Korean grammar patterns › Level 3
-도록
so that, in order that; to the point that; until
Level 3 · TOPIK II · intermediate
How to use it
Purpose: clause 2 is done so that clause 1 happens (often with a different subject or with 않도록). Degree/time: 밤새도록 (all night), 목이 아프도록 (until my throat hurt).
Forming it
| 듣다 | → 듣도록 |
| 늦다 | → 늦지 않도록 |
| 밤새다 | → 밤새도록 |
| 알다 | → 알도록 |
No tense marker before -도록: ✗ 들렸도록.
Examples
감기에 걸리지 않도록 따뜻하게 입으세요.
Dress warmly so that you don't catch a cold.
친구와 밤새도록 이야기를 했어요.
I talked with my friend all night long.
Compared with similar patterns
-게 is very close but more casual. -(으)려고 shows the subject's own intention and cannot be followed by a command; -도록 can. -도록 하다 is a sentence-final expression.