도록 (do-rok, dorok) · 게 (ge) · 라고 (ra-go, rago)
도록, 게, and 라고 all connect clauses or express purpose, but differ in usage and grammatical roles, causing common confusion.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Expresses purpose or result, meaning 'so that' something can happen or be done.
When to use
Expressing purpose, Emphasizing result, Softening commands or requests
The nuance
Attaches after verbs or adjectives to indicate purpose or result, often in the form '할 수 있도록' (so that one can do something).
Attaches to verbs to express purpose, manner, or result in a concise way, mainly used in spoken Korean.
When to use
Spoken purpose expression, Softening commands, Concise result expression
The nuance
Attaches to verb stems to concisely express purpose or result, often used in imperative or suggestive sentences.
Used to indicate direct or indirect quotation, conveying spoken or thought content.
When to use
Direct quotation, Indirect quotation, Quoting commands, Quoting questions
The nuance
Used to quote spoken or thought content, including commands, suggestions, or questions.
공부하도록 열심히 해라.
gong-bu-ha-do-rok yeol-sim-hi hae-ra., gong bu ha do rok yeol sim hi hae ra.
Correct use of 도록 expressing purpose, meaning 'so that you can study' naturally.
공부게 열심히 해라.
gong-bu-ge yeol-sim-hi hae-ra., gong bu ge yeol sim hi hae ra.
게 attaches to verbs but is unsuitable for formal purpose expressions like 도록.
친구가 오라고 말했다.
chin-gu-ga o-ra-go mal-haess-da., chin gu ga o ra go mal haess da.
라고 indicates direct quotation, accurately conveying what the friend said.
친구가 오도록 말했다.
chin-gu-ga o-do-rok mal-haess-da., chin gu ga o do rok mal haess da.
도록 expresses purpose or result, not used for quotations.
문을 닫게 해 주세요.
mun-eul dat-ge hae ju-se-yo., mun eul dat ge hae ju se yo.
게 softens commands in imperative sentences appropriately.
문을 닫도록 해 주세요.
mun-eul dat-do-rok hae ju-se-yo., mun eul dat do rok hae ju se yo.
도록 can also soften commands or requests.
선생님이 공부하라고 했다.
seon-saeng-nim-i gong-bu-ha-ra-go haess-da., seon saeng nim i gong bu ha ra go haess da.
라고 suits indirect quotation, conveying the teacher's words.
선생님이 공부게 했다.
seon-saeng-nim-i gong-bu-ge haess-da., seon saeng nim i gong bu ge haess da.
게 is not used for quotation, so this is incorrect.
Which is most appropriate to express purpose?
Which expression indicates quotation in this sentence? 'Mom told me to come home early.'
Which cannot be used to soften commands?
