Korean Grammar Point
~대로 [daero] (According to, as)

~대로 [daero] (According to, as)

Short explanation:

Used to indicate actions performed according to a certain method or manner.

Formation:

Noun + 대로 / Verb-stem + 대로

Examples:

선생님이 가르쳐 준 대로 문제를 풀어 보았지만, 아직도 이해가 안 돼요.
Seonsaengnimi gareuchyeo jun daero munjeleul pureo boassjiman, ajikdo ihaega an dwaeyo.
I tried to solve the problem according to the way the teacher taught me, but I still don't understand.
언니가 추천해준 대로 책을 읽어봤습니다, 깊은 뜻을 품고 있는 재밌는 책이었습니다.
Eonniga chucheonhaejun daero chaegireul ilgeobwassseubnida, gipeun ddeumeul pumgo issneun jaemissneun chaegieossseubnida.
I tried reading the book as my older sister recommended, it was a fun book with a deep meaning.
우리가 계획한 대로 여행을 계속 하면서 여러 랜드마크를 봤어요.
Uriga gyehoekhan daero yeohaengeul gyesok hamyeonseo yeoreo raendeumakeureul bwasseoyo.
We continued our journey as planned and saw various landmarks.
사진 속에 보이는 경치대로 현실에서 보니까 너무 아름답고 기분이 좋아졌어요.
Sajin sogye boineun gyeongchidaero hyeonsireso bonikkaneomu areumdapgo gibuni johajyeosseoyo.
Seeing the scenery just as it appears in the photograph in reality was very beautiful and made me feel good.

Long explanation:

'~대로 [daero]' is a grammar point used in Korean to express that something is done according to a specific method, order, or manner. It can also mean 'as it is'. This pattern shows that an action is guided by a previously mentioned condition or direction. It is commonly used to demonstrate following instructions or a predetermined path.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~대로 [daero] (According to, as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~대로 [daero] (According to, as)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~대로 (daero), which translates to "according to" or "as" in English. This versatile particle is used to express that an action or state occurs in the same manner or way as something else. Understanding ~대로 will enhance your ability to convey conformity, adherence, and following instructions or expectations in Korean.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~대로 indicates that an action is done "according to," "just as," or "in the same way as" something specified.
  • It expresses that something happens exactly as stated, planned, or desired.

Structure

For Verbs and Adjectives:

  • **Verb/Adjective Stem + **~대로

For Nouns:

  • **Noun + **대로

Formation Diagram

Pattern Usage Example
Verb Stem + 대로 Doing an action as specified by the verb 들은 대로 (as heard)
Adjective Stem + 대로 Being in a state as specified by the adjective 생각한 대로 (as thought)
Noun + 대로 According to the noun 약속대로 (according to promise)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

~처럼 / 같이 (cheoreom / gati)

  • Meaning: "Like" or "as"
  • Usage: Used to make comparisons or describe similarities.
  • Example: 그는 호랑이처럼 용감해요. (He is brave like a tiger.)

~에 따라(서) (e ttara(seo))

  • Meaning: "Depending on" or "according to"
  • Usage: Indicates that the outcome varies based on different conditions or criteria.
  • Example: 사람에 따라 의견이 달라요. (Opinions vary depending on the person.)

Difference with ~대로

  • ~대로 emphasizes doing exactly as specified, whereas ~처럼 suggests similarity, and ~에 따라(서) indicates variation based on conditions.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. 지시한 대로 업무를 처리하세요.
    • Process the tasks as instructed.
    • Explanation: Emphasizes following instructions exactly.
  2. 종이에 쓴 대로 읽어 주세요.
    • Please read as it's written on the paper.
    • Explanation: Requesting to read exactly what's written.
  3. 계획한 대로 일이 진행되고 있어요.
    • Things are progressing as planned.
    • Explanation: The progression matches the plan.
  4. 당신의 기대대로 결과가 나왔습니다.
    • The results came out as you expected.
    • Explanation: Outcomes align with expectations.
  5. 말한 대로 약속을 지켰어요.
    • I kept the promise as I said.
    • Explanation: Fulfilled the promise exactly as stated.
  6. 마음대로 선택하세요.
    • Choose as you like.
    • Explanation: Giving freedom to choose according to one's own desire.

Context Variations

  • Formal Written Context: 규칙대로 행동해야 합니다.
    • You must act according to the rules.
  • Informal Spoken Context: 네가 생각한 대로 해.
    • Do as you thought.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Collectivism and Hierarchy: Korean culture values adherence to social norms, rules, and hierarchy. Using ~대로 reflects respect for instructions and societal expectations.
  • Politeness Levels: Adjusting verb endings while using ~대로 can convey different levels of formality and respect.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 마음대로
    • As one wishes or At one's discretion.
    • Example: 마음대로 드세요.
      • Help yourself (to the food).
  • 예상대로
    • As expected.
    • Example: 예상대로 비가 왔어요.
      • It rained as expected.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Incorrect Attachment to Conjugated Verbs
    • Incorrect: 말했어요대로 진행하세요.
      • (Attaching 대로 to a conjugated verb form.)
    • Correct: 말한 대로 진행하세요.
      • (Attach 대로 to the verb stem.)
  2. Confusion with ~처럼 for Comparisons
    • Incorrect: 그는 선생님대로 행동해요.
    • Correct: 그는 선생님처럼 행동해요.
      • (Use ~처럼 when indicating "like" or "similar to.")

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Stem: Attach ~대로 directly to verb or adjective stems, not conjugated forms.
  • Practice Set Phrases: Memorize common expressions like 약속대로 (as promised), 계획대로 (as planned), 생각한 대로 (as thought).
  • Visualize Scenarios: When learning examples, visualize the situation to understand the context of "doing as" something.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~대로 is used to express actions or states occurring "as" or "according to" something else.
  • Can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
  • Reflects adherence to instructions, plans, expectations, or desires.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 오늘 일정은 계획___ 진행될 거예요.
    • Answer: 계획대로
  2. Choose the correct usage of ~대로:
    • A) 그는 어제처럼 운동했어요.
    • B) 그는 어제대로 운동했어요.
    • Answer: A)
      • (Use ~처럼 for comparisons; ~대로 is not appropriate here.)
  3. Translate the sentence using ~대로: "Please do it as I explained."
    • Answer: 제가 설명한 대로 해 주세요.

By mastering ~대로, you enhance your ability to convey precision and adherence in Korean, aligning your language skills with the cultural emphasis on following social norms and expectations.

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