Processing keyword: ~게 하다 [ge hada] (Make/cause someone to do)

Korean Grammar Point: ~게 하다 [ge hada] (Make/cause someone to do)

~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:

1. Remove the 다 ending from the dictionary form of the verb to find the verb stem.
2. Add 게 하다 to the verb stem.
3. 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

1. 부장님은 직원들에게 회의에 참석하게 했습니다.
   • The manager made the employees attend the meeting.
2. 학교는 학생들이 교복을 입게 합니다.
   • The school requires students to wear uniforms.

Informal Context

1. 친구가 나를 오래 기다리게 했어.
   • My friend made me wait for a long time.
2. 엄마는 동생을 방을 청소하게 했어.
   • Mom made my younger sibling clean the room.

Politeness Levels

1. 제가 설명하게 해 주시겠어요?
   • Could you let me explain? (Polite request)
2. 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

1. Forgetting to Conjugate 하다:
   • Incorrect: 엄마가 동생을 울게 하다.
   • Corrected: 엄마가 동생을 울게 했어요.
   • Remember to conjugate 하다 according to the tense.
2. 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

1. Form the causative with ~게 하다 for the verb 놀다 (to play).
   • Answer: 놀게 하다
2. Translate to Korean: "Please let me go home early."
   • Answer: 제가 일찍 집에 가게 해 주세요.
3. 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.