Processing keyword: ~하게 [hage] (Make, let)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하게 [hage] (Make, let)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing causation—making or letting someone do something—is a fundamental aspect of communication. The grammar pattern ~하게 하다 is commonly used to convey this meaning. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~하게 하다, helping you understand how to apply it naturally in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~하게 하다 is used to indicate that the subject causes someone to perform an action or allows someone to do something. It translates to "make (someone) do" or "let (someone) do" in English.

Structure

The formation of ~하게 하다 involves attaching -게 하다 to the verb stem.

Formation:

1. Identify the verb stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add -게 하다: Attach -게 하다 to the verb stem.

Diagram:

[Verb Stem] + 게 하다

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Verb Conjugation Table

Dictionary Form (Verb)	Verb Stem	+ 게 하다	Meaning
가다 (to go)	가	가게 하다	To make/let someone go
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹게 하다	To make/let someone eat
말하다 (to speak)	말하	말하게 하다	To make/let someone speak
일하다 (to work)	일하	일하게 하다	To make/let someone work
공부하다 (to study)	공부하	공부하게 하다	To make/let someone study

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Notes:

• For verbs ending with -하다, attach -게 하다 directly to 하: 하다 → 하게 하다.
• The verb 하다 at the end is conjugated according to tense and politeness level.
  • Past Tense: 하다 → 했다
  • Present Tense: 하다 → 해요/합니다
  • Future Tense: 하다 → 할 것이다/할 거예요

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3. Comparative Analysis

~하게 하다 vs. ~도록 하다

	~하게 하다	~도록 하다
Usage	Direct causation (make/let someone do)	Indirect causation or setting conditions
Connotation	More authoritative or commanding	Suggestive or instructive
Example	친구를 기다리게 했어요. I made my friend wait.	친구를 기다리도록 했어요. I had my friend wait.

Note: While both can express causation, ~하게 하다 is more direct, whereas ~도록 하다 can imply setting up conditions for someone to do something.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 교수님은 학생들에게 질문을 하게 합니다.
   • The professor lets the students ask questions.
2. 회사는 직원들이 유연하게 일하게 했습니다.
   • The company made the employees work flexibly.

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Informal Speech

1. 나는 동생을 먼저 먹게 했어.
   • I let my younger sibling eat first.
2. 친구가 나를 너무 오래 기다리게 했어.
   • My friend made me wait too long.

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Written Context

1. 정부는 국민들이 안전하게 생활하게 해야 합니다.
   • The government must make the citizens live safely.

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Spoken Context

1. 엄마, 저도 게임하게 해주세요!
   • Mom, please let me play games too!

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: Using ~하게 하다 appropriately according to social hierarchy is important. For instance, a superior may use it to give instructions to a subordinate.
• Family Dynamics: In Korean families, parents often use ~하게 하다 when instructing their children, reflecting cultural norms of respect and obedience.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 숨 쉬게 하다: To let someone breathe (give someone a break)
   • 조금 쉬게 해주세요. 숨 좀 쉬게 하세요.
     • Please let me rest a bit. Let me breathe.
2. 알게 하다: To let someone know
   • 그 소식을 모두에게 알게 했어요.
     • I let everyone know that news.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Forgetting to Conjugate 하다: Remember to conjugate 하다 according to the tense and politeness level.
  • Incorrect: 나는 동생을 공부하게 하다.
  • Correct: 나는 동생을 공부하게 했어. (Past tense, informal)
• Misplacing the Object: Ensure the person being made to do something is correctly marked with the object particle -를/을.
  • Incorrect: 나는 공부하게 친구를 했어.
  • Correct: 나는 친구를 공부하게 했어.

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Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "Verb stem + 게 하다 = Cause to do".
• Practice with Common Verbs: Apply ~하게 하다 to verbs you use frequently to get comfortable with the pattern.
• Role-playing: Create dialogues where one person makes or lets another do something to reinforce usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하게 하다 is used to express making or letting someone perform an action.
• Attach -게 하다 to the verb stem.
• Conjugate 하다 according to the appropriate tense and speech level.
• Be mindful of cultural contexts and politeness levels when using this pattern.

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Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the causative:
   • How do you say "make someone read" using ~하게 하다?
     • Answer: 읽게 하다
2. Identify the Error:
   • 그는 나를 기다리게 해요. (He makes me wait.)
     • Is this sentence correct?
     • Answer: Yes, it's correctly formed.
3. Translate to Korean:
   • "The teacher let the students play."
     • Answer: 선생님은 학생들을 놀게 했어요.

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By understanding and practicing ~하게 하다, you'll enhance your ability to express causative actions in Korean, making your communication more natural and effective.

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