Processing keyword: ~케 하다 [ke hada] (To make)
Korean Grammar Point: ~케 하다 [ke hada] (To make)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing the idea of making or causing someone to do something is commonly achieved using the grammar pattern ~게 하다. This construction is essential for conveying causation in various contexts, whether you're asking someone to perform an action or describing how one event leads to another.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The ~게 하다 pattern translates to "to make someone do something" or "to let someone do something". It indicates that the subject causes or permits another person to perform an action.
Structure
The basic structure is:
**Verb Stem + -게 하다**
Formation Diagram
Here's how to form it:
| Step | Explanation | Example with 먹다 (to eat) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verb Stem | Remove the 다 ending | 먹다 → 먹 |
| 2. Add -게 하다 | Attach -게 하다 to the verb stem | 먹 + 게 하다 → 먹게 하다 |
Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown
[Subject]은/는 + [Object]에게 + [Verb Stem] + -게 하다
- Subject은/는: The person who is causing the action.
- Object에게: The person who is being made to do the action.
- Verb Stem + -게 하다: The action being caused. Example:
- 선생님은 학생들에게 공부하게 했어요.
- 선생님은 (Subject) 학생들에게 (Object) 공부하게 했어요 (Made study).
- Translation: The teacher made the students study.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~게 하다 with Similar Grammar Points
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| ~게 하다 | To make/let someone do something | Causation, giving permission |
| ~도록 하다 | To ensure someone does something | Stronger emphasis on intention or order |
| ~게 만들다 | To cause/make someone feel a certain way | Often used for emotional reactions |
| Examples: |
- ~게 하다: 엄마는 아이에게 야채를 먹게 했어요.
- Mom made the child eat vegetables.
- ~도록 하다: 그녀는 직원들이 시간 내에 일하도록 했어요.
- She ensured the employees worked on time.
- ~게 만들다: 그 영화는 나를 슬프게 만들었어요.
- That movie made me sad.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Context
- 회사는 직원들에게 근무 시간을 연장하게 했습니다.
- Translation: The company made the employees extend their working hours.
- 교수님은 학생들을 조용히 하게 하셨습니다.
- Translation: The professor made the students be quiet.
Informal Context
- 친구가 나를 기다리게 했어.
- Translation: My friend made me wait.
- 엄마가 동생을 숙제하게 했어.
- Translation: Mom made my younger sibling do homework.
Written Context
- 정부는 국민들을 안전하게 보호하게 합니다.
- Translation: The government makes (ensures) that citizens are protected safely.
Spoken Context
- 그는 나를 웃게 해요.
- Translation: He makes me laugh.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness and Formality
The verb 하다 in ~게 하다 can be conjugated to match the required politeness level:
- Formal Polite: 하게 합니다
- Informal Polite: 하게 해요
- Casual: 하게 해 Being aware of social hierarchy is important in Korean culture. Use the appropriate level of speech when speaking to someone of higher status.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 말을 많이 하게 하다
- To make someone talk a lot.
- 일찍 자게 하다
- To make someone go to bed early. These expressions are common in everyday conversations and reflect the speaker's influence on someone else's actions.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the Wrong Connector
- Incorrect: 학생들을 공부하게 하다
- Correct: 학생들이 공부하게 하다 Tip: Ensure that the subject and object markers are correctly placed. Use -에게 or -한테 for the person being made to do something.
- Confusing with Passive Voice
- ~게 되다 means "to become" or "to end up," not to make someone do something.
- Example:
- 공부하게 됐어요. (I ended up studying.)
- 공부하게 했어요. ([Someone] made me study.)
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Remember 하게 하다 as "have someone do" since 하다 means "to do."
- Practice Makes Perfect: Create your own sentences to become familiar with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~게 하다 is used to express making or letting someone do something.
- Structure: Verb Stem + -게 하다
- Adjust the verb ending for politeness levels.
- Be careful not to confuse ~게 하다 with ~게 되다.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "to make someone laugh" using ~게 하다?
- Answer: 웃게 하다
- What is the polite formal form of 하게 하다?
- Answer: 하게 합니다
- Translate: 부모님은 아이를 일찍 자게 했어요.
- Answer: The parents made the child go to bed early.
Feel free to practice by forming sentences using ~게 하다 to solidify your understanding!