Projecting Results & Limits (-도록)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -도록 to express the intended result or the degree to which an action reaches a certain point.
- Use for purpose: 'I studied hard so that I could pass.' (합격하도록 공부했다)
- Use for degree: 'I ran until I was out of breath.' (숨이 차도록 달렸다)
- Use for command/request: 'Please make sure to arrive on time.' (늦지 않도록 하세요)
Overview
Korean grammar employs various connective endings to articulate complex relationships between clauses. Among these, the ending -도록 (do-rok) is a crucial marker for expressing extent, degree, limit, purpose, or result of an action. At the B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level, understanding -도록 is essential for conveying nuanced meaning, especially when discussing objectives, setting conditions, or describing the extreme culmination of an action.
It functions as a bridge, linking an action or state to its projected outcome or boundary, rather than simply stating a cause or reason. The underlying linguistic principle often relates to telicity, indicating an action performed until a specific endpoint or state is achieved.
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This ending allows you to articulate concepts such as "to the extent that something happens," "until a certain condition is met," or "so that a particular result is achieved." While its formation is straightforward, mastering its appropriate usage requires distinguishing it from other similar grammatical patterns that express purpose or manner. For example, you might use it to say, 나는 피곤하도록 일했다 (na-neun pi-gon-ha-do-rok il-haet-da - I worked to the point of being tired), emphasizing the degree of effort and its outcome. Understanding -도록 enhances your ability to express complex causal and teleological relationships in Korean, moving beyond basic sentence structures.
How This Grammar Works
-도록 functions as a versatile connective ending that attaches to the stem of a verb, linking a preceding clause (which sets a goal, limit, or condition) to a following clause (which describes the action taken in relation to that goal or limit). The primary characteristic of -도록 is its focus on the endpoint or result of an action. It signifies that the action described in the main clause is performed either until a specified state in the preceding clause is reached, or with the purpose of achieving that state.학생들이 이해하도록 천천히 설명했다 (hak-saeng-deul-i i-hae-ha-do-rok cheon-cheon-hi seol-myeong-haet-da - I explained slowly so that the students would understand). Here, 이해하다 (i-hae-ha-da - to understand) represents the desired result, and 설명했다 (seol-myeong-haet-da - explained) is the action taken to achieve it. The main verb of the sentence (the action clause) will carry the tense and politeness level, such as 합니다체 (hap-ni-da-che) or 해체 (hae-che).-도록 operates: as a marker of degree/extent and as a marker of purpose/result. In the former, it highlights the intensity or duration of an action up to a certain point, often emphasizing an extreme or notable consequence. For example, 밤새도록 게임을 했다 (bam-sae-do-rok ge-im-eul haet-da - I played games all night long, literally 'until night broke'), indicates the continuous action reaching the limit of dawn.-도록 a powerful tool for intricate communication.Formation Pattern
-도록 is notably simple, making it one of the more straightforward connective endings in Korean. It directly attaches to the verb stem without any distinctions based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant (including ㄹ batchim). There are no complex 으 or ㄹ rules, nor any specific changes for irregular verbs at this juncture. This consistent application eliminates a common point of difficulty for learners.
-도록 construction, you merely remove the 다 (da) from the dictionary form of the verb to obtain the verb stem, and then append -도록. This applies uniformly across all verbs. For negative constructions, you can attach -도록 to the negative auxiliary verb stem 않다 (an-ta) or 못하다 (mot-ha-da), or more commonly, to the 지 않다 (ji an-ta) form.
가다 (to go) | 가- (ga-) | 가도록 | 가도록 | ga-do-rok |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹- (meok-) | 먹도록 | 먹도록 | meok-do-rok |
하다 (to do) | 하- (ha-) | 하도록 | 하도록 | ha-do-rok |
만들다 (to make) | 만들- (man-deul-) | 만들도록 | 만들도록 | man-deul-do-rok |
돕다 (to help) | 돕- (dop-) | 돕도록 | 돕도록 | dop-do-rok |
-았/었-) or future/conjecture (-겠-) markers directly before -도록. The tense and politeness level of the entire sentence are determined by the final predicate.
먹었도록 했다 (meog-eot-do-rok haet-da)
먹도록 했다 (meok-do-rok haet-da - I made sure to eat)
~지 않다 (~ji an-ta) before -도록.
잊다 (it-da - to forget) → 잊지 않다 (it-ji an-ta - not to forget) → 잊지 않도록 (it-ji an-do-rok - so as not to forget).
늦다 (neut-da - to be late) → 늦지 않도록 (neut-ji an-do-rok - so as not to be late).
-도록 across various verbal contexts. Its simplicity belies the semantic complexity it can express, making it a powerful tool for advanced learners.
When To Use It
-도록 is a versatile connective ending with several distinct applications, primarily revolving around expressing degree, purpose, instruction, or a causative relationship. Its specific nuance is often determined by the context and the verbs it connects.-도록, indicating that an action or state continues up to a certain limit or results in a specific, often extreme, outcome. It highlights the intensity, duration, or culmination of an activity. This usage often appears with verbs describing physical effort, sensation, or time.목이 빠지도록 기다렸어요.(mok-i ppa-ji-do-rok gi-da-ryeot-seo-yo - I waited until my neck fell off, meaning 'I waited for a very long time'). This is a common idiom emphasizing extreme waiting.밤새도록 공부했습니다.(bam-sae-do-rok gong-bu-haet-seum-ni-da - I studied throughout the night, literally 'until the night broke'). Here, the action of studying continued to the limit of dawn.배가 찢어지도록 먹었어요.(bae-ga jjit-eo-ji-do-rok meog-eot-seo-yo - I ate until my stomach felt like it would burst). This vividly describes eating to an extreme degree.
-도록 clause describes the objective or desired outcome for which the action in the main clause is performed. It establishes a clear relationship where the main action is a means to achieve the preceding clause's state. This function is particularly important in formal or explanatory contexts.모두 이해하도록 천천히 설명했어요.(mo-du i-hae-ha-do-rok cheon-cheon-hi seol-myeong-haet-seo-yo - I explained slowly so that everyone would understand). The slow explanation serves the purpose of ensuring understanding.잊지 않도록 메모를 남겼습니다.(it-ji an-do-rok me-mo-reul nam-gyeot-seum-ni-da - I left a memo so as not to forget). The purpose of leaving a memo is to prevent forgetting.잘 보이도록 글씨를 크게 썼어요.(jal bo-i-do-rok geul-ssi-reul keu-ge sseot-seo-yo - I wrote the letters big so that they would be seen well). The larger writing serves the purpose of improving visibility.
-도록 is frequently used in formal settings, such as business, official communication, or educational contexts, to issue instructions or requests that aim to ensure a particular outcome. It often appears with 하다 (ha-da) or 주다 (ju-da). This usage imparts a sense of setting a condition or establishing a mandate.내일까지 보고서를 제출하도록 하십시오.(nae-il-kka-ji bo-go-seo-reul je-chul-ha-do-rok ha-sip-si-o - Please ensure you submit the report by tomorrow). This is a firm instruction to meet a deadline.회의에 늦지 않도록 일찍 오세요.(hoe-ui-e neut-ji an-do-rok il-jjik o-se-yo - Please come early so that you are not late for the meeting). This is a polite but clear instruction.아이들이 안전하도록 조심해 주세요.(a-i-deul-i an-jeon-ha-do-rok jo-sim-hae ju-se-yo - Please be careful so that the children are safe). This is a request to ensure safety.
하다 as a Causative or Permissive (-도록 하다)-도록 하다 is a common construction that can mean "to make someone do something," "to let someone do something," or "to ensure something happens." The nuance depends on the context and the subject of 하다.- Causative (making someone do): When the subject of
하다is different from the subject of the-도록clause, it often implies causing or ordering someone to do an action. 선생님께서 학생들에게 책을 읽도록 하셨습니다.(seon-saeng-nim-kke-seo hak-saeng-deul-e-ge chaek-eul il-do-rok ha-syeot-seum-ni-da - The teacher made the students read the book).- Self-directive/Ensuring (making sure oneself does): When the subject of
하다is the same as the implied subject of the-도록clause, it means to ensure or resolve to do something. 제가 실수하지 않도록 다시 확인하겠습니다.(je-ga sil-su-ha-ji an-do-rok da-si hwag-in-ha-get-seum-ni-da - I will check again to make sure I don't make a mistake).내일은 일찍 일어나도록 할게요.(nae-il-eun il-jjik i-reo-na-do-rok hal-ge-yo - I'll make sure to get up early tomorrow).
~을 수 있도록)-도록 can sometimes imply the extent to which one can perform an action, especially when combined with potential expressions like ~을 수 있다 (~eul su it-da). This highlights the capacity or capability of the action's subject.들을 수 있도록 말해 주세요.(deul-eul su it-do-rok mal-hae ju-se-yo - Please speak so that I can hear you). This focuses on the audibility as the desired result.
Common Mistakes
-도록 at the B2 level involves carefully distinguishing it from similar-sounding or superficially related grammar patterns. Korean learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when applying this ending.-(으)려고 (Purpose/Intention)-(으)려고(eu-ryeo-go): Expresses the speaker's direct intention or plan to perform an action. The focus is on the subject's motivation.나는 책을 읽으려고 도서관에 갔어요.(na-neun chaek-eul ilg-eu-ryeo-go do-seo-gwan-e gat-seo-yo - I went to the library to read a book [my intention]).-도록(do-rok): Expresses the result or extent of an action, or a broader objective that an action aims to achieve. The focus is on the effect or limit rather than the actor's internal will.학생들이 이해하도록 설명했어요.(hak-saeng-deul-i i-hae-ha-do-rok seol-myeong-haet-seo-yo - I explained so that the students would understand [the desired result]).
-(으)려고 vs. -도록-(으)려고 | -도록 |Formation Table
| Verb Type | Stem | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Action Verb
|
먹다
|
먹도록
|
많이 먹도록 하세요
|
|
Action Verb
|
가다
|
가도록
|
빨리 가도록 하세요
|
|
Negative
|
안 먹다
|
안 먹도록
|
안 먹도록 주의하세요
|
|
Negative
|
가지 않다
|
가지 않도록
|
가지 않도록 하세요
|
|
Irregular
|
듣다
|
듣도록
|
잘 듣도록 하세요
|
|
Irregular
|
만들다
|
만들도록
|
잘 만들도록 하세요
|
Meanings
Connects two clauses to indicate that the first clause is the purpose, degree, or limit of the second clause.
Purpose/Goal
Doing something to achieve a specific result.
“모두가 잘 들리도록 크게 말하세요.”
“잊지 않도록 메모를 해 두세요.”
Degree/Extent
Doing something until a certain state is reached.
“배가 터지도록 먹었어요.”
“목이 쉬도록 노래를 불렀어요.”
Instruction/Command
Setting a requirement for someone else to follow.
“내일은 늦지 않도록 하세요.”
“다시는 이런 일이 없도록 주의하세요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 도록
|
공부하도록 하세요
|
|
Negative
|
V + 지 않도록
|
늦지 않도록 하세요
|
|
Past
|
V + 도록 했다
|
열심히 공부하도록 했다
|
|
Future
|
V + 도록 할 것이다
|
내일 일찍 오도록 할 것이다
|
|
Degree
|
V + 도록
|
숨이 차도록 달렸다
|
|
Request
|
V + 도록 하세요
|
조용히 하도록 하세요
|
Formality Spectrum
시간에 맞춰 도착하도록 하십시오. (Professional instruction)
시간에 맞춰 도착하도록 하세요. (Professional instruction)
시간에 맞춰 도착하도록 해. (Professional instruction)
늦지 마! (Professional instruction)
The Three Faces of -도록
Purpose
- 목적 Goal
Degree
- 정도 Extent
Instruction
- 지시 Command
Examples by Level
한국어를 배우도록 공부해요.
I study so that I can learn Korean.
일찍 일어나도록 하세요.
Please make sure to wake up early.
친구를 만나도록 할게요.
I will make sure to meet my friend.
잊지 않도록 적으세요.
Write it down so you don't forget.
비가 오지 않도록 기도했어요.
I prayed that it wouldn't rain.
선물을 사도록 돈을 모았어요.
I saved money so I could buy a gift.
다치지 않도록 조심하세요.
Be careful so you don't get hurt.
늦지 않도록 서두르세요.
Hurry so you aren't late.
목이 아프도록 소리를 질렀어요.
I shouted until my throat hurt.
모두가 이해하도록 설명했어요.
I explained it so that everyone would understand.
실수를 하지 않도록 주의할게요.
I will be careful not to make mistakes.
배가 부르도록 먹었어요.
I ate until I was full.
회의에 차질이 없도록 준비하세요.
Please prepare so there are no setbacks in the meeting.
눈물이 나도록 감동적인 영화였어요.
It was a movie so moving that it made me cry.
문제가 발생하지 않도록 조치를 취했어요.
I took measures so that the problem would not occur.
모두가 볼 수 있도록 화면을 키웠어요.
I enlarged the screen so everyone could see.
법을 준수하도록 시민들을 교육해야 합니다.
We must educate citizens so that they comply with the law.
그는 성공하도록 모든 노력을 기울였습니다.
He devoted all his efforts so that he would succeed.
오해가 생기지 않도록 명확히 말해야 합니다.
You must speak clearly so that no misunderstanding arises.
지치도록 일한 보람이 있네요.
It was worth working until I was exhausted.
역사가 반복되지 않도록 우리는 기억해야 합니다.
We must remember so that history does not repeat itself.
그의 열정은 보는 이가 감탄하도록 만들었습니다.
His passion made those watching admire him.
모든 절차가 투명하게 진행되도록 감독하겠습니다.
I will supervise so that all procedures are conducted transparently.
숨이 멎도록 아름다운 풍경이었습니다.
It was a landscape so beautiful it took my breath away.
Easily Confused
Both express purpose.
Both mean 'in order to'.
Both mean 'so that'.
Common Mistakes
공부하기도록
공부하도록
먹도록 해요
먹도록 하세요
가도록 안 해요
가지 않도록 해요
예쁘도록 해요
예쁘게 해요
비가 오도록 했다
비가 오지 않도록 했다
공부하도록 위해서
공부하기 위해서
달리도록 빨리
빨리 달리도록
피곤하도록 공부했다
피곤할 정도로 공부했다
먹도록 했다
먹게 했다
가도록 원한다
가기를 원한다
말하도록 시켰다
말하게 시켰다
보도록 보았다
보려고 보았다
가도록 가겠다
가겠다
Sentence Patterns
___하도록 하세요.
___하도록 먹었어요.
___하도록 노력할게요.
___하도록 조치를 취했습니다.
Real World Usage
늦지 않도록 해!
성과를 내도록 노력하겠습니다.
맛있게 먹도록 포장해 주세요.
길을 잃지 않도록 조심하세요.
다들 웃도록 재미있는 사진 올릴게요.
오류가 없도록 검토하였습니다.
Use for Emphasis
Not for Adjectives
Professional Tone
Polite Requests
Smart Tips
Use -도록 to make your descriptions more vivid.
Use -도록 하세요 for professional clarity.
Use -도록 to link your action to the goal.
Use -지 않도록 to set boundaries.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄱ' in -도록 often sounds like a soft 'k' sound.
Falling
공부하도록 하세요 ↘
Firm instruction
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Do-tok' as 'Do it to the point of...'
Visual Association
Imagine a runner running until they reach a finish line that says 'TO-ROK'. The finish line is the limit of their effort.
Rhyme
To reach the goal or show the degree, use -도록 for all to see.
Story
Min-su wanted to pass the test. He studied until his eyes hurt (눈이 아프도록). He made sure not to sleep (자지 않도록) until he finished. He succeeded because he worked so that he would pass (합격하도록).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using -도록: one for a goal, one for a degree of intensity, and one for a self-instruction.
Cultural Notes
Using -도록 in emails shows you are taking responsibility for the outcome.
Teachers often use -도록 to set clear expectations for students.
Parents use it to guide children's behavior.
Derived from the verb '도달하다' (to reach).
Conversation Starters
시험에 합격하도록 어떻게 공부하세요?
배가 터지도록 먹어본 적 있어요?
회사에서 실수를 안 하도록 어떻게 준비하세요?
사람들이 잘 듣도록 어떻게 말해야 할까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
시험에 합격___ 공부했어요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
예쁘도록 하세요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I shouted until my throat hurt.
Answer starts with: 목이 ...
회의에 차질이 ___ 준비하세요.
잊지 ___ 메모하세요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises시험에 합격___ 공부했어요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
예쁘도록 하세요.
하도록 / 늦지 / 하세요 / 내일
I shouted until my throat hurt.
회의에 차질이 ___ 준비하세요.
잊지 ___ 메모하세요.
먹었어요 / 배가 / 터지도록
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises차가 ___ 비켜 주세요. (지나가다)
Match the -도록 expression to the situation.
나도록 / 코피가 / 공부했다 / .
강아지가 나가지 ___ 문을 잠갔어요.
이해할 수 ___ 설명해 주세요.
우리가 만났도록 약속을 잡자.
6시까지 ___ 하세요. (끝내다)
그는 쓰러지___ 운동했다.
Match the Action to the Goal.
발이 ___ 걸었어요. (아프다)
열심히 / 하겠습니다 / 일하도록 / .
녹지 ___
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, it attaches to action verbs. For adjectives, use the verb '하다' (e.g., '예쁘게 하도록').
It is neutral but often used in formal settings to show clear intent.
-게 is for general purpose; -도록 is for emphasis and degree.
Yes, the main verb can be in the past tense.
Yes, especially when describing intensity.
Yes, use '지 않도록 하세요'.
No, it is usually written in full.
-도록 is perfect for that.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
para que
Spanish uses subjunctive mood; Korean uses connective endings.
pour que
French requires subjunctive.
damit
German uses a conjunction, Korean uses a verb ending.
〜ように
Japanese uses a particle-like ending.
لكي
Arabic is a prepositional phrase.
以便
Chinese uses a conjunction.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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Going to do... (-(으)러 가다/오다)
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Korean Result Grammar: So That & Until (-도록)
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