EP52
-고 말다
go malda
end up ~ing (regrettably)
What does -고 말다 (go malda) mean in Korean?
How to Use
Used when something finally happens, usually with regret, or to show firm determination.
Rule: Attach -고 말다 to an action verb only. It normally appears in the past tense (울고 말았어요). The regret meaning is far more common than the determination meaning.
Examples
결국 울고 말았어요.
I ended up crying.
지갑을 잃어버리고 말았어요.
I ended up losing my wallet.
이번엔 꼭 성공하고 말겠어요.
This time I'll succeed no matter what.
Related Expressions
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