Meaning and Usage
The adjective '마땅하다' means 'to be appropriate,' 'right,' or 'deserved.' It is often used to express that something or someone fits well with a situation or standard, or that a certain action is justified or proper.
Common Contexts
- Describing suitability: "그가 마땅하다" means "He is the right person."
- Expressing deserved outcomes: "마땅히 벌을 받아야 한다" means "He deserves punishment."
- Indicating proper reasons or justification.
Collocations and Patterns
- 마땅하다 + noun: to describe something as appropriate or fitting.
- 마땅히 + verb: to express that an action is just or deserved.
- 마땅한 이유: a proper reason.
Register and Politeness
'마땅하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written or formal speech.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '마땅하다' with '당연하다' (to be natural or obvious). While similar, '마땅하다' emphasizes appropriateness or deservedness, whereas '당연하다' stresses something being self-evident or expected.