As / According to (대로)
대로 whenever action B needs to perfectly copy or follow action A.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '대로' to express that something happens 'as' or 'according to' a previous action or state.
- Attach directly to nouns: '계획대로' (according to the plan).
- Attach to verb stems with -ㄴ/은: '말한 대로' (as I said).
- Attach to verb stems with -는: '보는 대로' (as soon as you see it).
Overview
At its core, the Korean grammatical principle 대로 (daero) expresses conformance and immediacy. It signifies that an action is performed in exact accordance with a preceding noun or state, or that something is presented in its original, unaltered condition. Think of it as the grammar of faithful execution.
Whether you are meticulously following a recipe, recounting a story exactly as you witnessed it, or acting on a sudden impulse, 대로 provides the linguistic bridge between the standard and the action.
From a structural standpoint, 대로 is a dependent noun (의존 명사, uijon myeongsa). This is a critical concept in Korean grammar. Dependent nouns cannot stand alone; they require a preceding word or phrase to modify them and give them meaning.
This is why 대로 always follows another element, either attaching directly to a noun (e.g., 계획대로, 'according to plan') or following a verb or adjective that has been turned into a descriptive clause (e.g., 본 대로, 'as I saw'). Understanding its role as a dependent noun is the key to mastering its formation rules and spacing, which often trip up learners.
For a B1-level learner, 대로 is a gateway to expressing more complex and nuanced ideas. It moves beyond simple declarative sentences to describe the manner, basis, or immediacy of an action. It covers two main conceptual territories:
- 1Conformance to a Standard: Following a rule, instruction, promise, or expectation. This is the “according to” meaning.
- 2Unfiltered State: Acting based on an immediate perception, feeling, or state, without alteration. This is the “as it is” or “as one feels” meaning.
Mastering 대로 allows you to communicate with a higher degree of precision, distinguishing between doing something like another (a metaphorical similarity) and doing something as another dictates (a direct replication).
How This Grammar Works
대로 functions as a placeholder for the concept of "the way," "the standard," or "the state." The word or clause that comes before it defines what that standard or state is. The action that comes after it is then measured against that benchmark. This relationship of conformance is the central pillar of the grammar.선생님 말씀대로 공부했습니다.(I studied as the teacher said.)- Standard:
선생님 말씀(The teacher's words) - Action:
공부했습니다(I studied) - Relationship: The method of studying conformed perfectly to the teacher's instructions.
예상대로 시험은 어려웠어요.(As expected, the exam was difficult.)- Standard:
예상(Expectation) - Action/State:
시험은 어려웠어요(The exam was difficult) - Relationship: The reality of the exam's difficulty matched the prior expectation.
대로 establishes a cause-and-effect relationship based on adherence. The action happens because it is following the specified standard.있는 그대로의 모습을 보여주세요.(Please show yourself as you are.)- Standard/State:
있는 그대로(The state of existing as is) - Action:
보여주세요(Please show) - Relationship: The request is to reveal a true, unedited self.
느끼는 대로 솔직하게 말해봐.(Speak honestly, just as you feel.)- Standard/State:
느끼는 것(The feeling itself) - Action:
솔직하게 말해봐(Speak honestly) - Relationship: The manner of speaking should be a direct, unfiltered output of one's feelings.
마음대로 ('as one's heart desires'). It embodies the idea of acting with complete personal freedom. 마음대로 하세요 can be a polite invitation ("Please, do as you wish") or a curt dismissal ("Do whatever you want"), depending entirely on context and intonation.Formation Pattern
대로 are dictated by its status as a dependent noun. The key is to remember whether you are attaching it to a single noun or a modifying clause.
대로 attaches directly to it with no space. It functions much like a particle in this case.
Noun + 대로
순서 | sunseo | 순서대로 | In order | 순서대로 입장해주세요. (Please enter in order.) |
법 | beop | 법대로 | According to the law | 모든 것은 법대로 처리해야 합니다. (Everything must be handled according to the law.) |
약속 | yaksok | 약속대로 | As promised | 약속대로 선물을 사 왔어. (I brought a gift, as promised.) |
계획 | gyehoek | 계획대로 | According to the plan | 다행히 모든 일이 계획대로 진행되었다. (Fortunately, everything proceeded according to plan.) |
대로. They must first be converted into their adnominal form (관형사형), which is the form that allows them to modify a noun. This creates a descriptive clause, and a space is required between this clause and 대로.
-(으)ㄴ 대로
-(으)ㄴ + 대로
-ㄴ for stems ending in a vowel (e.g., 보다 → 본).
-은 for stems ending in a consonant (e.g., 읽다 → 읽은).
ㄹ, the ㄹ is dropped and -ㄴ is added (e.g., 만들다 → 만든).
보다 (to see) | bon daero | 본 대로 | As (one) saw | 본 대로 말씀해 주세요. (Please speak as you saw.) |
듣다 (to hear) | deureun daero | 들은 대로 | As (one) heard | 저는 들은 대로 전했을 뿐이에요. (I only relayed it as I heard.) |
약속하다 (to promise) | yaksokhan daero | 약속한 대로 | As (was) promised | 우리가 약속한 대로, 여기서 만나자. (Let's meet here, as we promised.) |
있다 (to exist) | inneun daero | 있는 대로 | As it is | 음식이 있는 대로 다 주세요. (Please give me all the food there is.) |
있다 follows the present tense -는 rule, 있는 그대로 ('as it is') refers to the existing state, fitting this category conceptually.
-는 대로
-는 + 대로
느끼다 (to feel) | neukkineun daero | 느끼는 대로 | As (one) feels | 느끼는 대로 그림을 그려 보세요. (Try to paint as you feel.) |
시키다 (to order) | sikineun daero | 시키는 대로 | As (one) is ordered | 시키는 대로만 하면 문제가 없을 거야. (If you just do as you're told, there will be no problem.) |
말하다 (to speak) | malhaneun daero | 말하는 대로 | As (one) speaks | 말하는 대로 이루어진다. (It comes true as you say it.) |
도착하는 대로 전화 주세요. (Please call as soon as you arrive.)
회의 끝나는 대로 알려드릴게요. (I'll let you know as soon as the meeting ends.)
-(으)ㄹ 대로
-(으)ㄹ + 대로
될 대로 되라. (Whatever will be, will be. / Let it be.)
지칠 대로 지쳤다. (I am tired to the absolute limit.)
화가 날 대로 났다. (I am as angry as I can possibly be.)
When To Use It
대로 is used in everyday communication.사용 설명서에 쓰여 있는 대로 조립하세요.(Please assemble it as written in the user manual.)의사 선생님이 조언해 주신 대로 식단을 관리하고 있어요.(I am managing my diet as the doctor advised.)
대로 when you need to emphasize that you are recounting something exactly as you saw, heard, or experienced it, without addition or subtraction.제가 본 대로만 말씀드리는 겁니다.(I am only telling you exactly as I saw.)뉴스에서 들은 대로라면, 상황이 꽤 심각해요.(If it's according to what I heard on the news, the situation is quite serious.)
마음 (heart, mind) and 뜻 (will, intention) are frequently used.메뉴는 마음대로 고르셔도 됩니다.(You can choose the menu as you please.)인생이 항상 내 뜻대로 되지는 않는다.(Life doesn't always go according to my will.)- Be aware of
멋대로(or제멋대로), a related term that carries a negative nuance of acting selfishly or inconsiderately.내 방에 멋대로 들어오지 마!(Don't just come into my room as you please!)
있는 그대로 ('as it is') is extremely common and is used to stress authenticity or the acceptance of a situation without modification.이 사진은 보정 없이 있는 그대로의 모습입니다.(This photo is an unedited picture, showing the subject just as they are.)우리는 현실을 있는 그대로 받아들여야 한다.(We must accept reality as it is.)
-는 대로)-는 대로 combines with verbs of arrival (오다, 가다, 도착하다), completion (끝나다, 마치다), or other action triggers, its meaning shifts to immediacy in sequence.집에 도착하는 대로 연락 줘.(Contact me as soon as you get home.)월급 들어오는 대로 갚을게.(I'll pay you back as soon as my salary comes in.)
-(으)ㄹ 대로)그 신발은 낡을 대로 낡아서 더는 신을 수 없다.(Those shoes are completely worn out, so they can't be worn anymore.)그는 오랫동안 병을 앓아 쇠약해질 대로 쇠약해졌다.(He suffered from a long illness and became as weak as one could possibly be.)
Common Mistakes
대로 by confusing it with similar-looking grammar patterns or by making spacing errors. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.대로 (Conformance) vs. 처럼 (Similarity)처럼 means "like" or "as if" and indicates a metaphorical similarity in appearance or style. 대로 indicates a direct, methodical replication.저 가수는 천사처럼 노래해요. (That singer sings like an angel.) | The singing is beautiful and has an angelic quality. It is a simile. |악보에 있는 대로 노래해요. (Sing as it is on the sheet music.) | You are following the notes on the page exactly. It is an instruction. |그녀는 모델처럼 옷을 입는다. (She dresses like a model.) | She has a great fashion sense, similar to a model's. |잡지에 나온 대로 옷을 입는다. (She dresses according to what was in the magazine.) | She is copying a specific outfit she saw in a magazine. |대로 (Method) vs. 만큼 (Degree/Amount)만큼 is used to equate two things in terms of their amount, degree, or extent. 대로 is used to equate them in terms of method, basis, or manner.노력하는 만큼 결과가 나올 거예요.(You will get results as much as you put in the effort.) -> Equates the amount of effort and the amount of results.계획한 대로 결과가 나올 거예요.(The results will come out according to the plan.) -> The results will conform to the method laid out in the plan.
대로 is a dependent noun.- Noun +
대로(No Space):법대로(O),법 대로(X). Think of it as a single unit. - Modifier Clause +
대로(Space Required):들은 대로(O),들은대로(X). The modifier clause들은is a separate unit from the noun대로that it is describing.
대로 must logically fit the sentence.어제 내가 말한 대로 했어?(Did you do it as I said yesterday?) ->말한is past tense, matching어제(yesterday).어제 내가 말하는 대로 했어?(X) ->말하는is present tense, which conflicts with어제and is unnatural in this context.
Real Conversations
Scenario 1
- 손님 (Customer): 저기요, 주문한 김치찌개 나왔는데, 고기는 빼달라고 부탁드렸거든요.
(Excuse me, the kimchi stew I ordered is here, but I had asked for the meat to be removed.)
- 직원 (Staff): 아, 정말 죄송합니다! 주방에 다시 확인해 보니, 주문서에 적힌 대로 조리했는데 전달 과정에 실수가 있었나 봅니다. 바로 다시 준비해 드리겠습니다.
(Oh, I am so sorry! I checked with the kitchen, and they cooked it as it was written on the order slip, but it seems there was a mistake in communication. I will prepare a new one for you right away.)
Scenario 2
- 지혜: 이번 주말에 뭐 해? 날씨 좋던데.
(What are you doing this weekend? The weather is nice.)
- 민준: 글쎄... 별 계획 없어. 그냥 발길 닿는 대로 돌아다닐까 생각 중.
(Not sure... I don't have any special plans. I'm thinking of just wandering wherever my feet take me.)
- 지혜: 오, 좋아! 그럼 나도 같이 가자. 나 가는 대로 연락할게!
(Oh, nice! Let's go together then. I'll message you as soon as I'm on my way!)
Scenario 3
- 박 팀장 (Team Lead Park): 이 대리, 지난번에 요청한 시장 분석 보고서, 제가 이메일로 피드백 드린 대로 수정했나요?
(Assistant Manager Lee, that market analysis report I requested, did you revise it according to the feedback I gave you via email?)
- 이 대리 (Asst. Manager Lee): 네, 팀장님. 말씀하신 대로 관련 데이터를 전부 그래프로 바꾸고, 결론 부분을 보강했습니다.
(Yes, Team Lead. As you mentioned, I changed all the relevant data into graphs and strengthened the conclusion section.)
Quick FAQ
대로 be used with adjectives?Yes, though it's less frequent than with verbs. When an adjective in the -(으)ㄴ form modifies 대로, it describes the state that serves as the basis for the action. For instance, a parent sorting fruit with a child might say 좋은 대로 이쪽 바구니에 담아봐 ('Try putting them in this basket based on which ones are good' / 'Put the good ones here'). It can also be used to mean 'in its... state,' like 아름다운 대로 그냥 두자 ('Let's leave it as it is, in its beautiful state').
마음대로, 멋대로, and 뜻대로?All three relate to personal will but have distinct nuances.
마음대로 | Neutral. 'As one's heart/mind wishes.' Its politeness depends on tone and context. | 편하게 마음대로 하세요. (Please feel comfortable and do as you wish.) |멋대로 | Negative. 'As one pleases, but selfishly, inconsiderately, or without permission.' | 그는 내 컴퓨터를 멋대로 사용했다. (He used my computer without asking.) |뜻대로 | Broad/Intentional. 'According to one's will, intention, or plan.' Often used for significant life events or goals. | 모든 일이 뜻대로 잘 풀렸으면 좋겠다. (I hope everything works out well according to your intentions.) |-는 대로 means “according to” or “as soon as”?Context is everything, but the verb is the biggest clue.
- “As Soon As” context: The verb is typically one of arrival, departure, completion, or initiation (
오다,가다,도착하다,떠나다,끝나다,마치다,시작하다). The sentence describes a sequence of two separate actions. For example, in수업 끝나는 대로 전화할게('I'll call as soon as class ends'), ending class and calling are two distinct events in a sequence. - “According To” context: The verb is often one of perception, thought, or speech (
보다,듣다,느끼다,생각하다,말하다,시키다). The clause describes the manner in which the main action is performed. In내가 하는 대로 따라 해('Follow as I do'), the following action is a direct imitation of the first.
-(으)ㄹ 대로 for 'to the fullest extent.' Can I use this with any adjective or verb?While it is a pattern, it’s most naturally used with words describing states that can reach a peak or limit, especially those with a negative connotation. It's very common with words like 지치다 (to be tired), 낡다 (to be old/worn out), 화나다 (to be angry), and 약해지다 (to become weak). For example, 그는 약해질 대로 약해져서 이제 걸을 힘도 없다 ('He has become as weak as he possibly can be and now doesn't even have the strength to walk'). Using it with a positive adjective like 예쁘다 (pretty) as in 예쁠 대로 예쁘다 is grammatically possible but far less common and would sound poetic or emphatic.
Formation of 대로
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun
|
Noun + 대로
|
계획대로
|
|
Past Verb
|
Verb + ㄴ/은 대로
|
말한 대로
|
|
Present Verb
|
Verb + 는 대로
|
가는 대로
|
Meanings
The particle '대로' indicates that an action or state follows a specific standard, expectation, or happens in the same manner as something else.
Standard/Expectation
Doing something according to a plan or rule.
“약속대로 하세요.”
“법대로 합시다.”
Manner/State
Doing something exactly as it is or as it was described.
“본 대로 말해 주세요.”
“들은 대로 적었어요.”
Immediacy
As soon as something happens.
“도착하는 대로 전화할게요.”
“끝나는 대로 연락 주세요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Noun)
|
Noun + 대로
|
약속대로
|
|
Affirmative (Past)
|
Verb + ㄴ/은 대로
|
본 대로
|
|
Affirmative (Present)
|
Verb + 는 대로
|
오는 대로
|
|
Negative (Noun)
|
Noun + 대로 안/못
|
계획대로 안 됐어요
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 는 대로 할까요?
|
도착하는 대로 할까요?
|
|
Past Negative
|
Verb + ㄴ/은 대로 안 함
|
말한 대로 안 했어요
|
Formality Spectrum
말씀하신 대로 하십시오. (Instructions)
말한 대로 하세요. (Instructions)
말한 대로 해. (Instructions)
말한 대로 해라. (Instructions)
The 대로 Universe
Standard
- 계획대로 as planned
Manner
- 본 대로 as seen
Timing
- 오는 대로 as soon as I come
Examples by Level
계획대로 해요.
Do it according to the plan.
말한 대로 하세요.
Do as I said.
약속대로 왔어요.
I came as promised.
법대로 합시다.
Let's do it by the law.
본 대로 말해 주세요.
Tell me as you saw it.
도착하는 대로 전화해요.
Call me as soon as you arrive.
들은 대로 적었어요.
I wrote it as I heard it.
생각한 대로 됐어요.
It happened as I thought.
끝나는 대로 사무실로 오세요.
Come to the office as soon as you finish.
설명서에 적힌 대로 조립했어요.
I assembled it as written in the manual.
원하는 대로 다 해 줄게요.
I will do everything as you wish.
예상대로 결과가 좋네요.
As expected, the results are good.
느낀 대로 솔직하게 말해 봐.
Speak honestly as you feel.
규정대로 처리하는 것이 좋습니다.
It is better to process it according to the regulations.
그는 말한 대로 행동하는 사람이다.
He is a person who acts as he says.
준비한 대로 발표를 시작합시다.
Let's start the presentation as prepared.
관습대로 행해지는 의식입니다.
It is a ceremony performed according to custom.
예측한 대로 시장이 움직이고 있다.
The market is moving as predicted.
본인의 의지대로 삶을 개척하세요.
Pioneer your life according to your own will.
기대대로 완벽한 공연이었습니다.
It was a perfect performance as expected.
순리대로 흘러가게 두는 것이 현명하다.
It is wise to let things flow according to nature.
법칙대로 증명된 이론입니다.
It is a theory proven according to the laws.
전통대로 차를 준비했습니다.
I prepared the tea according to tradition.
계획대로 차질 없이 진행 중입니다.
It is proceeding as planned without any setbacks.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up 'like' and 'according to'.
Both relate to degree/extent.
Both explain actions.
Common Mistakes
계획에 대로
계획대로
말한에 대로
말한 대로
약속의 대로
약속대로
도착한 대로
도착하는 대로
보는 대로 말해 (past event)
본 대로 말해
생각대로 했어요 (as I thought)
생각한 대로 했어요
규정의 대로
규정대로
기대대로 안 됐어요
기대대로 되지 않았어요
Sentence Patterns
___대로 하세요.
___대로 말해 주세요.
___대로 연락할게요.
___대로 다 잘 됐어요.
Real World Usage
도착하는 대로 톡해!
계획대로 업무를 수행했습니다.
요청사항대로 해주세요.
일정대로 움직입시다.
생각한 대로 살기.
지시대로 처리했습니다.
Noun vs Verb
Don't add particles
Immediacy
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use '는 대로' to sound more natural.
Always use '대로' with the noun.
Ensure you use the past modifier.
Use '나대로' or '자기대로'.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄹ' in 대로 often sounds crisp.
Statement
계획대로↗ 됐어요↘
Confirming the result.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '대로' as a 'D-rail' (track). You are staying on the track of the plan or the action.
Visual Association
Imagine a train following a track perfectly. The track is the 'plan' (계획), and the train is the action following it (대로).
Rhyme
Plan or say, do it the same way, just add 대로 to start your day.
Story
Min-su had a plan (계획대로). He told his friend exactly what he saw (본 대로). He promised to call as soon as he arrived (도착하는 대로).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using '대로' in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Using '대로' shows you are following protocol, which is highly valued.
Using it with friends shows you are reliable.
Used in formal ceremonies to show respect for tradition.
Derived from the noun '대' (standard/basis) + particle '로' (direction/manner).
Conversation Starters
오늘 계획대로 됐어요?
도착하는 대로 뭐 할 거예요?
본 대로 말해 줄 수 있어요?
원하는 대로 다 할 수 있다면?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
계획___ 하세요.
말한 ___ 하세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
계획에 대로 했어요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Do as I said.
Answer starts with: 말한 ...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '생각한' and '대로'.
끝나는 ___ 연락할게요.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises계획___ 하세요.
말한 ___ 하세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
계획에 대로 했어요.
대로 / 전화 / 도착하는 / 주세요.
Do as I said.
도착하는 대로
Use '생각한' and '대로'.
끝나는 ___ 연락할게요.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises제가 ___ 대로 말씀드릴게요. (I will tell you as I see it.)
Match the left side to the right.
엄마가 / 대로 / 말한 / 했어요
가수대로 노래를 불렀어요. (I sang according to the singer / strictly copying the singer.)
The team won, as expected.
Choose the word that fits: 'He uses my stuff ___.'
하고 ___ 대로 하세요. (Do as you want to do.)
느끼는 / 사세요 / 대로
배운대로 하세요. (No space)
Connect the situation to the phrase.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it attaches to almost any noun to mean 'according to'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Use '는' for future/present and 'ㄴ/은' for past.
Yes, '나대로' means 'in my own way'.
No, '대로' is for alignment, '처럼' is for similarity.
Usually it follows a noun or verb, so it's not a sentence starter.
It might change the meaning from 'as I did' to 'as I do'.
You can use it with honorific verbs like '말씀하신 대로'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
通り (toori)
Japanese uses 'toori' while Korean uses 'daero'.
según
Spanish 'según' is a preposition, not a particle.
gemäß
German requires specific case endings.
selon
French is a preposition placed before the noun.
按照 (ànzhào)
Chinese uses a verb-based prepositional phrase.
حسب (hasab)
Arabic uses a prepositional noun.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
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To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
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Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
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Logically Likely: -ㄹ/을 법하다
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