Processing keyword: ~케하다 [kehada] (To make so that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~케하다 [kehada] (To make so that)

케하다 (kehada): To Make So That

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing causation is essential for conveying actions where one causes another to perform an action or to be in a certain state. The grammar pattern ~케하다 (~kehada) is used to indicate that the subject causes someone or something to do something or to become a certain way.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~케하다 means "to make (someone/something) do" or "to cause (someone/something) to be".

Structure

Formation Diagram:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 케 하다

Detailed Explanation

• Verb/Adjective Stem: The base form of a verb or adjective without any endings.
• 케 하다: The causative expression meaning "to make do" or "to cause to be". When 케 하다 is attached to a verb or adjective stem, it transforms the sentence to express that the subject causes someone or something to perform an action or be in a certain state.

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

~게 하다 vs. ~케 하다

• ~게 하다: The standard causative form used after most verb or adjective stems.
• ~케 하다: A variation of ~게 하다 used primarily after stems ending with the consonant 'ㅎ' or for ease of pronunciation. Example:
• Standard Form: 깨끗하게 하다 (to make clean)
• Alternate Form: 깨끗케 하다 (to make clean) In this case, 깨끗하 (clean) ends with 'ㅎ', and combining it with 게 하다 results in 깨끗게 하다, which is less natural. Therefore, it becomes 깨끗케 하다 for smoother pronunciation.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal/Written Context

• Korean: 그는 자신의 목표를 이루게 했다.
• Pronunciation: Geuneun jasineui mokpyoreul iruge haetda.
• Translation: He made (someone) achieve their goals.
• Korean: 그녀는 방을 청소하케 했다.
• Pronunciation: Geunyeoneun bangeul cheongsohake haetda.
• Translation: She made (someone) clean the room.

2. Informal/Spoken Context

• Korean: 나는 동생을 웃게 했어.
• Pronunciation: Naneun dongsaengeul utge haesseo.
• Translation: I made my younger sibling laugh.
• Korean: 그 소식이 모두를 슬프게 했어.
• Pronunciation: Geu sosigi modureul seulpeuge haesseo.
• Translation: That news made everyone sad.

3. Using ~케하다 for Smooth Pronunciation

• Korean: 이 약이 병을 낫게 할 거야.
• Pronunciation: I yagi byeongeul natge hal geoya.
• Translation: This medicine will make the illness better.
• Korean: 이 약이 병을 낫케 할 거야.
• Pronunciation: I yagi byeongeul natke hal geoya.
• Translation: This medicine will make the illness better.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding causative forms is crucial in Korean as it reflects the speaker's ability to describe actions affecting others, which is important in a collectivist society where interactions are communal.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The causative form changes depending on the level of politeness:

• Formal Polite: ~케 합니다
• Formal Imperative: ~케 하십시오
• Informal Polite: ~케 해요
• Informal: ~케 해

Idiomatic Expressions

• 길을 비키게 하다: To make someone get out of the way.
• 주의를 환기시키게 하다: To draw someone's attention.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing ~게 하다 and ~케 하다: Learners might use ~케 하다 indiscriminately. Remember that ~케 하다 is often used after stems ending with 'ㅎ' or when it aids pronunciation.
• Overlooking Pronunciation Rules: Not adjusting the pronunciation can make speech sound unnatural.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: If the stem ends with 'ㅎ', and attaching ~게 하다 sounds awkward, try using ~케 하다.
• Practice with Common Verbs/Adjectives: Familiarize yourself with verbs and adjectives that commonly use ~케 하다.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~케하다 is a causative form meaning "to make (someone) do" or "to cause (something) to be".
• Use ~케하다 after verb or adjective stems, especially those ending with 'ㅎ', for smoother pronunciation.
• Be mindful of the level of politeness appropriate for the context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: When should you use ~케하다 instead of ~게하다?
   • Answer: After verb or adjective stems ending with 'ㅎ' or when it improves pronunciation.
2. Question: Convert the following sentence using ~케하다: "She made the room bright."
   • Korean: 그녀는 방을 밝게 했다.
   • Answer: 그녀는 방을 밝케 했다.
3. Question: What is the function of ~케하다 in a sentence?
   • Answer: It indicates that the subject causes someone or something to perform an action or to be in a certain state.

By mastering ~케하다, you enhance your ability to express causative actions in Korean naturally and accurately. Remember to consider pronunciation and stem endings to choose between ~게하다 and ~케하다 appropriately.