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

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

Short explanation:

Used to express 'making someone do something' or 'ensuring that something happens'.

Formation:

(Verb/Noun) + 도록 하다

Examples:

저는 언제나 학생들이 성실하게 수업을 듣도록 해요.
Jeoneun eonjena haksaengdeuli seongsilhage sueobeul deutdorok haeyo.
I always make sure that the students listen to the class sincerely.
회사에서는 직원들이 일찍 퇴근하도록 하고 있어요.
Hoesaeseoneun jigweondeuli iljjik toegeunhadorok hago isseoyo.
The company is ensuring that employees leave work early.
그녀는 아이들이 안전하게 집에 도착하도록 했어요.
Geunyeoneun aideuli anjeonhage jibe dochakhadorok haesseoyo.
She made sure that the children arrived home safely.
엄마는 우리가 매일 채소를 먹도록 했어요.
Eommaneun uriga maeil chaesoreul meokdorok haesseoyo.
Mum made us eat vegetables every day.

Long explanation:

The phrase '~도록 하다 [dorok hada]' is frequently used in the Korean language to imply that someone is commanded or requested to do something or an attempt to make a certain situation occur. This pattern can be translated to 'make someone do something' or 'ensure that something happens' in English. It is very adaptable and can be used with action verbs, descriptive verbs, and nouns.

Detailed Grammar notes:

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

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

~도록 하다 [dorok hada] (Make/Ensure That)

1. Introduction

In Korean, ~도록 하다 is a versatile grammar structure used to instruct, suggest, or ensure that an action is carried out. It's a helpful expression for giving advice, making recommendations, or setting rules. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~도록 하다, helping you incorporate it naturally into your Korean conversations.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~도록 하다 is used to:

  • Instruct or advise someone to do something.
  • Ensure that an action is taken.
  • Express intention to make something happen.

Structure

To form this expression:

[Verb Stem] + 도록 하다

Formation Diagram

Component Meaning
Verb Stem Base form of the action verb
도록 So that, in order to
하다 To do

Conjugation Examples

Verb (Dictionary Form) Verb Stem + 도록 하다 Meaning
가다 (to go) 가도록 하다 Make sure to go
먹다 (to eat) 먹도록 하다 Ensure that (someone) eats
공부하다 (to study) 공부하 공부하도록 하다 Make sure to study

Usage Notes

  • Politeness Levels: Adjust the ending of 하다 to match the required formality.
    • 하도록 합니다 (Formal polite)
    • 하도록 해요 (Polite)
    • 하도록 해 (Informal)
  • Often used in imperative sentences for giving instructions.

3. Comparative Analysis

~도록 하다 vs. ~게 하다

While both expressions are used to make someone do something, they have subtle differences.

  • ~도록 하다: Focuses on ensuring an action is done; more about suggestion or instruction.
  • ~게 하다: Implies causing or allowing someone to do something; can indicate permission or making someone do something.
    Grammar Point Usage Example
    ~도록 하다 Suggesting/Ensuring an action 일찍 일어나도록 하세요.
    Make sure to wake up early.
    ~게 하다 Making/Letting someone do something 아이를 놀게 했어요.
    I let the child play.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 안전벨트를 꼭 매도록 하십시오.
    • Please make sure to wear your seatbelt.
  2. 회의 자료를 준비하도록 하겠습니다.
    • I will ensure to prepare the meeting materials.

Informal Situations

  1. 늦지 않도록 해.
    • Make sure not to be late.
  2. 건강을 위해 운동하도록 하자.
    • Let's make sure to exercise for our health.

Written Context

  1. 학생들은 도서관 이용 규칙을 준수하도록 합니다.
    • Students must ensure they comply with the library rules.
  2. 환경 보호를 위해 쓰레기를 분리수거하도록 합시다.
    • Let's make sure to separate waste for environmental protection.

Spoken Context

  1. 제가 약속을 잊지 않도록 할게요.
    • I'll make sure not to forget our appointment.
  2. 즐거운 시간을 보낼 수 있도록 하겠습니다.
    • I will ensure that you have a good time.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Collectivism: In Korean culture, there's an emphasis on group harmony and cooperation. Using ~도록 하다 can reflect a considerate way of giving instructions or suggestions without sounding too direct.
  • Hierarchy and Politeness: Adjusting the level of politeness when using ~도록 하다 is important in respecting social hierarchy.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • Formal Polite: Used with superiors, elders, or in formal settings.
    • 시간을 지키도록 하십시오.
      • Please ensure you are punctual.
  • Informal Polite: Used among peers or in casual settings.
    • 어디 가지 않도록 해요.
      • Make sure not to go anywhere.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 잠들지 않도록 하다
    • Make sure not to fall asleep.
  • 실수하지 않도록 하다
    • Ensure not to make mistakes.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Mistake: Using ~도록 하다 with adjectives instead of action verbs.
    • Incorrect: 행복하도록 하세요.
    • Correct: 행복해지도록 하세요. (Make sure to become happy.)
  • Mistake: Neglecting to adjust the politeness level.
    • Using informal speech in a formal context can be seen as rude.

Learning Strategies

  • Association: Link 도록 with "to make sure" to remember its function.
  • Practice Forming Sentences: Create sentences using common verbs to get comfortable with the structure.
  • Listen and Repeat: Pay attention to native speakers using ~도록 하다 in conversations, dramas, or songs.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~도록 하다 is used to instruct or ensure an action is performed.
  • It's formed by adding 도록 하다 to the verb stem.
  • Adjust the level of formality by changing the ending of 하다.
  • Commonly used in various contexts and essential for giving polite instructions.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: "Please make sure to finish the report." 보고서를 완성_________.
Answer보고서를 완성하도록 하세요.
2. **True or False:** **~도록 하다** can be used with adjectives.
AnswerFalse. It is typically used with action verbs.
3. **Translate to Korean:** "Let's make sure not to forget."
Answer잊지 않도록 하자.
--- By mastering **~도록 하다**, you'll enhance your ability to give considerate advice and instructions in Korean, reflecting both linguistic accuracy and cultural awareness.
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