Core Pattern Rule: -는 대로
The pattern -는 대로 is a versatile connector that has two primary meanings, depending on the context.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning 1: "As soon as" / "Immediately after"
This indicates that the second action takes place right after the first action is completed. It connects two events in a close temporal sequence.
Meaning 2: "In accordance with" / "As" / "The way that..."
This indicates that the second action is performed in the manner, way, or state described by the first clause. It's about following a guide, an instruction, or a natural flow.
Formation
Action Verbs (Present Tense): Attach -는 대로 directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
가다 → 가는 대로
먹다 → 먹는 대로
Action Verbs (Past Tense): For the "in accordance with" meaning, you can use the past tense form -(으)ㄴ 대로.
보다 → 본 대로 (as you saw)
약속하다 → 약속한 대로 (as promised)
도착하는 대로 전화해. / 시키는 대로 해. / 본 대로 말해.
Two Meanings: "As Soon As" vs. "In Accordance With"
Let's look closer at how to distinguish the two meanings based on context.
"As Soon As" (Temporal Sequence)
This usage connects two events in time, where the first is a trigger for the second. It's often used with verbs related to arrival, completion, or receiving something.
Context: 집에 가는 대로 문자해. (Text me as soon as you go home.)
Analysis: The action of going home triggers the action of sending a text immediately upon arrival.
"In Accordance With" (Manner/Method)
This usage describes how an action is done—based on instructions, feelings, thoughts, or observations.
Context: 하고 싶은 대로 해. (Do as you want.)
Analysis: The action of "doing" should follow the manner of "what you want."
월급 받는 대로 갚을게. / 시키는 대로 하세요. / 생각나는 대로 말하지 마. / 마음 가는 대로 해.
Using the Past Tense: -(으)ㄴ 대로
When using the "in accordance with" meaning, you can attach the pattern to a past-tense verb form. This specifies that the action is based on something that has already happened, been seen, heard, or decided.
Formation
Verb stems ending in a vowel + -ㄴ 대로
보다 → 본 대로 (as I/you saw)
Verb stems ending in a consonant + -은 대로
들은 대로 (as I/you heard)
Usage
This form is very common for reporting facts or following through on a prior agreement. It emphasizes that the basis for the current action is a completed past event.
본 대로 말해. (Tell me as you saw it.) - Report based on the past observation.
약속한 대로 하세요. (Do as you promised.) - Act based on the past promise.
본 대로 말해. / 약속한 대로 하세요. / 들은 대로 전하면 돼. / 우리가 계획한 대로 하자.
Politeness & Formality
The -는 대로 pattern itself is neutral. The overall politeness of the sentence is determined by the final verb ending.
Casual (반말): Use endings like -아/어, -자, or -ㄹ게. This is for speaking with close friends, family, or those younger than you.
마음 가는 대로 해. (Follow your heart.)
Polite (해요체): Use endings like -아/어요, -세요, or -ㄹ게요. This is the standard polite form for most daily conversations.
마음 가는 대로 하세요. (Please follow your heart.)
Notice how the core -는 대로 part remains unchanged while the final verb sets the tone.
끝나는 대로 갈게. / 끝나는 대로 갈게요. / 생각나는 대로 말해 봐. / 생각나는 대로 말해 보세요.