📝 Grammar B2

-도록

-dorok

So that / in order to

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What it means

-도록 has two meanings: (1) so that or in order to (purpose), and (2) to the extent that (degree). Attached to verb stems; more formal/literary than -(으)려고.

Nuance & when to use

밤새도록 공부했어요 (I studied all through the night) — degree. 알 수 있도록 설명했어요 (I explained so you could understand) — purpose. Both usages appear in formal writing and speech.

⚠ Common mistake

Treating -도록 and -(으)려고 as identical. Both express purpose, but -도록 can mark someone else's purpose while -(으)려고 always marks the subject's own intent.

Example sentences

건강을 유지하도록 매일 운동해요. Geongang-eul yujihadorok maeil undong-haeyo. I exercise every day in order to maintain my health.
모두 이해할 수 있도록 천천히 설명해 주세요. Modu ihaeal su itdorok cheoncheonhi seolmyeonghae juseyo. Please explain slowly so that everyone can understand.
늦지 않도록 일찍 출발했어요. Neutji antorok iljjik chulbalhesseoyo. I departed early so as not to be late.
아이들이 들을 수 있도록 크게 말했어요. Aideuri deureul su itdorok keuge malhaesseoyo. I spoke loudly so that the children could hear.

See also

-(으)려고 -기 위해 목적 표현 정도 표현
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B2 lessons

눈빛 nunbit look in someone's eyes / eye expression 흥 heung The Korean spirit of excitement and fun 잠수 jamsu Going radio silent / Ghosting
← -더니 -말이다 →

FAQ

When is this used?

밤새도록 공부했어요 (I studied all through the night) — degree. 알 수 있도록 설명했어요 (I explained so you could understand) — purpose. Both usages appear in formal writing and speech.

What's a common mistake?

Treating -도록 and -(으)려고 as identical. Both express purpose, but -도록 can mark someone else's purpose while -(으)려고 always marks the subject's own intent.

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