Korean Grammar Point
~대로 하다 [daero hada] (Do as instructed/said)

~대로 하다 [daero hada] (Do as instructed/said)

Short explanation:

Used to express the meaning of 'according to' or 'as said/done'.

Formation:

Noun/verb 어/아/하 + 대로 하다

Examples:

엄마는 아침에 일어나서 학교 가기 전에 꼭 아침 식사를 하라고 했어요, 그래서 저는 엄마가 말씀하신대로 하고 학교에 갑니다.
Eommaneun achime ileonaseo hakgyo gagi jeone ggog achim siksa leul halago haesseoyo, geulaeseo jeoneun eomma-ga malssuemhasindaelo hago hakgyo-e gabnida.
My mom told me to make sure to have breakfast before going to school in the morning, so I do as my mom said and go to school.
요리책의 레시피대로 음식을 만들면 항상 맛있게 만들 수 있어요.
Yolichaeg-ui lesipidaelo eumsig-eul mandeulmyeon hangsang mas-issge mandeul su iss-eoyo.
If you make food according to the recipe in the cookbook, you can always make it delicious.
선생님이 강조하신대로 공부하면 시험에서 좋은 점수를 받을 수 있을 거예요.
Seonsaengnim-i gangjohasindaelo gongbuhmyeon siheom-eseo joheun jeom-su leul bad-eul su iss-eul geo-eyo.
If you study as advised by the teacher, you will be able to get good scores in the exams.
부모님이 말씀하신대로 매일 운동하고, 영양가 있는 음식을 먹으니까, 건강이 좋아졌어요.
Bumonim-i malssuemhasindaelo maeil undonghago, yeongyang-ga issneun eumsig-eul meog-nikka, geongang-i joh-ajyeoss-eoyo.
Following my parents' advice, I exercise every day and eat nutritious food, which has improved my health.

Long explanation:

'~대로 하다 [daero hada]' is a Korean grammar point used to indicate that a certain action is performed as instructed, as said or as it was previously done. It consists of the noun or verb preceding the '~대로' to specify the action or the state that is being followed. It is often used in sentences to express compliance with a given rule, instruction, or to describe following a specific pattern.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~대로 하다 [daero hada] (Do as instructed/said)

Korean Grammar Point: ~대로 하다 [daero hada] (Do as instructed/said)

Grammar Point: ~대로 하다 [daero hada] (Do as instructed/said)


1. Introduction

The Korean grammar pattern "~대로 하다" is used to express the idea of doing something as instructed, as said, or according to a certain way. It signifies following instructions, rules, or the manner in which something was previously done. Mastering this pattern will enhance your ability to convey adherence to guidelines and expectations in various contexts.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~대로 하다: "Do as...", "Do according to...", "Do in the same way as..."

Structure

The pattern combines 대로, meaning "as" or "according to", with 하다, meaning "to do". It attaches to verbs, adjectives, or nouns to indicate that an action is done in accordance with something.

Formation Diagram

Form Usage
Verb/Adj. stem + 대로 하다 Doing as described by the verb/adjective
Noun + 대로 하다 Doing according to the noun

How to Form

  1. With Verbs/Adjectives:
    • Verb/Adjective Stem + -(으)ㄴ 대로 하다
      • For action verbs, use -는 대로 하다
      • For descriptive verbs (adjectives), use -(으)ㄴ 대로 하다
  2. With Nouns:
    • Noun + 대로 하다

Examples of Formation

  • Verb Example:
    • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹은 대로 하다 (do as one ate)
    • 말하다 (to speak) → 말한 대로 하다 (do as said)
  • Noun Example:
    • 계획 (plan) → 계획대로 하다 (do according to the plan)
    • 약속 (promise) → 약속대로 하다 (do as promised)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~처럼 하다 (Do like...)

  • Usage: Indicates doing something in the same manner as someone or something else.
  • Example: 선생님처럼 말해 보세요.
    Try speaking like the teacher.

2. ~따라 하다 (Follow and do)

  • Usage: Means to imitate or follow someone's actions.
  • Example: 제가 하는 것을 따라 하세요.
    Please follow what I do.

Differences

  • ~대로 하다 emphasizes doing something according to instructions or expectations, not merely imitating.
  • ~처럼 하다 focuses on doing something in the same way or style as someone else.
  • ~따라 하다 involves directly copying or following someone's actions.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 지시한 대로 하십시오.
    Please do as instructed.
  2. 계획대로 진행하겠습니다.
    We will proceed according to the plan.

Informal Situations

  1. 네가 원하는 대로 해.
    Do as you want.
  2. 친구가 말한 대로 갔어요.
    I went as my friend said.

Written Context

  1. 설명서에 나온 대로 설치하세요.
    Install it as described in the manual.
  2. 규칙대로 행동해야 합니다.
    You must act according to the rules.

Spoken Context

  1. 제가 하는 대로 따라 하세요.
    Follow along as I do.
  2. 엄마가 해준 대로 요리했어.
    I cooked it the way mom did.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • In Korean society, following social norms, rules, and instructions is highly valued.
  • Using "~대로 하다" properly shows respect and adherence to these expectations.
  • It reflects a collectivist culture where harmony and conformity are important.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • Formal Polite: 대로 하십시오, 대로 하세요
  • Informal Polite: 대로 해요
  • Casual: 대로 해

Idiomatic Expressions

  1. 마음대로 하다
    To do as one pleases.
    • Example: 네 마음대로 하세요.
      Do as you please.
  2. 예상대로
    As expected.
    • Example: 결과가 예상대로 나왔어요.
      The results came out as expected.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Confusing 대로 with 처럼.
    • Incorrect: 설명서처럼 설치하세요. (Install it like the manual.)
    • Correct: 설명서대로 설치하세요. (Install it according to the manual.)
  • Mistake: Omitting necessary particles or endings.
    • Ensure you attach 대로 하다 correctly to the verb/noun.

Learning Strategies

  • Association: Link 대로 with "directive" to remember it relates to instructions.
  • Practice Sentences: Create sentences using your daily activities.
    • 예시: 저는 계획한 대로 공부했어요.
      I studied as I planned.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~대로 하다 is used to express doing something according to instructions, words, plans, etc.
  • It can be attached to verbs, adjectives, and nouns.
  • Be mindful of the context and formality when using this pattern.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: 설명서___ 설치했습니다.
    • Answer: 대로
    • Translation: I installed it according to the manual.
  2. True or False: "~대로 하다" can be used to mean "do as you please".
    • Answer: False (That's 마음대로 하다)
  3. Translate to Korean: "Please act according to the rules."
    • Answer: 규칙대로 행동해 주세요.

By understanding and practicing "~대로 하다", you'll be able to clearly communicate adherence to instructions and expectations in Korean, which is essential in both personal and professional settings.

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