-도록
So That, In Order to
-도록 is a versatile ending that connects two clauses. It primarily shows the purpose of an action (like 'in order to') or the degree/extent of a state or action (like 'to the point that').
How It Works
-도록 is a connective ending with two main functions. It attaches directly to the stem of a verb or adjective, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.
1. Purpose or Goal ('so that', 'in order to')
This is the most common usage. The first clause (ending in -도록) states the goal or desired outcome, and the second clause states the action taken to achieve it. It's similar to -려고 or -기 위해서.
- 아이들이 이해하도록 쉽게 설명했어요. (I explained easily so that the children would understand.)
- 회의에 늦지 않도록 택시를 탔어요. (I took a taxi in order not to be late for the meeting.)
In this usage, the subject of the first and second clauses can be different, which is a key distinction from -려고.
2. Extent or Degree ('to the point that', 'until')
This usage describes the degree or extent to which the action in the second clause is performed. The first clause describes the resulting state.
- 목이 아프도록 노래를 불렀어요. (I sang to the point that my throat hurt.)
- 밤이 새도록 책을 읽었어요. (I read the book until dawn / all night long.)
- 배가 터지도록 먹었어요. (I ate to the point that my stomach would burst.)
This meaning often has a slightly exaggerated or emphatic feel. Common phrases like '밤새도록' (all night long) and '실컷' (to one's heart's content) are related to this usage.
Examples (5)
- 아이가 잘 수 있도록 조용히 해 주세요.
Please be quiet so that the baby can sleep.
Word by Word: Baby can sleep so that quietly please do.
This shows the 'purpose' meaning. The action (being quiet) is done for the purpose of the baby being able to sleep. Note that the subjects of the two clauses (아이가 and 'you') are different.
- 시험에 합격하도록 매일 공부하고 있어요.
I'm studying every day in order to pass the exam.
Word by Word: Exam in pass so that every day am studying.
- 목이 아프도록 소리를 질렀어요.
I shouted to the point that my throat hurt.
Word by Word: Throat hurts to the point that sound shouted.
This shows the 'extent' meaning. It describes how much the person shouted—they shouted until their throat became sore.
- 밤이 새도록 친구와 이야기했어요.
I talked with my friend all night long (until dawn).
Word by Word: Night passes until friend with talked.
- 모두가 들을 수 있도록 크게 말해 주세요.
Please speak loudly so that everyone can hear.
Word by Word: Everyone can hear so that loudly please speak.
Common Mistakes
Using -도록 for simple 'go/come to do' actions where -러 is more natural.
Not Quite점심을 먹도록 식당에 가요.Better점심을 먹으러 식당에 가요.-도록 is used for a broader purpose or goal, while -러 is specifically used with verbs of motion (like 가다, 오다) to state the immediate purpose of the movement. For 'going to eat lunch', -러 is the correct choice.
Confusing the purpose of -도록 with the reason/cause of -(으)니까.
Not Quite피곤하도록 일찍 잤어요.Better피곤하니까 일찍 잤어요.-도록 expresses the intended goal or result of an action. '피곤하도록' would mean 'so that I become tired', which is illogical. -(으)니까 expresses the reason or cause for an action. The correct sentence uses -(으)니까 to say 'Because I was tired, I slept early'.
Learn This First
To express purpose 'so that/in order to', you need verb conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -(으)려고In Order to, So That
Both -도록 and -려고 express intention or purpose ('in order to'). However, -려고 strongly emphasizes the speaker's direct intention and is usually used when the subjects of both clauses are the same. -도록 can be used when subjects are different and often implies a more general goal or state to be achieved.
- -기 위해서For the Sake of, In Order to
Similar to -도록, -기 위해서 also means 'for the sake of' or 'in order to'. -기 위해서 is often more formal and explicitly states the purpose, while -도록 can be a bit softer and also has the second meaning of 'to the extent that'.
- -게-ly (Adverbial Form)
The adverbializer -게 can sometimes be used similarly to -도록 to mean 'so that'. For example, '잘 보이게 써 주세요' (Please write so it's well visible) is very similar to '잘 보도록 써 주세요' (Please write so I can see it well). However, -도록 often focuses more on the resulting state or the extent, while -게 is a more general adverbial marker.
- -(으)러In Order to
Both express purpose, but -러 is much more limited. It is only used with verbs of motion (like 가다, 오다) to express the immediate purpose of going or coming somewhere. -도록 is used for a much wider range of purposes and actions.