decide heart'.

Grammar Patterns

~기로 결심하다 ~을/를 결심하다
🌍

Cultural Context

Koreans use the idiom 'Jak-sim-sam-il' to joke about New Year resolutions failing quickly.

Quick Quiz

건강을 위해서 술을 끊기로 ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 결심했어요

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