-대로: as it is, just like, according to

Hello, language adventurers and Korean enthusiasts! ✨ Today, we are setting sail on a fascinating journey through the waves of Korean grammar, and our destination is none other than the mysterious island of “-는대로.” If you’re feeling like that’s a riddle wrapped in an enigma, don’t worry! This lesson is going to break it down, serve it up, and have you using “-는대로” like a pro.

Picture this: you’re in Korea, and your friend tells you to follow the recipe “just as it is written.” Well, “-는대로” is going to be your best buddy in conveying that exact meaning. This grammatical form can translate to expressions like “as it is,” “just like,” or “as per.”

So grab your compass (or dictionary), put on your captain’s hat, and let’s navigate the waters of “-는대로” together. Whether you’re a seasoned Korean speaker or just starting, this lesson will provide treasures and discoveries for all!

Ready to hoist the anchor and set sail? Then let’s dive right in! 🚢💫

Conjugation

ACTION VERB STEM + 는대로

  1. Take a verb i.e. 가다
  2. Drop “다” i.e. 가
  3. Add 는대로 i.e. 가는대로
  • 먹다 –> 먹 + 는대로 –> 먹는대로 (as one eats)
  • 보다 –> 보 + 는대로 –> 본는대로 (as one sees)
  • 하다 –> 하 + 는대로 –> 한는대로 (as one does)
  • 듣다 –> 듣 + 는대로 –> 듣는대로 (as one hears)
  • 웃다 –> 웃 + 는대로 –> 웃는대로 (as one laughs)
  • 걷다 –> 걷 + 는대로 –> 걷는대로 (as one walks)

DESCRIPTION VERB STEM + ㄴ/은대로

  1. Take a verb i.e. 좋다
  2. Drop “다” i.e. 좋
  3. Add an appropriate ending based on the below rules (in this case it becomes 좋은대로)
  • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add ㄴ대로
  • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add 은대로
  • 편하다 –> 편하 + ㄴ대로 –> 편한대로
  • 좋다 –> 좋 + 은대로 –> 좋은대로

NOUN + 대로

  • 마음대로 (According to the heart)
  • 약속대로 (According to the promise)
  • 계획대로 (According to the plan)
  • 순서대로 (According to the order)
  • 말대로 (As said)
  • 법대로 (According to the law)

Understanding 는대로

Understanding the meaning of “-는대로” in the Korean language is an essential step in becoming more proficient in expressing certain nuances. This grammatical pattern is used to convey the idea of doing something “just as” or “according to” a specific way or method.

As it is, Just Like

-는대로” can be used to express that something is to be done exactly as it is, without any changes. It emphasizes following a particular order, method, or instruction.

  • 레시피대로 요리해주세요. – Please cook it according to the recipe.

As Per, According To

This pattern can also be used to indicate that something is done according to specific rules, instructions, or a person’s words.

  • 지시대로 행동하세요. – Act according to the instructions.

Examples

  • 그냥 있는대로 먹어요. – Just eat it as it is.
  • 편한대로 하세요. – Do as you feel comfortable.
  • 약속대로 거기서 봐요. – Let’s meet there as promised.
  • 원래 하는대로 하면 돼요. – Just do what you normally do.
  • 법대로 행동해야 합니다. – You should act according to the law.
  • 지시대로 해 주세요. – Please do as instructed.
  • 계획대로 진행하겠습니다. – I will proceed as planned.
  • 보는대로 그려 봐요. – Draw it as you see it.
  • 하고 싶은대로 하세요. – Do as you wish.

Activity 1

Fill in the blanks with appropriate action verbs and “는대로” to complete the sentences.

  1. ___________ 적어요. – Write it down as you hear it.
  2. ___________ 말해요. – Say it as you think it.
  3. ___________ 먹어요. – Eat whatever you want.
  4. ___________ 발음해 보세요. – Try to pronounce it as you read it.
  5. 처음 ___________ 연습하고 있어요. – I am practicing as I first learned it.

Activity 1 Answers

  1. 듣는대로 적어요. – Write it down as you hear it.
  2. 생각하는대로 말해요. – Say it as you think it.
  3. 먹고 싶은대로 먹어요. – Eat whatever you want.
  4. 읽는대로 발음해 보세요. – Try to pronounce it as you read it.
  5. 처음 배우는대로 연습하고 있어요. – I am practicing as I first learned it.

Wrap up

And that, dear Skapers, brings us to the end of today’s supercharged language journey exploring the wonders of “는대로” in the vibrant world of Korean language! How did you find the ride? Easy? Challenging? Rewarding, we hope!

Remember, “는대로” is your friend. It’s there to help you express yourself more precisely in Korean, especially when you want to say, “as is” or “as I/you/he/she/it/we/they did something.” So, treat it well and don’t shy away from using it in your daily conversations or writings.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing an awesome job. So, don’t hesitate to take a short K-Drama break, you’ve earned it! Come back refreshed for more grammar adventures, because learning never stops, and neither should you!

We hope you enjoyed today’s lesson as much as we enjoyed making it. Please, pretty please with kimchi on top, leave your comments, questions, and any funny sentences you came up with using “는대로”. We’re dying to read them and we promise to answer each one of them.

Remember, as we always say at SkapeToKorea, “한국어를 재미있게 공부합시다!” (Let’s have fun studying Korean!) Until next time, 화이팅 (Fighting)!

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