Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 7: It is bound to... (-기 마련이다)

When you want to state a general truth, a universal law, or something that is naturally bound to happen over time, you use the expression -기 마련이다.

It translates to "It is bound to..." or "It is natural that..."

Structure Breakdown

• -기 = noun form of a verb
• 마련 = preparation / natural arrangement
• 이다 = to be

Literally: "It is arranged/prepared by nature to happen."

How to Conjugate

Just attach -기 마련이다 directly to the verb or adjective stem. There are no irregular rules!

• 변하다 -> 변하기 마련이다 (It is bound to change)
• 잊어버리다 -> 잊어버리기 마련이다 (It is bound to be forgotten)
• 어렵다 -> 어렵기 마련이다 (It is natural for it to be difficult)
• 살다 -> 살기 마련이다 (They are bound to live)

-(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 vs. -기 마련이다

• -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (Level 6): Used for a specific situation where you personally have no other choice. (e.g., Because I have no money today, I have no choice but to walk).
• -기 마련이다 (Level 9): Used for universal truths or general wisdom. (e.g., If you spend all your money, you are bound to become poor).

Example Sentences

1. 시간이 지나면 다 잊혀지기 마련이에요. (As time passes, everything is bound to be forgotten.)
2. 누구나 처음에는 실수하기 마련입니다. (Everyone is bound to make mistakes at first.)
3. 겨울이 가면 봄이 오기 마련이다. (When winter goes, spring is bound to come.)
4. 거짓말은 언젠가 들통나기 마련이에요. (A lie is bound to be uncovered someday.)