Meaning and Usage
"맘대로" is an adverb meaning "as one wishes" or "as one pleases." It often implies acting without considering others or rules, sometimes with a negative nuance.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe someone doing things selfishly or without permission, such as "맘대로 행동하다" (to act as one wants) or "맘대로 하다" (to do as one pleases).
Collocations
- 맘대로 하다: to do as one pleases, often implying disregard for others
- 맘대로 행동하다: to behave as one wants
- 맘대로 놀다: to play freely without restrictions
Register and Politeness
"맘대로" is informal and common in spoken Korean. It can be used in polite sentences but is generally casual.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "맘대로" with polite permission. However, it usually implies acting without permission or consideration, so be careful when using it in formal or respectful contexts.