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

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

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammar construct ~게 하다 is used to express making or letting someone do something. It is a versatile expression that helps convey causation or permission in various contexts.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ~게 하다 translates to "make someone do" or "let someone do" in English. It indicates that the subject causes or allows another person to perform an action.

Structure

To form sentences using ~게 하다, attach ~게 하다 to the verb stem of the action you are causing or allowing:

[Verb Stem] + 게 하다

Formation Diagram

-----------------------------------
| Subject | Object | Verb + 게 하다 |
-----------------------------------

• Subject: The person who makes or lets someone do something.
• Object: The person who is being made or allowed to do something.
• Verb + 게 하다: The action that is being caused or permitted.

Conjugation Example

Let's take the verb 가다 (to go):

1. Verb Stem: 가
2. Add 게 하다: 가게 하다 (make/let someone go)

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Difference Between ~게 하다 and ~도록 하다

While both expressions can indicate causing someone to do something, ~도록 하다 often emphasizes instruction or suggestion, whereas ~게 하다 directly means making or letting someone do something.

• ~게 하다: Direct causation or permission.
• ~도록 하다: Suggestion or indirect causation.

---

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 선생님은 학생들이 열심히 공부하게 했습니다.
   • Seonsaengnimeun haksaengdeuri yeolsimi gongbuhage haetseumnida.
   • Translation: The teacher made the students study hard.
2. 부모님께서 제가 여행을 가게 허락하셨어요.
   • Bumonimkkeseo jega yeohaengeul gage heorakhasyeosseoyo.
   • Translation: My parents allowed me to go on a trip.

Informal Speech

1. 나는 동생을 울게 했어.
   • Naneun dongsaengeul ulge haesseo.
   • Translation: I made my younger sibling cry.
2. 그는 그녀를 행복하게 했어.
   • Geuneun geunyeoreul haengbokhage haesseo.
   • Translation: He made her happy.

Spoken Language

1. 회사에서 일찍 퇴근하게 했어요.
   • Hoesaeseo iljjik toegeunhage haesseoyo.
   • Translation: The company let us leave work early.
2. 친구가 나를 기다리게 했어.
   • Chinguga nareul gidarige haesseo.
   • Translation: My friend made me wait.

Written Language

1. 그 소식은 모두를 놀라게 했다.
   • Geu sosigeun modureul nollage haetda.
   • Translation: That news surprised everyone.
2. 이 영화는 사람들을 감동하게 합니다.
   • I yeonghwaneun saramdeureul gamdonghage hamnida.
   • Translation: This movie moves people emotionally.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

Korean language has different levels of formality. Using ~게 하다 in polite or formal contexts may require appropriate honorifics:

• 하게 해요 (polite casual)
• 하게 합니다 (formal polite)
• 하게 하세요 (honorific polite)

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 길을 비키게 하다
   • Gireul bikige hada
   • Meaning: Make someone step aside.
2. 마음을 편하게 하다
   • Maeumeul pyeonhage hada
   • Meaning: Make someone feel comfortable.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Errors

• Incorrect Subject/Object Placement: Mixing up who is causing the action and who is performing the action.
  • Incorrect: 그는 내가 공부하게 했어. (He made me study.)
  • Correct: 그는 나를 공부하게 했어. (He made me study.)

Tips

• Remember the Object Marker: Use 을/를 to indicate the person being made to do something.
• Differentiate Between Causation and Permission: Context will determine if it's "make" or "let."

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~게 하다 is used to express making or letting someone do an action.
• Attach 게 하다 directly to the verb stem.
• Pay attention to subject and object placement for clarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "She made me laugh" using ~게 하다?
2. What is the structure of ~게 하다?
3. Translate the following sentence: 부모님은 아이들을 놀게 했어요.

Answers:

1. 그녀는 나를 웃게 했어.
2. [Verb Stem] + 게 하다
3. The parents let the children play.

---

Feel free to ask any questions or request further clarification on ~게 하다!

---

© Hanabira.org