Let's study about Korean grammar "-게" and "-도록" today. Both structures are used to express purpose or result, but they have nuanced differences in meaning and usage. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to differentiate them and use them appropriately in context.
"-게"
Definition:
"-게" is an adverbial ending used to describe a purpose, result, or manner. It often answers the question of "how" or "in what way" something happens or should happen.
Usage:
To show purpose or result: It can indicate the intention behind an action or a desired outcome.
To describe a manner: It also expresses "in a way that" something happens or is done.
Examples:
"잘 들리게 크게 말해주세요."
(Please speak loudly so that I can hear well.)"문제가 생기지 않게 조심하세요."
(Be careful so that no problems arise.)"시간 맞게 도착했어요."
(I arrived on time.)
In these sentences, "-게" explains how the action should be performed (e.g., loudly, carefully, etc.) to achieve a specific outcome.
"-도록"
Definition:
"-도록" is used to indicate a purpose, goal, or condition. It can express the aim or extent of an action, and it is often more formal or detailed than "-게."
Usage:
To express purpose or goal: It shows the reason or goal for which the action is done.
To give directions or instructions: "-도록" is often used in formal instructions or commands.
To express a time limit or extent: It can be used to indicate how long something continues or until what point an action occurs.
Examples:
"늦지 않도록 일찍 출발하세요."
(Leave early so that you won’t be late.)"다 이해하도록 다시 설명할게요."
(I’ll explain it again so that everyone understands.)"밤새도록 일을 했어요."
(I worked through the night.)
In these sentences, "-도록" conveys a stronger sense of purpose or aim behind the action compared to "-게." It often reflects a more formal or intentional nuance.
Key Differences:
Formality and Strength of Intention:
"-게" is more casual and often used in daily conversation. It can describe both manner and purpose.
"-도록" is slightly more formal and often emphasizes purpose or goal in a stronger sense. It can also express a time or extent ("until").
Similar Grammar Structures:
"-기 위해서" and "-(으)려고" are grammar structures used to express purpose or intention, but they are not used for giving orders or commands. These two grammatical forms are mainly used to indicate the plans or intentions of the first person, and they feel awkward when used to instruct someone else.
"-기 위해서": Similar to "-도록," this structure expresses purpose but is more formal and often used in writing or formal speech.
"늦지 않기 위해서 일찍 일어났어요."
(I got up early so as not to be late.)
"-(으)려고": This also expresses intention or purpose, but it is more casual and conversational.
"늦지 않으려고 일찍 일어났어요.”
(I got up early so as not to be late.)
Considerations for Use:
Why "요리하도록 시장에 가서 채소 좀 사와" feels awkward
General usage of "-도록"
"-도록" is commonly used to give instructions, commands, or goals to someone else. It naturally appears in contexts where one person encourages another to take action.Examples:
"내일까지 이 일을 끝내도록 하세요."
(Please finish this work by tomorrow.)"늦지 않도록 일찍 오세요."
(Come early so that you won’t be late.)
In these examples, the speaker is asking someone else to accomplish a goal or take action.
Comparison of the sentences:
"요리하게 시장에 가서 채소 좀 사와."
This sentence feels natural because the speaker is softly expressing their intention to act towards their own goal. The use of "-게" implies a purpose without sounding like a command. It’s a smoother way of talking about one’s own actions."요리하도록 시장에 가서 채소 좀 사와."
This sentence feels awkward because "-도록" is often used to instruct or direct others. When a first-person speaker uses it, it sounds like they are giving themselves a command or imposing a strong goal on their own actions, which feels unnatural in everyday conversation.
Conclusion:
"-도록" is most naturally used when giving commands or instructions to others. Therefore, when a first-person speaker uses "-도록" for their own actions, it feels like they are commanding themselves, making it sound unnatural.
By understanding these subtle differences, you'll be able to choose the appropriate structure based on the context and formality level of your sentence.