Understanding -예정이다 (-yejeong-ida)
What Does -예정이다 Mean?
-예정이다 (-yejeong-ida) is a formal grammatical structure in Korean that indicates something is scheduled, planned, or expected to happen. It is similar to saying “I am scheduled to…” or “I plan to…” in English. While it conveys the speaker’s intention, it also often suggests that preparations have been made or that there is a definite schedule.
Difference Between -예정이다 and Other Future Expressions
Korean has several ways to express future plans, such as -려고 하다 (-ryeogo hada), -을 것이다 (-eul geosida), and -기로 하다 (-giro hada). However, -예정이다 is more formal and used for plans that are more definite or officially scheduled. For example, if you have booked a flight or set a meeting, -예정이다 is appropriate.
How to Form Sentences with -예정이다
Step-by-Step Construction
1. Take the verb stem of the action you plan to do.
2. Add the noun form -을/를 (eul/reul) + 예정 (yejeong), meaning “plan” or “schedule”.
3. Attach 이다 (ida) to finish the structure.
Formula:
Verb stem + -을/를 + 예정이다
For verbs, use the future modifier -을/를 (eul/reul) if needed.
Examples
- 저는 내년에 한국에 갈 예정입니다.
(I plan to go to Korea next year / I am scheduled to go to Korea next year.) - 회의는 오후 3시에 시작될 예정입니다.
(The meeting is planned to start at 3 PM.) - 그 프로젝트는 다음 달에 끝날 예정이에요.
(The project is scheduled to finish next month.) - 우리는 곧 발표할 예정입니다.
(We plan to make an announcement soon.)
Usage Tips and Nuances
When to Use -예정이다
-예정이다 is best used when there is a set schedule or when your plans are concrete. It is commonly used in formal settings, written announcements, business conversations, or when talking about official events.
When NOT to Use -예정이다
Avoid using -예정이다 for vague, personal intentions or plans that are not yet confirmed. In such cases, expressions like -려고 하다 or -을 생각이다 are more natural.
Formal vs. Informal Speech
-예정이다 is inherently formal. In everyday conversation, especially among friends or family, using this structure may sound too stiff. Instead, use softer expressions for casual situations.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
- Using -예정이다 for uncertain plans: Remember, it’s for definite and scheduled plans.
- Omitting the noun form: Ensure you convert verbs to nouns using -을/를 before 예정.
- Misplacing the particles: Check the verb conjugation rules for the correct attachment of -을/를.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master -예정이다 is to practice making your own sentences about your upcoming plans. Try writing sentences about your schedule, using the examples above as a guide. For interactive exercises and personalized feedback, check out the language learning tools on Talkpal, designed to help you advance your Korean skills with AI-powered practice.
Conclusion
Learning how to use -예정이다 allows you to clearly express your plans and scheduled activities in Korean, especially in formal contexts. By understanding its meaning, construction, and appropriate usage, you’ll sound more natural and confident in your Korean conversations. For more tips and grammar guides, keep exploring Talkpal’s AI language learning blog—your resource for mastering Korean and other languages.
