게 (ge) · 도록 (do-rok, dorok)
'게' and '도록' both express purpose or degree, but '게' mainly follows verbs to indicate purpose or result, while '도록' emphasizes extent or range.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A verb ending attached after verbs to indicate purpose or result
When to use
expressing purpose, commands and requests, emphasizing result
The nuance
Attached after verb stems to express purpose or result, commonly used for commands, requests, or intentions.
A connective ending expressing purpose, degree, or extent, used to emphasize limits or extent of an action
When to use
emphasizing purpose, emphasizing degree, limiting extent
The nuance
Attached after verbs or adjectives to indicate purpose, degree, or extent, emphasizing limits or extent of an action.
시험에 합격하게 열심히 공부했어요.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-ha-ge yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., si heom e hap gyeok ha ge yeol sim hi gong bu haess eo yo.
'게' expresses purpose; the purpose of studying hard is to pass the exam.
시험에 합격도록 열심히 공부했어요.
si-heom-e hap-gyeok-do-rok yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-haess-eo-yo., si heom e hap gyeok do rok yeol sim hi gong bu haess eo yo.
'도록' emphasizes degree or extent, but here '게' is more natural for expressing purpose.
늦지 않도록 조심하세요.
neuj-ji an-do-rok jo-sim-ha-se-yo., neuj ji an do rok jo sim ha se yo.
'도록' emphasizes purpose and degree, meaning 'so that you won't be late' naturally.
늦지 않게 조심하세요.
neuj-ji an-ge jo-sim-ha-se-yo., neuj ji an ge jo sim ha se yo.
'게' is also used to express purpose naturally here.
너무 피곤하게 일하지 마세요.
neo-mu pi-gon-ha-ge il-ha-ji ma-se-yo., neo mu pi gon ha ge il ha ji ma se yo.
'게' expresses degree, emphasizing 'being too tired'.
너무 피곤도록 일하지 마세요.
neo-mu pi-gon-do-rok il-ha-ji ma-se-yo., neo mu pi gon do rok il ha ji ma se yo.
'도록' also emphasizes degree, indicating 'to the extent of being too tired'.
책을 다 읽게 도와주세요.
chaek-eul da ik-ge do-wa-ju-se-yo., chaek eul da ik ge do wa ju se yo.
'게' indicates purpose; the purpose is to read the whole book.
책을 다 읽도록 도와주세요.
chaek-eul da ik-do-rok do-wa-ju-se-yo., chaek eul da ik do rok do wa ju se yo.
'도록' can also emphasize purpose naturally here.
Which sentence should use '도록'?
When is '게' appropriate?
Which sentence cannot use either '게' or '도록'?
