마음대로 해
The English phrase "do what you want" is expressed in Korean as 마음대로 해.
Depending on your tone of voice, it can range from giving someone permission to expressing annoyance or indifference, such as saying "fine, do whatever you want".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 마음대로 해 is composed of 마음 (heart/mind), 대로 (according to/as) and 해 (do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for speaking to someone older or in a higher position, use 마음대로 하세요. For a formal way to say "please do as you want", use 하시고 싶은 대로 해 주세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the imperative suffix –라 to the verb, as in 마음대로 해라, makes the command sound more forceful or authoritative.
Did you know?
- In Korean pop culture and dramas, saying 마음대로 해 during a romantic spat is often a linguistic trap. It frequently means the opposite, where the speaker actually expects the other person to guess the 'correct' choice.
- Using 마음대로 해 toward a superior, even with a smile, can be perceived as extremely arrogant or dismissive. In a strict hierarchy, giving a superior the 'freedom' to do as they wish can actually be an insult.
- The word 마음 used in this phrase refers to both the 'heart' and the 'mind' simultaneously. In Korean culture, emotions and thoughts are often viewed as inhabiting the same spiritual space rather than being separate functions.
Examples in context
- 괜찮으시다면 하시고 싶은 대로 해 주세요.If you don't mind, please do as you want.
- 오늘은 너 마음대로 해.Today, do what you want.
- 그냥 마음대로 해.geunyang maeumdaero hae.Just do what you want.
- 네가 하고 싶은 대로, 마음대로 해.nega hago sipeun daero, maeumdaero hae.Do what you want, however you like.
- 이제 마음대로 해.ije maeumdaero hae.Do what you want now.
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are arguing about which movie to watch.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 내가 고른 게 싫어?jeongmal naega goreun ge sireo?Do you really hate the one I chose?
- 민준 Min-jun응, 다른 걸 보고 싶어.eung, dareun geol bogo sipeo.Yes, I want to watch something else.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 그냥 마음대로 해.geureom geunyang maeumdaero hae.Then just do what you want.
- 민준 Min-jun미안해, 수빈아.mianhae, subin-a.I am sorry, Subin.
