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

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

~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make sure, See to it that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing intention, purpose, or effort often involves specific grammatical structures. One such versatile structure is ~도록 하다. Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to express making sure something happens or causing someone to do something.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar pattern ~도록 하다 is used to express:

• Making sure something happens.
• Seeing to it that an action is carried out.
• Giving advice or suggestions with a sense of obligation or necessity. It often translates to "make sure to...", "see to it that...", or "try to..." in English.

Structure

The structure combines a verb stem with -도록 하다:

[Verb Stem] + 도록 하다

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 도록 하다

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without -다.

Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~도록 하다 with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~게 하다: Means "to make someone do something" or "let someone do something".
   • Example: 먹게 하다 (Let someone eat)
2. ~기 위해서: Means "in order to" or "for the sake of".
   • Example: 건강을 유지하기 위해서 운동해요. (I exercise to maintain my health.) Difference:

• ~도록 하다 emphasizes making sure an action is performed, often as advice or instruction.
• ~게 하다 focuses on causing or allowing someone else to do something.
• ~기 위해서 expresses purpose or intention behind an action.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회의에 늦지 않도록 하십시오. Please make sure not to be late for the meeting.
2. 건강을 위해 매일 운동하도록 합니다. I make sure to exercise daily for my health.

Informal Situations

1. 나중에 후회하지 않도록 열심히 공부해. Study hard so you won't regret it later.
2. 감기에 걸리지 않도록 옷 따뜻하게 입어. Dress warmly so you don't catch a cold.

Written Context

1. 학생들은 시험 준비를 철저히 하도록 하라. Students should make sure to prepare thoroughly for the exam.

Spoken Context

1. 쓰레기는 꼭 분리수거하도록 해 주세요. Please make sure to sort the trash.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, indirect expressions are often used to give commands or make requests politely. ~도록 하다 is a softer way to give instructions or advice, aligning with the cultural emphasis on harmony and respect.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Using ~도록 하세요 adds politeness.
• ~도록 해 is casual and used among close friends or those of equal status.
• ~도록 하십시오 is very formal and respectful.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 입조심하도록 해. Make sure to watch what you say.
2. 시간 날 때 연락하도록 할게. I'll make sure to contact you when I have time.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the wrong verb form: Attaching ~도록 하다 to the wrong verb form. Incorrect: 먹습니다도록 하다 ❌ Correct: 먹도록 하다 ✅
• Confusing with ~도록 alone: ~도록 can also mean "until" or "so that," but without 하다, it doesn't carry the sense of making sure.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 도록 as "to the extent" and 하다 as "do," so combined, they imply "do (something) to the extent that..."
• Practice with Common Verbs: Apply ~도록 하다 to frequently used verbs to get comfortable with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~도록 하다 is used to express making sure an action happens.
• It adds a nuance of obligation or strong suggestion.
• Proper use involves attaching 도록 하다 to the verb stem.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Please make sure to arrive on time" using ~도록 하다? Answer: 제시간에 도착하도록 하세요.
2. Which is more formal: 하도록 해 or 하도록 하십시오? Answer: 하도록 하십시오 is more formal.
3. True or False: ~도록 하다 can be used to express letting someone do something. Answer: False (That's ~게 하다)

By mastering ~도록 하다, you enhance your ability to give polite commands and strong suggestions, reflecting the nuances of Korean language and culture.