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B1 auxiliary 8 min read

도록

-dorok

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 도록 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 도록 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use '-도록' yourself, but you will hear it in simple instructions. Think of it as a way to say 'until' or 'so that.' For example, when a teacher says '공부하도록 하세요,' they are telling you 'Please study.' It’s a polite way to give a command. You can think of it like a very polite 'please.' At this stage, focus on the phrase '-도록 하세요' as a polite way to be told to do something. Don't worry too much about the complex grammar yet. Just remember it often appears at the end of a sentence when someone is giving you a helpful direction or a rule to follow. It's like a signal that says, 'Here is what I want you to do.' You might also see it in simple signs, like 'Clean so it is pretty.' Even though it's an intermediate grammar, knowing this polite command form will help you understand your Korean teachers better. It’s a building block for being polite and clear in your intentions as you grow in the language.

In A2, you start to see '-도록' as a connective that joins two ideas. It's often used to mean 'so that.' For example, '늦지 않도록 서두르세요' (Hurry up so you aren't late). Here, '늦지 않도록' explains the reason why you should hurry. It's very similar to '-게,' which you might already know. The difference is that '-도록' sounds a bit more formal and serious. You will also see it used to mean 'until' in simple time expressions, like '밤새도록' (all night long). This is a very common phrase you will hear in songs and stories. At this level, try to use it when you want to give a reason for an action that sounds a bit more organized or polite than using just '-아/어서.' It's a great way to start making your sentences longer and more descriptive. You are moving from just saying 'I did this' to 'I did this so that something else would happen.' This is a big step in your Korean journey!

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '-도록' to express purpose, degree, and time limits. This is the level where this grammar point is officially introduced. You should understand that it can mean 'to the extent that' (e.g., '목이 쉬도록' - until my throat is hoarse) as well as 'in order to.' You should also be able to use the '-도록 하다' construction to express your own resolutions or to give polite suggestions to others. For instance, '앞으로 지각하지 않도록 하겠습니다' (I will make sure not to be late from now on). This shows a higher level of commitment than just saying '안 늦을게요.' You should also notice how '-도록' allows for different subjects in the two clauses, which is a key difference from '-려고.' For example, '동생이 공부하도록 불을 켰어요' (I turned on the light so my younger sibling could study). This flexibility makes it a very powerful tool for describing complex social interactions and goals. Practice using it in writing to explain your plans or to describe how hard you worked on something.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuance of '-도록' in various registers. You should be able to distinguish it from similar endings like '-게,' '-기 위해,' and '-ㄹ 수 있도록.' You'll notice that '-도록' is frequently used in formal speeches, news reports, and professional writing to provide a sense of objective purpose or to describe reaching a specific threshold. For example, in a business context, you might say '매출이 증대되도록 전략을 세웠습니다' (We established a strategy so that sales would increase). You should also be aware of its use in emphatic expressions, often involving hyperbolic results like '죽도록' (to the point of death) or '쓰러지도록' (until collapsing). This level requires you to understand the 'limit' aspect of '-도록'—that it's not just about why you do something, but the specific point you want to reach. You should also be comfortable using '-도록 하다' in formal requests or when setting firm expectations in a professional environment. Your use of this grammar should feel natural and appropriately formal depending on the situation.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the stylistic and rhetorical functions of '-도록.' It is often used in literature and high-level discourse to create a sense of inevitability or to emphasize the intensity of an experience. You should be able to identify its use in legal texts and official documents where it defines requirements and standards, such as '국민이 안전하게 생활할 수 있도록 법을 제정한다.' Furthermore, you should be able to use '-도록' in complex sentence structures where multiple purposes or degrees are being balanced. You might encounter it in poetic contexts where it describes the passage of time or the depth of an emotion in a way that '-까지' or '-게' cannot match. At this stage, your focus should be on the 'reach' and 'attainment' nuances of the suffix. It’s about the movement toward a specific state. You should also be able to explain the grammatical constraints of the suffix to others, such as why it doesn't take past tense markers and how it functions as a subordinating conjunction in complex Korean syntax. Your mastery should allow you to use it to sound authoritative, poetic, or precisely descriptive as the situation demands.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '-도록' should be near-native, encompassing its historical development and its most subtle nuances in contemporary usage. You should be able to use it effortlessly in any context, from the most casual slang-filled hyperbole to the most rigid academic or legal prose. You should understand how '-도록' functions within the broader system of Korean connective endings and how its choice over alternatives can shift the entire tone of a piece of writing. For example, choosing '-도록' in a philosophical essay to describe the evolution of a thought toward a conclusion. You should also be adept at using it in highly nuanced interpersonal communication, where '-도록 하다' can range from a supportive suggestion to a cold, indirect command depending on the intonation and honorifics used. At this level, you are not just using a grammar rule; you are wielding a tool of precision to express the exact degree of purpose, the specific threshold of an action, and the formal weight of an intention. You should be able to critique the use of '-도록' in others' speech or writing, recognizing when it is used redundantly or when a different ending would provide better clarity or impact.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

도록 in 30 Seconds

A versatile connective ending meaning 'so that' or 'until' a certain point.
Used to express purpose, desired results, or the intensity/degree of an action.
Commonly found in formal instructions, recipes, and emotional hyperbolic expressions.
Functions as a polite command or firm resolution when used in the '-도록 하다' form.

The Korean connective ending -도록 (dorok) is a versatile and essential tool in intermediate Korean grammar. At its core, it functions to indicate a point in time, a degree of action, or a specific purpose that the subject is aiming to achieve. Unlike simpler purpose markers, -도록 carries a nuance of 'reaching a certain state' or 'to the extent that.' It is most commonly translated into English as 'so that,' 'in order to,' 'until,' or 'to the point where.'

Purpose and Intention: When used to express purpose, it suggests that the preceding action is a goal the speaker wants to reach. For example, '음식이 모자라지 않도록' means 'so that the food does not run out.' It is slightly more formal and emphatic than the basic '-게' ending.

늦지 도록 서두르세요.

Degree and Extent: It is used to describe an action that continues until a certain result or limit is reached. If you say '목이 쉬도록 노래했다,' you are saying you sang to the point that your throat became hoarse. It emphasizes the intensity of the action.

In daily life, you will encounter -도록 in recipes (e.g., '익도록 끓이세요' - boil until cooked), in workplace instructions, and in emotional expressions where someone describes doing something to an extreme degree. It bridges the gap between simple cause-and-effect and the more complex descriptions of human intention and physical limits. Whether you are setting a deadline or describing a passionate effort, this ending provides the necessary grammatical framework to express 'how much' or 'for what end' an action is performed. Understanding this word is a significant step from basic conversational Korean to more nuanced, descriptive, and professional communication. It allows speakers to move beyond 'I did X because of Y' and into 'I did X so that Y would happen' or 'I did X until Y was achieved.'

Using -도록 is grammatically straightforward because it attaches directly to the verb stem without requiring complex transformations based on batchim (final consonants). Whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant, you simply add -도록. However, the syntactical placement and the relationship between the two clauses are vital for clarity.

Conjugation Rule: Verb Stem + 도록. Examples: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹도록; 가다 (to go) → 가도록; 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하도록. It does not typically take past tense markers like -았/었- before it.

모두가 들을 수 도록 크게 말씀해 주세요.

The '-도록 하다' Construction: This is a common auxiliary usage. In the first person, it expresses a firm promise: '내일까지 끝내도록 하겠습니다' (I will make sure to finish by tomorrow). In the second or third person, it acts as a soft command or suggestion: '일찍 오도록 하세요' (Please make sure to come early).

When using -도록 to mean 'until,' it often pairs with verbs of time or state change. For instance, '밤이 새도록' (until the night breaks/until dawn) is a set phrase used to describe staying up all night. In these contexts, it replaces '까지' to add a more literary or emphasizing tone to the duration. It is also important to note that while -게 and -도록 are often interchangeable in purpose clauses, -도록 is preferred when the goal is more formal or when emphasizing the 'limit' of the action. In professional writing, reports, and public speaking, -도록 provides a level of precision and sophistication that signals a higher command of the Korean language. Practicing the distinction between the 'purpose' usage and the 'result/degree' usage will help you sound more like a native speaker who understands the subtle textures of Korean logic.

You will encounter -도록 in a variety of social and professional settings in Korea. It is not just a textbook grammar point; it is deeply embedded in how instructions are given and how emotions are heightened. From the announcements on a subway to the lyrics of a K-pop ballad, -도록 is everywhere.

Workplace and Public Service: In offices, supervisors often use '-도록 하세요' to give polite but firm directions. Public announcements use it to ensure safety: '다치지 않도록 주의하시기 바랍니다' (Please be careful so as not to get hurt). It sounds professional and authoritative without being rude.

성공할 수 도록 최선을 다하겠습니다.

Emotional and Artistic Expression: In songs and literature, '-도록' is used to show the depth of feeling. Phrases like '죽도록 사랑해' (I love you to the point of death) or '눈물이 나도록' (until tears come out) are common. Here, it acts as a hyperbole to convey the intensity of the speaker's state.

Furthermore, in legal or formal documents, -도록 is used to specify the conditions of a law or a contract. For example, '법을 준수하도록' (in order to comply with the law). In these contexts, it provides a clear link between an action and its legal or social objective. Even in casual settings, parents might tell their children, '키가 쑥쑥 크도록 우유 많이 마셔라' (Drink a lot of milk so you grow tall quickly). This range from the high-stakes legal world to the intimate family dinner table demonstrates why mastering -도록 is essential. It is a linguistic bridge that connects the intention behind an action to its expected or realized outcome across all registers of Korean society.

While -도록 is a powerful tool, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with other purpose-oriented endings like '-게', '-기 위해', or '-려고'. Understanding the subtle boundaries of its usage is key to achieving natural-sounding Korean.

Confusing with '-기 위해서': While both express purpose, '-기 위해서' focuses more on the 'benefit' or 'sake' of something and usually requires the subjects of both clauses to be the same. '-도록' is more about the 'result' or 'state' being reached and allows for different subjects effortlessly.

[Incorrect] 밥을 먹기 위해서 조용히 하세요.
[Correct] 아이가 자 도록 조용히 하세요.

Overusing '-도록 하다' as a simple 'to do': Learners often use '-도록 하다' when a simple verb would suffice. Remember that '-도록 하다' implies a conscious effort or a command. Saying '저는 밥을 먹도록 해요' (I make sure to eat) sounds like you are following a strict diet or a doctor's order, whereas '저는 밥을 먹어요' is just a statement of fact.

Another frequent mistake is failing to distinguish between the 'until' meaning and the 'purpose' meaning in context. If you say '지치도록 일했다' (I worked until I was exhausted), the context clearly implies degree/result. But if you say '성공하도록 일했다' (I worked so that I would succeed), it implies purpose. Learners sometimes struggle with this duality, but the key is looking at the verb in the first clause. If it's a state you reach (like being tired, or time passing), it's 'until.' If it's a goal you want to achieve (like passing an exam), it's 'so that.' Mastering these distinctions will prevent the 'robotic' or 'translated' feel that many intermediate learners struggle with.

Korean has several ways to express purpose and degree. Knowing when to choose -도록 over its alternatives is a hallmark of an advanced speaker. Here is how it compares to its closest relatives.

-도록 vs. -게: These are very similar. However, '-게' is more common in casual conversation, while '-도록' is more formal and emphasizes the 'extent' or 'limit.' In many cases they are interchangeable, but '-도록' sounds more deliberate and emphatic.

맛있 게 드세요 (Casual) vs. 맛있게 드시 도록 준비했습니다 (Formal/Service context).

-도록 vs. -기까지: When meaning 'until,' '-도록' describes reaching a state through an action, whereas '-기까지' focuses purely on the time or the end point. '-도록' feels more integrated into the action itself.

For learners, the most important comparison is with -ㄹ 수 있게. While -도록 means 'so that,' -ㄹ 수 있게 specifically means 'so that [someone] can.' If the purpose involves ability or possibility, -ㄹ 수 있게 is often more precise. However, -도록 is often used in the same context to imply the same thing but with a focus on the resulting state rather than the ability. By diversifying your use of these endings, you can avoid repetitive sentence structures and convey your thoughts with much greater nuance and cultural accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '록' part of '도록' is sometimes associated with the idea of 'recording' or 'fixing' a state, although it is purely a grammatical particle in this context.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /do̞.ɾo̞k/

US /doʊ.roʊk/

The stress is generally even across both syllables in Korean.

Rhymes With

도록 (dorok) 초록 (chorok - green) 기록 (girok - record) 부록 (burok - appendix) 수록 (surok - inclusion) 목록 (mongnok - list) 단독 (dandok - alone) 지옥 (jiok - hell)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a tap.
Over-emphasizing the final 'k' sound (it should be an unreleased stop).
Stressing the first syllable too heavily.
Making the 'o' sound like 'oo'.
Pronouncing it as three syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but requires context to distinguish 'until' from 'purpose'.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding when it is more appropriate than -게 or -기 위해.

Speaking 4/5

Using -도록 하다 naturally in conversation takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Commonly heard in formal contexts and songs.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

-게 (connective) -기 위해 (purpose) 하다 (to do) 까지 (until) 위해서 (for the sake of)

Learn Next

-고자 (formal purpose) -(으)ㄹ 정도로 (degree) -(으)ㄹ 겸 (dual purpose) -(으)ㄹ 테니 (intention/reason) -(으)ㄹ 지경이다 (to the point of)

Advanced

연결 어미 (connective endings) 보조 용언 (auxiliary verbs) 사동 표현 (causative expressions) 간접 화법 (indirect speech) 수사법 (rhetoric)

Grammar to Know

-게

맛있게 드세요.

-기 위해서

살을 빼기 위해서 운동해요.

-ㄹ 수 있도록

잘 들릴 수 있도록 크게 말해 줘.

-지 않도록

잊지 않도록 써 놔.

-(으)ㄹ 정도로

눈물이 날 정도로 웃겼어.

Examples by Level

선생님, 제가 이해할 수 있도록 천천히 말씀해 주세요.

Teacher, please speak slowly so that I can understand.

도록 is used here to show the goal of the teacher's speaking.

내일은 늦지 않도록 하세요.

Please make sure not to be late tomorrow.

-도록 하세요 is a polite way to give a command.

깨끗하도록 청소했어요.

I cleaned it so it would be clean.

Shows the result the person wanted to achieve.

배가 부르도록 먹었어요.

I ate until my stomach was full.

Shows the degree or extent of eating.

아기가 자도록 조용히 하세요.

Please be quiet so the baby can sleep.

The subject of the first part (baby) and second part (you) are different.

잊지 않도록 메모하세요.

Please take notes so you don't forget.

Shows the purpose of taking notes.

잘 보이도록 앞에 앉으세요.

Please sit in the front so you can see well.

Shows the purpose of sitting in the front.

내일까지 숙제를 끝내도록 하세요.

Please make sure to finish the homework by tomorrow.

A polite command using -도록 하다.

감기에 걸리지 않도록 조심하세요.

Please be careful so you don't catch a cold.

Common expression for giving health advice.

밤새도록 게임을 했어요.

I played games all night long.

밤새도록 is a set phrase meaning 'until the night is through'.

다 들리도록 크게 노래를 불러요.

Sing loudly so everyone can hear.

Shows the purpose/degree of singing loudly.

모두가 먹을 수 있도록 사과를 깎았어요.

I peeled the apples so everyone could eat.

Purpose clause with a change of subject.

비가 안 오도록 기도했어요.

I prayed so that it wouldn't rain.

Expressing a wish or purpose.

길을 잃지 않도록 지도를 보세요.

Look at the map so you don't get lost.

Purpose of looking at the map.

옷이 젖도록 비를 맞았어요.

I was in the rain until my clothes got wet.

Shows the degree/result of being in the rain.

제시간에 도착하도록 서두릅시다.

Let's hurry so we arrive on time.

Purpose of hurrying.

한국어를 잘하도록 매일 연습해요.

I practice every day so that I can speak Korean well.

Standard purpose usage for a goal.

목이 쉬도록 응원을 했어요.

I cheered until my throat went hoarse.

Emphasizes the intensity/degree of the action.

다시는 이런 일이 없도록 주의하겠습니다.

I will be careful so that this kind of thing doesn't happen again.

Formal resolution using -도록.

고기가 잘 익도록 불을 조절하세요.

Adjust the heat so the meat cooks well.

Instructional usage common in recipes.

눈물이 나도록 웃었어요.

I laughed until tears came out.

Describing the extent of an emotion.

성공하도록 최선을 다할게요.

I will do my best so that I succeed.

Expressing intention and purpose.

남들이 비웃지 않도록 행동을 조심해라.

Be careful with your behavior so others don't mock you.

Social purpose/warning.

이 책을 다 읽도록 노력해 보세요.

Try to make an effort to read this whole book.

Suggesting a goal using -도록.

발이 부르트도록 걸었습니다.

I walked until my feet were blistered.

Hyperbolic degree of an action.

환경을 보호하도록 정책을 강화해야 합니다.

Policies must be strengthened to protect the environment.

Formal/Political purpose.

그가 마음을 돌리도록 설득해 보세요.

Try to persuade him so that he changes his mind.

Influencing another person's state.

오해가 없도록 다시 한번 설명하겠습니다.

I will explain once more so that there are no misunderstandings.

Clarifying purpose in a formal setting.

질서가 유지되도록 협조해 주시기 바랍니다.

Please cooperate so that order is maintained.

Public announcement style.

입이 마르도록 칭찬을 했어요.

I praised them until my mouth was dry (repeatedly).

Idiomatic expression for excessive praise.

문제가 해결되도록 다 같이 힘을 모읍시다.

Let's all join forces so the problem can be solved.

Collective purpose.

신선도가 유지되도록 냉장 보관하세요.

Keep refrigerated so that freshness is maintained.

Technical/Instructional purpose.

모든 국민이 혜택을 누릴 수 있도록 법안을 수정했다.

The bill was revised so that all citizens can enjoy the benefits.

High-level administrative purpose.

귀에 못이 박히도록 그 소리를 들었다.

I heard that so much it's like a nail is stuck in my ear.

Idiomatic expression for hearing something too many times.

전통이 계승되도록 교육 프로그램을 마련했습니다.

We have prepared educational programs so that traditions are passed down.

Cultural/Societal purpose.

실수가 용납되지 않도록 철저히 준비하십시오.

Prepare thoroughly so that no mistakes are tolerated.

High-stakes professional command.

눈이 빠지도록 기다렸지만 그는 오지 않았다.

I waited so long my eyes almost fell out, but he didn't come.

Literary hyperbole for long waiting.

경제적 자립이 가능하도록 지원을 아끼지 않겠다.

We will not spare support so that economic independence is possible.

Formal commitment to a result.

진실이 밝혀지도록 끝까지 싸우겠습니다.

I will fight until the end so that the truth is revealed.

Abstract and strong purpose.

작품의 의도가 잘 전달되도록 연출에 신경을 썼다.

I focused on the direction so that the intention of the work is well conveyed.

Professional artistic purpose.

인간의 존엄성이 훼손되지 않도록 헌법은 규정하고 있다.

The Constitution stipulates so that human dignity is not undermined.

Legal/Constitutional language.

뼈를 깎는 고통을 감내하도록 스스로를 채찍질했다.

I whipped myself to endure the pain of carving bone (extreme effort).

Highly metaphorical and literary expression of will.

후세에 부끄럽지 않도록 역사를 바로 세워야 한다.

We must set history straight so as not to be ashamed before future generations.

Ethical and historical purpose.

자연의 섭리에 어긋나지 않도록 삶의 태도를 가다듬었다.

I refined my attitude toward life so as not to go against the laws of nature.

Philosophical/Reflective usage.

그의 연설은 청중의 심금을 울리도록 치밀하게 구성되었다.

His speech was meticulously structured to tug at the audience's heartstrings.

Sophisticated descriptive purpose.

사회적 약자가 소외되지 않도록 촘촘한 복지망을 구축해야 한다.

A dense welfare network must be built so that the socially vulnerable are not marginalized.

Policy-oriented formal language.

해마다 풍년이 들도록 하늘에 제사를 지냈다.

Rituals were performed to the heavens so that there would be a harvest every year.

Historical/Ritualistic purpose.

기술적 한계를 극복하도록 연구진은 밤낮을 가리지 않았다.

The research team did not distinguish between day and night to overcome technical limits.

Professional perseverance.

Common Collocations

밤새도록

죽도록

입이 마르도록

늦지 않도록

이해하도록

성공하도록

발이 부르트도록

목이 쉬도록

잊지 않도록

보이도록

Common Phrases

하도록 하세요

— Please make sure to do it. A polite command.

일찍 오도록 하세요.

지치도록

— Until one is exhausted. Used to show hard work.

지치도록 뛰었어요.

눈물이 나도록

— To the point of tears. Used for extreme emotions.

눈물이 나도록 슬펐어요.

지루하지 않도록

— So that one doesn't get bored. Used in entertainment.

지루하지 않도록 재미있게 만들었어요.

불편함이 없도록

— So that there is no discomfort. Used in service.

불편함이 없도록 최선을 다하겠습니다.

차질이 없도록

— So that there are no setbacks. Used in business.

차질이 없도록 준비해 주세요.

귀에 못이 박히도록

— To hear something so much it's painful. Idiomatic.

그 소리는 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었다.

해박하도록

— To the extent of being knowledgeable. Rare/Academic.

지식이 해박하도록 공부했다.

질리지 않도록

— So that one doesn't get sick of it.

질리지 않도록 매일 메뉴를 바꿔요.

다치지 않도록

— So that one doesn't get hurt. Safety warning.

다치지 않도록 조심하세요.

Often Confused With

도록 vs -게

-게 is more common in casual speech, while -도록 is more formal and implies a 'limit'.

도록 vs -기 위해

-기 위해 usually requires the same subject in both clauses; -도록 does not.

도록 vs -려고

-려고 is strictly for intentions; -도록 covers purpose, degree, and time limits.

Idioms & Expressions

"입이 마르도록 칭찬하다"

— To praise someone excessively or repeatedly.

선생님은 그 학생을 입이 마르도록 칭찬하셨다.

Neutral

"귀에 못이 박히도록 듣다"

— To hear the same thing over and over again until sick of it.

공부하라는 말은 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었어요.

Informal

"눈이 빠지도록 기다리다"

— To wait for a very long time with great anticipation.

어머니는 아들이 오기를 눈이 빠지도록 기다리셨다.

Informal

"목이 빠지도록 기다리다"

— Similar to '눈이 빠지도록', emphasizing the strain of waiting.

택배가 오기를 목이 빠지도록 기다리고 있어요.

Informal

"뼈가 가루가 되도록"

— To work extremely hard, to the point of total physical sacrifice.

뼈가 가루가 되도록 일했지만 남는 게 없었다.

Literary/Emphatic

"해 지도록"

— Until the sun sets; all day long.

아이들은 해 지도록 밖에서 놀았다.

Neutral

"발이 부르트도록 걷다"

— To walk a very long distance, until blisters form.

고향까지 발이 부르트도록 걸어갔다.

Neutral

"자나 깨나 잊지 않도록"

— To never forget, whether awake or asleep.

그 교훈을 자나 깨나 잊지 않도록 마음에 새겼다.

Literary

"죽도록 고생하다"

— To suffer or go through extreme hardship.

젊었을 때 죽도록 고생을 해 봐야 한다.

Neutral

"배가 터지도록 먹다"

— To eat until one's stomach feels like it might burst.

뷔페에 가서 배가 터지도록 먹고 왔다.

Informal

Easily Confused

도록 vs 까지

Both can mean 'until'.

까지 is a particle for nouns (time/place); 도록 is a suffix for verbs (state/action).

3시까지 vs. 3시가 되도록

도록 vs -려고

Both express purpose.

-(으)려고 focuses on the actor's intent. -도록 focuses on the result or goal.

공부하려고 vs. 공부하도록

도록 vs -게

Very similar 'so that' meaning.

-게 is more adverbial and casual. -도록 emphasizes the extent or formal objective.

예쁘게 vs. 예쁘도록

도록 vs -기 위해

Standard 'in order to'.

-기 위해 is a noun-based construction. -도록 is a connective ending. -도록 is more flexible with subjects.

성공하기 위해 vs. 성공하도록

도록 vs -(으)ㄹ 정도로

Both express degree.

-(으)ㄹ 정도로 is more focused on comparison. -도록 is more focused on the limit reached.

죽을 정도로 vs. 죽도록

Sentence Patterns

V-지 않도록 조심하세요

넘어지지 않도록 조심하세요.

V-도록 노력하겠습니다

열심히 공부하도록 노력하겠습니다.

V-도록 하세요

내일 일찍 오도록 하세요.

V-도록 최선을 다하다

성공하도록 최선을 다했습니다.

N이/가 V-도록 ...

아이가 자도록 조용히 했어요.

N이/가 유지되도록 ...

평화가 유지되도록 노력해야 합니다.

V-도록 규정하다

법은 안전을 지키도록 규정하고 있다.

V-도록 스스로를 채찍질하다

완벽해지도록 스스로를 채찍질했다.

Word Family

Verbs

하도록 하다 (to make sure to do)

되도록 하다 (to make sure it happens)

도 (degree/extent)

록 (record/suffix)

-게 (similar suffix)

-기까지 (similar meaning)

-ㄹ 수 있도록 (extended form)

How to Use It

frequency

High in instructional, professional, and emotional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using past tense: 밥을 먹었도록 했어요. → 밥을 먹도록 했어요.
Connective endings like -도록 do not take past tense markers on the preceding verb stem.
Using -도록 with a noun: 3시 도록 기다렸어요. → 3시가 되도록 기다렸어요.
-도록 must attach to a verb stem. If using a time, add '되다' (to become).
Confusing with -려고 in different subject sentences: 친구가 공부하려고 조용히 했어요. → 친구가 공부하도록 조용히 했어요.
-려고 can only be used when the subject of both actions is the same person.
Overusing -도록 하세요 with superiors. → 해 주시기 바랍니다 / 해 주십시오.
While polite, -도록 하세요 is still a directive. Use more humble forms with superiors.
Using -도록 for simple cause-effect: 비가 오도록 우산을 썼어요. → 비가 와서 우산을 썼어요.
-도록 implies purpose or goal. You don't use an umbrella *so that* it rains.

Tips

Don't conjugate for tense

Always attach -도록 directly to the verb stem. Never say '갔도록' or '먹었도록.' The final verb in the sentence carries the tense.

Polite Commands

Use '-도록 하세요' when you want to give a direction that sounds organized and professional. It's great for teachers or office workers.

Set Phrases

Memorize '밤새도록' (all night) and '죽도록' (to death) as single units. They are used very frequently in daily life and media.

Subject Flexibility

Remember that -도록 is great when you want one person to do something so that *another* person can do something else.

Formal Tone

If you are writing an essay or a formal letter, use -도록 instead of -게 to make your Korean sound more sophisticated.

Cooking and Instructions

Look for -도록 in recipes. It tells you the exact state the food should reach, like 'until golden brown'.

The 'Limit' Concept

Think of -도록 as reaching a limit. Whether it's a goal or a physical state, you are moving toward a boundary.

Warning Others

'-지 않도록 조심하세요' is the most common way to warn someone to be careful. It's a very useful phrase to know.

Making Promises

Use '-도록 하겠습니다' in a job interview to show you are committed to doing your best or finishing tasks.

Expressing Intensity

When you want to emphasize how much you did something, use a degree expression with -도록, like 'until my legs hurt'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DO-ROK' as 'DO until the ROCK'. You DO an action until you reach a solid goal or limit (the rock).

Visual Association

Imagine a runner reaching a finish line. The finish line is the '도록' point—the goal they are running 'so that' they reach it.

Word Web

Purpose Goal Limit Until Degree Formal Instruction Result

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your goals for this year using -도록. For example, 'I will study so that I can travel to Korea.'

Word Origin

The term originates from Middle Korean '-도로' (doro), which evolved into the modern connective ending '-도록'. It has been used for centuries to denote limits and goals.

Original meaning: To reach a certain point or limit.

Koreanic

Cultural Context

Be careful using '-도록 하세요' with superiors, as it can sound like a command even though it's polite. Use '-게 해 주십시오' instead.

English speakers often use 'until' or 'so that', but Korean -도록 covers both, which can be confusing at first.

Many K-pop songs use '죽도록' in their lyrics to express intense love. Korean dramas often feature bosses saying '하도록 하세요' to subordinates. Traditional proverbs use -도록 to set moral goals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking

고기가 익도록
설탕이 녹도록
물이 끓도록
양념이 배도록

Workplace

차질 없도록
준비하도록
성공하도록
보고하도록

Health

낫도록
다치지 않도록
건강하도록
아프지 않도록

Education

합격하도록
이해하도록
배우도록
잊지 않도록

Relationships

행복하도록
믿도록
사랑하도록
웃도록

Conversation Starters

"올해는 한국어 실력이 늘도록 어떤 계획을 세웠어요?"

"밤새도록 무언가를 해 본 적이 있나요?"

"부모님께 입이 마르도록 칭찬받은 적이 있어요?"

"건강을 잃지 않도록 평소에 무엇을 하나요?"

"친구와 오해가 생기지 않도록 어떻게 대화하는 편이에요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 목표를 달성하도록 도와준 사람들에 대해 써 보세요.

죽도록 노력해서 무언가를 얻었던 경험을 기록해 보세요.

다른 사람들이 나를 이해할 수 있도록 나는 어떻게 행동하나요?

미래의 내가 행복하도록 지금 내가 해야 할 일은 무엇일까요?

어릴 때 부모님께 귀에 못이 박히도록 들었던 말은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot use -았/었- before -도록. You must use the verb stem. The tense of the whole sentence is decided at the very end. For example, '공부하도록 했어요' (I made sure to study) uses the past tense at the end.

They are very close, but -도록 is more formal and emphasizes the 'extent' or 'reaching a point.' -게 is more common in daily casual conversation. In many cases, you can swap them, but -도록 sounds more deliberate.

It means 'to make sure to do something.' In the first person, it's a promise ('I will make sure to...'). In the second person, it's a polite command ('Please make sure to...').

Use -도록 when the subjects of the two clauses are different, or when you want to emphasize the result rather than just the intent. -기 위해 is more common when the subject is doing something for their own benefit.

Yes, it often means 'until' a certain state is reached, like '밤새도록' (until the night is over) or '목이 쉬도록' (until the throat is hoarse).

Usually, no. It is a hyperbole meaning 'extremely' or 'very much,' like 'I love you to death' in English.

Yes, you can. For example, '방이 깨끗하도록 치웠어요' (I cleaned the room so that it would be clean).

It is used in both, but it is particularly common in formal writing, instructions, and professional speaking.

Use the negative form '-지 않도록.' For example, '잊지 않도록' (so that I don't forget).

Usually, yes, because it is a connective ending. However, in the form '-도록 하세요,' it appears at the end of the sentence as part of an auxiliary verb construction.