Korean word

마음대로

Pronunciation

Romanizationmaeumdaero

Meaning

  • adverbas you like

Example

원하면 마음대로 골라.won ha myeon ma eum dae ro kol la

If you want, choose whatever you like.

Illustration for 마음대로 (as you like)

More examples

그는 마음대로 행동했다.keu neun ma eum dae ro haeng dong haet tta

He acted as he pleased.

Core concept

Something is done in the way the person wants, with no outside control deciding what happens.

Common phrases

  • 마음대로 하다ma eum dae ro ha da

    do as you like

  • 마음대로 골라ma eum dae ro kol la

    choose as you like

  • 마음대로 말하다ma eum dae ro mal ha da

    speak as you please

Similar words

자유롭게chayuropkke: An action proceeds freely with no restrictions holding it back.
제멋대로chemeotttaero: An action follows personal whims and disregards others' wishes or rules.
마음껏maeumkkeot: An activity is done as much as desired, without holding back.

Definition in Korean

남의 허락이나 제약 없이 자기 뜻대로 행동하거나 무엇을 하는 것을 나타내는 부사적 표현na mui heo ra gi na che yak eop ssi cha gi tteut ttae ro haeng dong ha geo na mu eo seul ha neun keo seul na ta nae neun pu sa jeok pyo hyeon

Word origin

The expression combines 마음 (maeum, "mind or wishes") with 대로 (daero, "according to"), creating the image of acting according to one's own wishes.

Usage tips

  • The same expression can sound approving or disapproving, so the surrounding situation shows whether the speaker means personal freedom or unacceptable behavior.

Other meanings

  • without permissionadverb
  • at willadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word