V + -고 말다 (End up doing, finally do)
Meaning: End up doing / finally do (expresses an unintended regrettable outcome or an outcome achieved after long struggle).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Past (completed outcome): V + -고 말았다
- Strong determination (future): V + -고 말겠다 / -고야 말겠다
Detailed Usage
Frequently paired with adverbs like 결국, 끝내, 마침내, and 드디어. In the past tense (-고 말았다), it often conveys regret that an unwanted event eventually happened.
Example Sentences
- 1
끝까지 해 보려고 했지만 중간에 포기하고 말았다.
Kkeutkkaji hae boryeogo haetjiman junggane pogihago maratda.
I tried to keep going until the end, but I ended up giving up halfway.
- 2
아무리 힘들어도 울지 않으려고 참았으나 결국 울고 말았다.
Amuri himdeureodo ulji aneuryeogo chamasseuna gyeolguk ulgo maratda.
No matter how hard it was, I tried not to cry, but I ended up crying in the end.
- 3
무리하게 사업을 늘리더니 끝내 망하고 말았다.
Murihage saeobeul neullideoni kkeunnae manghago maratda.
After expanding the business excessively, it finally went bankrupt.
Important Notes
When combined with '-겠다' (e.g., 꼭 해내고 말겠다), it expresses strong determination ('I will definitely pull it off').
