Korean Grammar Point
~대로 [daero] (As per, following)

~대로 [daero] (As per, following)

Short explanation:

This is used to express doing something in accordance with or following something else.

Formation:

Verb stem + 대로

Examples:

매일 운동하라는 지시대로 매일 아침 운동을 하고 있습니다.
Maeil undongharaneun jishidaero maeil achim undongeul hago itsseumnida.
As per the instructions to exercise every day, I am exercising every morning.
표지에 적힌 대로, 책을 장방형으로 뒤집어서 읽어야 합니다.
Pyojie jeokhin daero, chaegeul jangbanghyeongeuro dwijibeoseo ilgeoja hamnida.
As written on the cover, you should flip the book sideways to read it.
엄마가 말한 대로 공부를 열심히 했고, 그래서 성적이 좋았습니다.
Eommaga malhan daero gongbureul yeolsimhi haetgo, geuraeseo seongjeogi jotseumnida.
As my mom said, I studied hard and therefore my grades were good.
건물의 모든 창문은 설계도대로 완벽하게 설치되었습니다.
Geonmul-ui modeun changmun-eun seolgyedodaero wanbyeokhage seolchidoeeosseumnida.
All the windows of the building have been installed perfectly according to the blueprint.

Long explanation:

The grammar point '~대로 [daero]' is used when an action is being done in accordance with or following something else, like a set rule or instruction. It can be compared to the English expressions 'as per', 'according to', 'as told', or 'following'. This pattern implies that the action is performed exactly the way it's mentioned in the first part.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~대로 [daero] (As per, following)

Korean Grammar Point: ~대로 [daero] (As per, following)

~대로 [daero] (As per, Following)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~대로 [daero] is a versatile particle that means "as per," "according to," or "following." It is used to express that an action or situation aligns with or follows a certain standard, expectation, or instruction. Understanding how to use ~대로 will enhance your ability to describe actions that occur in accordance with something else.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~대로 indicates that an action is done "as per" something else.
  • It expresses conformity to a preceding noun or verb.

Structure

With Nouns

Noun + 대로
  • Used when the preceding word is a noun.

With Verbs

Present Tense
Verb Stem + 는 대로
  • Indicates doing something "just as" or "right after" the action.
Past Tense
Verb Stem + (으)ㄴ 대로
  • Used when the action has already occurred.
Future Tense (Less Common)
Verb Stem + (으)ㄹ 대로
  • Indicates an action that will occur as per something in the future.

Formation Diagram

Preceding Word Attachment Example
Noun + 대로 약속 대로 (as per promise)
Verb (Present) + 는 대로 말하는 대로 (as you say)
Verb (Past) + (으)ㄴ 대로 들은 대로 (as I heard)
Verb (Future) + (으)ㄹ 대로 대로 (as I will go) (rare)

3. Comparative Analysis

~처럼 vs. ~대로

  • ~처럼 means "like" or "similar to," emphasizing resemblance.
  • ~대로 means "as per" or "following," emphasizing conformity.
    Grammar Point Meaning Example
    ~처럼 Like, Similar to 그는 영웅처럼 행동했어요. (He acted like a hero.)
    ~대로 As per, Following 그는 계획대로 행동했어요. (He acted as per the plan.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 네가 원하는 대로 해.
    • Do as you want.
  2. 선생님이 말한 대로 공부했어요.
    • I studied as the teacher said.
  3. 계획대로 일이 진행되고 있어요.
    • Things are progressing according to plan.
  4. 제가 들은 대로 전해드릴게요.
    • I will convey it as I heard.
  5. 아이들은 부모님을 보는 대로 따라 해요.
    • Children imitate exactly what they see their parents do.

Formal Context

  • 회의는 일정대로 진행됩니다.
    • The meeting will proceed as scheduled.

Informal Context

  • 너는 너 생각한 대로 하면 돼.
    • You can do as you think.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

  • ~대로 itself is neutral; politeness is conveyed through verb endings.
  • Used in both formal and informal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 눈길 닿는 대로
    • Wherever your eyes land.
  • 발길 가는 대로
    • Wherever your feet take you.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Confusing ~대로 with ~처럼
    • Incorrect: 그는 지시처럼 행동했어요. (He acted like instructions.)
    • Correct: 그는 지시대로 행동했어요. (He acted as per instructions.)
  2. Omitting necessary particles
    • Incorrect: 계획 진행되고 있어요.
    • Correct: 계획대로 진행되고 있어요.

Tips

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 대로 as "do the same way."
  • Pay attention to whether the preceding word is a noun or verb to attach 대로 correctly.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~대로 means "as per," "according to," or "following."
  • Attach 대로 directly to nouns.
  • When attaching to verbs, use appropriate tense forms.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you say "Do as I do" in Korean?
    • Answer: 내가 하는 대로 해.
  2. Fill in the blank: 약속___ 지켜야 해요. (You must keep your promise.)
    • Answer: 약속대로 지켜야 해요.
  3. True or False: ~대로 and ~처럼 can be used interchangeably.
    • Answer: False.

By mastering ~대로, you can express actions that follow specific standards or instructions, enhancing clarity in your communication.

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