-도록 in Korean: “so that, until”
-도록
-dorok
so that, until
Intermediate · Linking ideas
-도록 (-dorok) means "so that" or "to the point that / until". It shows the goal of an action, or how far an action goes, and -도록 하다 is a polite way to say "make sure to".
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb or adjective stem | + 도록 | 보이다 → 보이도록, 듣다 → 듣도록 |
| Negative (so that ... not) | + 지 않도록 | 늦다 → 늦지 않도록 |
| Polite instruction | + 도록 하세요 | 조심하다 → 조심하도록 하세요 |
| Until (how far it goes) | + 도록 | 밤새다 → 밤새도록 |
How to use it
"So that": A-도록 B means you do B so that A happens. Unlike -(으)려고, the goal can be about someone else or a situation: 잘 보이도록 크게 써 주세요 (write big so it can be seen).
"Until / to the point that": it shows how long or how far something went, as in 밤새도록 (all night long) or 목이 아프도록 (until my throat hurt).
-도록 하세요 is a polite, slightly formal instruction you hear from teachers, doctors and announcements. -도록 하겠습니다 means "I'll make sure to" and sounds very polite, like at work.
Examples
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Advice in winter
Asking a presenter
A long night with a friend
Promising a boss
Don’t mix it up with
-(으)려고: Means "in order to" for the subject's own intention (I study to pass). -도록 can be about someone else or a situation, and it sounds more formal.
-게: Can also mean "so that" (잘 보이게) and is more casual. -도록 sounds a bit more formal or written.
Common mistakes
Translating -도록 하세요 as "make someone do". It is a polite instruction meaning "please make sure to".
Want the basics first? Read In order to (-(으)려고).
Questions learners ask
What does -도록 하세요 mean?
It is a polite instruction, like "please make sure to": 늦지 않도록 하세요 (please make sure not to be late).
What is the difference between -도록 and -게?
Both can mean "so that". -게 is more casual and common in speech, while -도록 sounds more formal and also has the "until" meaning (밤새도록).