Korean Grammar Point
~도록 [dorok] (So that, in order to)

~도록 [dorok] (So that, in order to)

Short explanation:

This is used to indicate the purpose or causation; 'so that', 'in order to'.

Formation:

Verb + 도록

Examples:

저는 한국어를 잘 하기 위해서 매일 한 hour 씩 공부하도록 노력하고 있어요.
Jeoneun hangugeoreul jal hagi wihaeseo maeil han hour ssik gongbuhadorok noryeokhago isseoyo.
I am trying to study for an hour every day in order to improve my Korean language skills.
당신의 건강을 유지하기 위해서, 적절한 운동을 하고 영양이 풍부한 식사를 하도록 노력해야 합니다.
Dangsinui geongangeul yujihagi wihaeseo, jeogjeolhan undongeul hago yeongyangi pungbuhansaengsa sasiksa jedo yolseon hae-ya hamnida.
In order to maintain your health, you should try to exercise appropriately and eat nutrient-rich meals.
이론을 이해하도록, 선생님은 복잡한 개념을 간단하게 설명했습니다.
Iron eul ihaehadorok, seonsaegnim eun bokjaphan gaegeom eul gandalhage seolmyeonghaess seubnida.
In order to understand the theory, the teacher explained complex concepts in a simple way.
아이들이 안전하게 놀 수 있도록, 운동장에는 정확한 안전 장치가 설치되어 있습니다.
Aideuli anjeonhage nol su itdorok, undongjangeneun jeonghwakhan anjeon jangchiga seolchidoeeo issseubnida.
Safety devices are installed in the playground so that children can play safely.

Long explanation:

'~도록 [dorok]' is a grammar point in Korean that is used to represent ‘in order to’ or ‘so that’. It is used to indicate purpose or causation. It often denotes an intended purpose, goal or an aim. It can also imply an effort to make something happen. It is often used in connection with verbs.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~도록 [dorok] (So that, in order to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~도록 [dorok] (So that, in order to)

Understanding the Korean Grammar Point: ~도록 (dorok)


1. Introduction

In Korean, ~도록 (pronounced dorok) is a versatile grammatical particle used to express purpose, result, or extent. It is often translated as "so that," "in order to," or "to the extent that" in English. Mastering ~도록 will enhance your ability to convey intentions, goals, and degrees of actions in more nuanced ways in both spoken and written Korean.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~도록 is attached to verbs to express:

  1. Purpose or intention: Indicating the goal or purpose of an action.
  2. Result or effect: Showing the outcome or effect caused by an action.
  3. Extent or degree: Describing the extent to which an action is done.

Structure

The general formation is:

  • Verb Stem + 도록

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 도록

Detailed Explanation

  1. Expressing Purpose or Intention When ~도록 is used to express purpose, it is similar to "so that" or "in order to" in English.
    • Example: 이해하도록 설명하다.
    • Translation: Explain so that (someone) understands.
  2. Expressing Result or Effect It can indicate that a preceding action results in a certain effect.
    • Example: 길이 막히지 않도록 일찍 출발하세요.
    • Translation: Depart early so that you don't get stuck in traffic.
  3. Expressing Extent or Degree Describes doing something to a certain extent or degree.
    • Example: 목이 아프도록 소리치다.
    • Translation: Shout to the extent that one's throat hurts.

Visual Aid: Usage Breakdown Table

Usage Meaning Example Translation
Purpose or Intention So that, In order to 이해하도록 노력하다 Try so that (someone) understands
Result or Effect So that (result happens) 넘어지지 않도록 조심하세요 Be careful so that you don't fall
Extent or Degree To the extent that 밤새도록 공부하다 Study to the extent that (you) stay up all night

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~도록 with ~기 위해(서)

Both ~도록 and ~기 위해(서) can express purpose, but there are nuances.

  • ~도록 can be used for both purpose and extent, whereas ~기 위해서 is primarily for purpose.
  • ~도록 is more versatile and can imply causing an effect or result.
    Grammar Point Usage Example Translation
    ~도록 Purpose/Extent/Result 기억하도록 메모하세요. Make a note so that you remember.
    ~기 위해서 Purpose only 기억하기 위해서 메모하세요. Make a note in order to remember.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 회의에 늦지 않도록 빨리 가십시오.
    • Please go quickly so that you are not late for the meeting.
  2. 환경을 보호하도록 노력합시다.
    • Let's make efforts so that we protect the environment.

Informal Context

  1. 감기에 걸리지 않도록 따뜻하게 입어.
    • Dress warmly so that you don't catch a cold.
  2. 시험에 합격하도록 열심히 공부했어.
    • I studied hard so that I could pass the exam.

Written Context

  1. 사람들이 이해할 수 있도록 자세히 설명했습니다.
    • I explained in detail so that people could understand.
  2. 데이터가 손실되지 않도록 백업을 만들었습니다.
    • I created a backup so that data wouldn't be lost.

Spoken Context

  1. 넘어지지 않도록 조심해!
    • Be careful so that you don't fall!
  2. 네가 들을 수 있도록 크게 말할게.
    • I'll speak loudly so that you can hear.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • ~도록 can be used in both formal and informal situations without changing its form.
  • The level of politeness is conveyed through sentence endings rather than the particle ~도록 itself.

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~도록

  1. 뼈가 부러지도록 운동하다
    • To exercise to the extent that bones break (meaning excessive exercise)
  2. 입이 아프도록 말하다
    • To talk to the extent that the mouth hurts (meaning talking a lot or repeatedly)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. **Confusing with ~까지
    • Incorrect: 밤새까지 공부했어요. (Using ~까지 to express extent)
    • Correct: 밤새도록 공부했어요.
  2. Using ~도록 with adjectives
    • Incorrect: 예쁜도록 꽃을 샀어요. (~도록 is not used with adjectives)
    • Correct: 예쁜 꽃을 샀어요.

Tips to Remember

  • Mnemonic for Purpose: Think of ~도록 as "do-rock" your goal (do it to achieve the goal).
  • Association for Extent: Associate ~도록 with "to the limit of the action."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~도록 is used to express purpose, result, or extent.
  • It's attached directly to verb stems.
  • Versatile in expressing "so that," "in order to," or "to the extent that."
  • Can be used in various contexts without changing form.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How do you express "Study hard so that you can succeed" using ~도록?
    • Answer: 성공하도록 열심히 공부하세요.
  2. True or False: ~도록 can be used with adjectives.
    • Answer: False
  3. Fill in the blank: 넘어지지 않_____ 조심하세요. (So that you don't fall, be careful.)
    • Answer: 넘어지지 않도록 조심하세요.

By understanding and practicing ~도록, you'll be able to express purposes and extents more naturally in Korean, enhancing both your speaking and comprehension skills.

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