📝 Grammar B2

-기 마련이다

-gi maryeonida

It is natural to / Bound to happen

What it means

Expresses that something is natural, expected, or inevitable given circumstances. Attaches to verb stems. Conveys the idea that the result is universally understood or follows naturally.

Nuance & when to use

Used to state universal truths or logical inevitabilities, often in a reassuring or matter-of-fact tone. Implies "this is just how things are."

⚠ Common mistake

Confusing it with -(으)ㄹ 것이다 (future prediction). -기 마련이다 expresses natural inevitability, not a specific future guess.

Example sentences

열심히 하면 실력이 늘기 마련이에요. Yeolsimhi hamyeon sillyeogi neulgi maryeonieyo. If you work hard, you are bound to improve.

처음에는 실수하기 마련이에요. Cheoeumeun silsuhagi maryeonieyo. It's natural to make mistakes at first.

시간이 지나면 잊히기 마련이에요. Sigani jinamyeon ichigi maryeonieyo. Things are naturally forgotten over time.

FAQ

When is this used?

Used to state universal truths or logical inevitabilities, often in a reassuring or matter-of-fact tone. Implies "this is just how things are."

What's a common mistake?

Confusing it with -(으)ㄹ 것이다 (future prediction). -기 마련이다 expresses natural inevitability, not a specific future guess.

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