Korean Grammar Point
~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make sure that, ensure that)

~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make sure that, ensure that)

Short explanation:

Used to express 'make sure that' or 'ensure that' something happens.

Formation:

Verb + 기/게/도록 하다

Examples:

제가 이 일을 해결하도록 하겠습니다, 걱정하지 마세요.
Jega i ireul haegyeolhadorok hagessseubnida, geokjeonghaji maseyo.
I will ensure to resolve this issue, don't worry.
고객이 만족할 수 있도록 최선을 다하겠습니다.
Gogaegi manjokhal su itdorok choeseoneul dahagessseubnida.
We will do our best to ensure customer satisfaction.
아이들이 안전하게 학교에 도착할 수 있도록 운전을 천천히하세요.
Aideuli anjeonhage haggyoe dochakhal su itdorok unjeoneul cheoncheonhi haseyo.
Drive slowly to make sure that the children can safely arrive at school.
모두가 잘 이해할 수 있도록 천천히 말하겠습니다.
Moduga jal ihaehal su itdorok cheoncheonhi malhagessseubnida.
I will speak slowly to ensure everyone can understand well.

Long explanation:

The '~도록 하다 [dorok hada]' structure is a complex sentence structure in Korean that indicates the speaker wants or plans to make something happen, or indicates an intent to influence a certain result. It translates roughly to 'to make/ensure that' in English. It is a common way to express a commitment or promise to achieve a future outcome, or to encourage or incumb someone to do something.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make sure that, ensure that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make sure that, ensure that)

Understanding the Korean Grammar Point: ~도록 하다 [dorok hada]


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Core Grammar Explanation
  3. Comparative Analysis
  4. Examples in Context
  5. Cultural Notes
  6. Common Mistakes and Tips
  7. Summary and Review

Introduction

In the Korean language, ~도록 하다 (dorok hada) is a grammatical structure used to indicate making an effort to ensure that something happens. It is often translated as "make sure that" or "ensure that". This grammar point is essential for expressing intentions, giving advice, or instructing others in a polite and indirect manner.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ~도록 하다 conveys:

  • Ensuring an action is performed: Making sure that something happens.
  • Giving polite instructions or advice: Suggesting that someone should do something.
  • Expressing one's intention: Indicating personal commitment to an action.

Structure

To use ~도록 하다, attach 도록 하다 to the stem of an action verb.

Formation

  1. Verb Stem + 도록 하다
    • Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without .
    • 도록 하다: The grammatical expression added to the verb stem. Examples:
  • 가다 (to go) → + 도록 하다가도록 하다
  • 읽다 (to read) → + 도록 하다읽도록 하다

Formation Diagram

Verb Infinitive Verb Stem + 도록 하다 Resulting Form
가다 (to go) 도록 하다 가도록 하다
먹다 (to eat) 도록 하다 먹도록 하다
공부하다 (to study) 공부하 도록 하다 공부하도록 하다

Comparative Analysis

~도록 하다 vs. ~게 하다

Both ~도록 하다 and ~게 하다 can be used to indicate causing or making someone do something, but there are nuances:

  • ~도록 하다: Emphasizes making sure an action is done, often used for polite advice or instructions.
  • ~게 하다: Means to let or cause someone to do something, sometimes implying permission or causation. Examples:
  • 숙제를 제출하도록 하세요.
    • Please make sure to submit your homework.
  • 아이를 혼자 놀게 했어요.
    • I let the child play alone.

Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 회의 시간에 늦지 않도록 하십시오. Please make sure not to be late for the meeting.
  2. 안전 규칙을 준수하도록 하겠습니다. I will ensure to comply with the safety rules.

Informal Situations

  1. 감기 걸리지 않도록 해. Make sure you don't catch a cold.
  2. 내일 일찍 오도록 할게. I'll make sure to come early tomorrow.

Written Context

  1. 환경을 보호하도록 대중교통을 이용합시다. Let's use public transportation to ensure the protection of the environment.

Spoken Context

  1. 스트레스 받지 않도록 하세요. Make sure not to get stressed out.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, indirect communication is valued, especially when giving advice or instructions. Using ~도록 하다 allows the speaker to give recommendations or commands politely and respectfully.

  • It softens the expression, making it less direct and therefore more culturally appropriate in many situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 몸에 좋은 음식을 먹도록 하세요. Please make sure to eat healthy food.
  • 서두르지 않도록 합시다. Let's make sure not to rush.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Common Mistake: Using ~도록 하다 with adjectives or descriptive verbs.

  • Incorrect: 기쁘도록 하다 (Make sure to be happy)
    • Explanation: 도록 하다 is used with action verbs, not adjectives.
  • Correct: 기쁘게 하다 (Make someone happy)

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Purpose: ~도록 하다 is about ensuring an action occurs. Always pair it with an action verb.
  • Practice with Daily Actions: Think of actions you need to ensure and try forming sentences.
  • Visualize the Structure: Picture attaching 도록 하다 directly to the verb stem.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~도록 하다 is used to express making sure that an action is performed.
  • It adds a polite and indirect tone to commands, advice, or personal commitments.
  • Always attach 도록 하다 to the stem of an action verb, not adjectives.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: Please make sure to turn off the lights. 불을 끄_____ 하세요.
    Answer **끄도록**
  2. True or False: ~도록 하다 can be used with adjectives.
    Answer **False**. It is only used with action verbs.
  3. Translate into Korean using ~도록 하다: Let's make sure to finish the project by Friday.
    Answer **금요일까지 프로젝트를 끝내도록 합시다.**

By understanding and practicing ~도록 하다, you can enhance your Korean language skills, especially in giving polite instructions and expressing intentions.

hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2025 @hanabira.org