Processing keyword: ~게 하다 [ge hada] (Make/cause someone to do)
Korean Grammar Point: ~게 하다 [ge hada] (Make/cause someone to do)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing causation—making or allowing someone to do something—is essential for conveying complex actions and relationships. The grammar point ~게 하다 is a key structure used to indicate that someone causes another person to perform an action.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~게 하다 is used to mean "to make or cause someone to do something."
Structure
The basic structure involves attaching ~게 하다 to the verb stem.
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 게 하다
Components
- [Verb Stem]: The base form of the verb without 다.
- 게: An adverbial suffix that turns the verb into an adverbial form.
- 하다: The verb "to do," used here to indicate causation.
Detailed Explanation
Usage:
- To express that the subject causes someone else to perform an action.
- Can imply both making someone do something or letting someone do something, depending on context. Conjugation Steps:
- Remove the 다 ending from the dictionary form of the verb to find the verb stem.
- Add 게 하다 to the verb stem.
- Conjugate 하다 according to the tense, speech level, and politeness required. Example Formation:
- Verb: 공부하다 (to study)
- Verb Stem: 공부하
- Attach: 공부하게 하다 (to make someone study)
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~게 하다 with Similar Grammar Points
~도록 하다
- Meaning: To make sure someone does something; can be used to give suggestions or instructions.
- Nuance: Slightly less direct than ~게 하다, often used for softer suggestions.
Difference:
- ~게 하다 is more about direct causation—actively making someone do something.
- ~도록 하다 can be used to encourage or advise someone to do something.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Context
- 부장님은 직원들에게 회의에 참석하게 했습니다.
- The manager made the employees attend the meeting.
- 학교는 학생들이 교복을 입게 합니다.
- The school requires students to wear uniforms.
Informal Context
- 친구가 나를 오래 기다리게 했어.
- My friend made me wait for a long time.
- 엄마는 동생을 방을 청소하게 했어.
- Mom made my younger sibling clean the room.
Politeness Levels
- 제가 설명하게 해 주시겠어요?
- Could you let me explain? (Polite request)
- 선생님은 우리에게 질문을 많이 하게 하십니다.
- The teacher makes us ask a lot of questions. (Honorific form)
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Hierarchy and Respect: In Korean culture, respecting hierarchy is important. Using ~게 하다 appropriately shows awareness of social relations, such as between superiors and subordinates.
- Politeness Levels: Conjugating 하다 properly is crucial to maintain the correct level of politeness.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 길을 비키게 하다
- To make someone move out of the way.
- 말을 못하게 하다
- To prevent someone from speaking.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Forgetting to Conjugate 하다:
- Incorrect: 엄마가 동생을 울게 하다.
- Corrected: 엄마가 동생을 울게 했어요.
- Remember to conjugate 하다 according to the tense.
- Misusing with Passive Voice:
- Incorrect: 학생들이 숙제를 제출되게 했어요.
- Corrected: 학생들이 숙제를 제출하게 했어요.
- Avoid mixing causative and passive forms.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Tip: Think of 게 as creating an adverbial phrase (like adding "-ly" in English) and 하다 as "to do." Together, they mean "make it so that someone does something."
- Practice Conjugation: Regularly practice conjugating 하다 in different tenses and politeness levels to become comfortable with its use.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~게 하다 is used to express causing someone to do an action.
- Formed by adding 게 하다 to the verb stem.
- Conjugate 하다 according to tense, mood, and politeness.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Form the causative with ~게 하다 for the verb 놀다 (to play).
- Answer: 놀게 하다
- Translate to Korean: "Please let me go home early."
- Answer: 제가 일찍 집에 가게 해 주세요.
- What is an important cultural consideration when using ~게 하다?
- Answer: Adjusting the level of politeness to match the social context and respecting hierarchy.
By mastering ~게 하다, you enhance your ability to express complex actions involving causation, a valuable skill in achieving fluency in Korean.