If you want to speak Korean more naturally, mastering ‘-도록’ in Korean is a must. This grammar pattern appears often in conversations, textbooks, and even in formal instructions. By learning how to use ‘-도록’, you will be able to express purpose, extent, and instructions in a clear and flexible way. In this lesson, we will break down the meaning, structure, and practical examples so you can start using it with confidence.
Contents
1. Definition
The grammar pattern ‘-도록’ has several important functions in Korean.
- It can express a purpose or goal.
- It can show the extent or degree of an action.
- It can be used for giving instructions or commands.
In English, it is often translated as:
- “so that”
- “in order to”
- “until”
- “to the extent that”
- “make sure to”
In short, ‘-도록’ is used when you want to explain why something is done, how far it goes, or what someone should do.
2. Form (Structure)
1. Verbs
For verbs, just add -도록 to the verb stem. That’s it—no irregulars, no exceptions.
Examples:
- 가다 → 가도록 (so that [someone] goes)
- 먹다 → 먹도록 (so that [someone] eats)
- 만들다 → 만들도록 (so that [someone] makes)
2. Adjectives
You can also use -도록 with adjectives, but it usually expresses an extent or degree (“to the point that…”). This works most naturally with adjectives that describe states, conditions, or feelings.
Examples:
- 춥다 → 춥도록 (to the extent that it’s cold)
- 힘들다 → 힘들도록 (to the extent that it’s tiring)
- 아프다 → 아프도록 (to the extent that it hurts)
⚠️ Note: Technically, many adjectives can combine with -도록, but in everyday Korean, only certain ones sound natural. For example, “빠르도록” (to the extent that it’s fast) is grammatically correct but extremely rare in real usage.
3. Meaning & Usage
1. Expressing Purpose (so that, in order to)
This use indicates doing something for a specific goal or reason.
Examples:
- 공기가 들어오도록 창문을 열어 주세요. (Please open the window so that air can come in.)
- 열심히 공부하도록 매일 계획을 세웠어요. (I made a plan every day so that I could study hard.)
- 손님이 편하도록 의자를 준비했어요. (I prepared chairs so that guests would be comfortable.)
- 아이들이 쉽게 이해하도록 설명했어요. (I explained so that the children could understand easily.)
- 실수를 줄이도록 주의하세요. (Be careful so that you reduce mistakes.)
2. Expressing Extent or Degree (to the extent that, until)
This use emphasizes how far or to what degree an action is taken.
Examples:
- 목이 아프도록 노래했어요. (I sang until my throat hurt.)
- 배가 부르도록 먹었어요. (I ate until I was full.)
- 눈물이 나오도록 웃었어요. (I laughed until tears came out.)
- 손이 얼도록 밖에 있었어요. (I stayed outside until my hands froze.)
- 피곤하도록 운동했어요. (I exercised to the extent of exhaustion.)
3. Giving Instructions or Commands (make sure to, let’s ensure that)
This use emphasizes strong advice, instructions, or requests.
Examples:
- 내일 늦지 않도록 하세요. (Make sure not to be late tomorrow.)
- 조용히 하도록 하겠습니다. (I will make sure to be quiet.)
- 회의 시간에 맞추도록 준비하세요. (Prepare so that you are on time for the meeting.)
- 실수를 하지 않도록 주의하세요. (Be careful so that you don’t make mistakes.)
- 고객을 먼저 배려하도록 합시다. (Let’s make sure to consider the customer first.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-도록’ can mean purpose, extent, or instruction depending on context.
- Usually attaches to verbs; adjectives are used mainly for extent.
- Common in both spoken and formal Korean.
- Often interchangeable with ‘-게’ for purpose, but ‘-도록’ is more formal.
- Frequently used in instructions, especially in workplaces or schools.
5. Practice Exercises
- 내일 일찍 (가다) _____________ 준비하세요.
(Please prepare so that we leave early tomorrow.) - 사람들이 쉽게 (이해하다) _____________ 간단히 설명했어요.
(I explained simply so that people could understand easily.) - (아프다) ________________ 조심하세요.
(Be careful so that you don’t get sick.) - 배가 (부르다) _____________ 많이 먹었어요.
(I ate a lot until I was full.) - 눈물이 (나오다) _____________ 크게 웃었어요.
(I laughed loudly until tears came out.) - 손님이 (편하다) _____________ 자리를 바꿨어요.
(I changed the seats so that the guests would be comfortable.) - 시험에 (합격하다) _____________ 열심히 공부하세요.
(Study hard so that you pass the exam.) - 실수가 (없다) _____________ 다시 확인하세요.
(Check again so that there are no mistakes.) - 목이 (쉬다) _____________ 노래했어요.
(I sang until my voice became hoarse.) - 내일 (늦다) _____________ 시계를 맞추세요.
(Set the clock so that you won’t be late tomorrow.)
6. Answers
- 가도록
- 이해하도록
- 아프지 않도록
- 먹도록
- 나오도록
- 편하도록
- 합격하도록
- 없도록
- 쉬도록
- 늦지 않도록
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Mixing up with ‘-게’
Incorrect: 사람들이 쉽게 이해하게 설명했어요. ❌ (I explained so people could understand easily.)
Correct: 사람들이 쉽게 이해하도록 설명했어요. ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘-도록’ in more formal or written contexts. ‘-게’ is more casual and often used in spoken Korean.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Using with nouns incorrectly
Incorrect: 학생도록 준비하세요. ❌ (Prepare as a student.)
Correct: 학생답게 행동하세요. ✅ (Behave in a way befitting a student.)
💡 Tip: With nouns, native speakers prefer to use -답게 / -답도록 with appropriate actions like 공부하다, 행동하다. Direct noun + -도록 is unnatural.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Confusing manner (how) with purpose (why)
(Some learners think “빨리 뛰었다” and “빨리 가도록 뛰었다” mean exactly the same, but they have different nuances.)
- Learner’s mistake:
빨리 뛰었어요. = 빨리 가도록 뛰었어요. ❌ (They are not completely identical.) - Correct distinction:
① 빨리 뛰었어요. ✅ → Describes the manner of the action (“I ran fast.” / how I ran)
② 빨리 가도록 뛰었어요. ✅ → Describes the purpose/intention (“I ran in order to get there quickly.” / why I ran)
💡 Tip: Use 단순히 -게/-게끔 with adverbs to describe the way/manner of doing something. Use -도록 when you want to make the intention or purpose clear.
The grammar pattern ‘-도록’ is an incredibly versatile tool in Korean. It helps you express purpose, extent, and instructions with clarity and precision. Mastering this form allows you to speak more naturally and understand Korean conversations better, especially in formal or descriptive contexts. By practicing with real-life examples, you’ll find ‘-도록’ becomes a natural part of your Korean expression.