Grammar
-는 것이 좋다
Meaning
Intermediate-neun geosi jota
Attaches -는 (the present-tense modifier) + 것이 (nominalizer + subject particle) + 좋다 to a verb stem to give a soft, general recommendation, meaning 'it's good to ~' or 'it's better to ~.' Used both for advising others and for stating one's own general opinion about what's advisable.
Form
Attach -는 to the verb stem regardless of batchim, then 것이 좋다: stem + 는 것이 좋다. E.g., 쓰다 → 쓰는 것이 좋다, 버리다 → 버리는 것이 좋다. For negative advice, either insert 안 before the verb (안 쓰는 것이 좋다) or use -지 않는 것이 좋다 ('it's better not to ~'). Mainly used for present, general advice rather than one-time past situations.
Examples
미세먼지가 나쁜 날에는 마스크를 쓰는 것이 좋습니다.
On days when fine dust is bad, it's good to wear a mask.
페트병은 라벨을 떼고 눌러서 버리는 것이 좋아요.
It's good to remove the label and crush a PET bottle before throwing it away.
건강을 위해 매일 운동하는 것이 좋습니다.
For your health, it's good to exercise every day.
Common mistakes & nuance
-는 것이 좋다 is a soft suggestion, not an obligation — don't confuse it with -아/어야 하다 ('must/have to'), which expresses necessity. Saying '마스크를 쓰는 것이 좋다' recommends wearing a mask; '마스크를 써야 한다' insists it's required.
Similar grammar
- -아/어야 하다
-아/어야 하다 expresses obligation or necessity ('must/have to'). -는 것이 좋다 offers a softer recommendation ('it's good/better to'), leaving room for choice.