Processing keyword: ~토록 [torok] (So that, to the extent that)

Korean Grammar Point: ~토록 [torok] (So that, to the extent that)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the grammatical ending ~토록 is used to express the extent or degree of an action or state. It can be translated as "so that," "to the extent that," or "until." Understanding how to use ~토록 will help you express actions that reach a certain degree or extent in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~토록 is attached to verbs or adjectives to indicate:

• Degree or Extent: To the extent that something happens.
• Purpose or Result: So that something happens.
• Time Duration: Until a certain time or event occurs.

Formation

Attach ~토록 directly to the verb or adjective stem.

Structure Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 토록

Examples of Formation

Verb/Adjective Stem	+ 토록	Result
노력하	토록	노력하도록
아프	토록	아프도록
기다리	토록	기다리도록

Detailed Explanation

1. Expressing Degree or Extent Indicates that something is done to such a degree that a certain result occurs.
   • Example: 배가 터지도록 먹었어요.
   • Translation: I ate so much that my stomach could burst.
2. Expressing Purpose Used to express the purpose or intention behind an action.
   • Example: 시험에 합격하도록 열심히 공부하세요.
   • Translation: Study hard so that you pass the exam.
3. Expressing Time Duration Indicates an action continues until a certain time or event.
   • Example: 밤이 새도록 이야기를 나눴어요.
   • Translation: We talked until the night became dawn.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~도록

~토록 is often used interchangeably with ~도록. Both can express similar meanings, but ~토록 adds emphasis and is slightly more formal or literary.

	~토록	~도록
Usage	Emphasis on extent or degree	General expression of purpose or extent
Formality	More formal/literary	Neutral
Example	목이 쉬도록 소리를 질렀다.	목이 쉬도록 소리를 질렀다.
Translation	I shouted so much that my voice faded.	I shouted so much that my voice faded.

Note: In many cases, ~토록 and ~도록 are interchangeable without significant change in meaning.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 회의가 끝나도록 기다리겠습니다.
   • Translation: I will wait until the meeting is over.
2. 국가를 위해 목숨을 바치도록 하겠습니다.
   • Translation: I will devote my life for the country.

Informal Situations

1. 추운 줄도 모르도록 놀았어.
   • Translation: I played so much that I didn't even notice the cold.
2. 엄마가 오시도록 집을 청소해야 해.
   • Translation: I need to clean the house so that mom comes.

Written Context

1. 그는 눈물이 마르도록 울었다.
   • Translation: He cried until his tears dried up.
2. 그 일이 성공하도록 최선을 다했다.
   • Translation: I did my best so that the work would succeed.

Spoken Context

1. 배 아프도록 웃었어!
   • Translation: I laughed so much that my stomach hurt!
2. 너무 피곤해서 쓰러지도록 일했어.
   • Translation: I worked so much that I almost collapsed from fatigue.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis in Expression: Koreans often use expressions like ~토록 to emphasize the intensity or extent of an action, reflecting a cultural appreciation for expressiveness.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~토록 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to add a more emphatic or formal tone compared to ~도록.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 발이 붓도록 걸었다.
   • Translation: I walked so much that my feet swelled.
   • Meaning: Emphasizing walking a very long distance.
2. 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었다.
   • Translation: I heard it so much that nails are hammered into my ears.
   • Meaning: I've heard it over and over again.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing ~토록 with ~도록
   • While similar, remember that ~토록 adds more emphasis and is slightly more formal.
2. Incorrect Attachment
   • Attaching ~토록 to a noun without a verb.
     • Incorrect: 기쁨토록 웃었다.
     • Correct: 기쁘도록 웃었다.

Tips to Remember

• Mnemonic for Emphasis: Think of the "ㅌ" in ~토록 as standing for "To the extreme" to remember that it emphasizes the extent.
• Check the Verb/Adjective: Ensure that ~토록 is attached to a verb or adjective stem, not a noun.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~토록 is used to express extent, degree, purpose, or duration.
• It adds emphasis and is slightly more formal than ~도록.
• Attach ~토록 directly to the verb or adjective stem.
• Used in various contexts to intensify the meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~토록 express in a sentence? a) Time only
   b) Extent or degree, purpose, duration
   c) Location
   d) Possession
2. Choose the sentence that correctly uses ~토록. a) 나는 행복토록 노래했다.
   b) 그는 밤이 새도록 공부했다.
   c) 우리는 친구토록 만났다.
   d) 그들은 빨리토록 달렸다.

Answers:

1. b) Extent or degree, purpose, duration
2. b) 그는 밤이 새도록 공부했다.

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Try creating your own sentences using ~토록 to describe actions done to a great extent.

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