Make sure to

The pattern -도록 하다 is used to give a command, instruction, or strong advice. It translates to "make sure to..." or "see to it that...". It's often used by someone in a position to guide another's actions, such as a parent, teacher, doctor, or manager.

Formation

Attach -도록 하다 directly to the stem of an action verb, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.

하다 (to do): 하 + 도록 하다 → 하도록 하다

먹다 (to eat): 먹 + 도록 하다 → 먹도록 하다

For negative commands ("make sure not to..."), use the -지 않다 form before adding the pattern:

잊다 (to forget): 잊 + 지 않다 → 잊지 않 + 도록 하다 → 잊지 않도록 하다

Usage

This pattern is a directive that focuses on achieving a certain result or state. It's a bit softer and more indirect than a sharp command like -(으)세요 or -아/어라.

내일까진 하도록 해. / 조심하도록 하세요. / 까먹지 않도록 해. / 무리하지 않도록 하세요.

-도록 하다 is one of several ways to give instructions in Korean. Its nuance becomes clearer when compared to other forms.

vs. -(으)세요 (Direct Command)

-(으)세요 is the most common way to give a polite command. It's direct and clear. -도록 하세요 is slightly more indirect and can sound a bit more formal or instructional, as if guiding someone toward a goal.

Direct: 조심하세요. (Be careful.)

Instructional: 조심하도록 하세요. (Make sure to be careful.)

In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but -도록 하다 carries an extra sense of ensuring an outcome.

vs. -는 게 좋다 (Suggestion)

-는 게 좋다 means "it's a good idea to..." or "you should...". It is a soft suggestion, not a command. -도록 하다 is much stronger and is a clear directive.

Suggestion: 일찍 오는 게 좋아요. (It's good to come early.)

Directive: 일찍 오도록 하세요. (Make sure to come early.)

다음부터는 주의하도록 하세요. / 프리젠테이션을 준비하도록 해. / 약속 지키도록 하세요.

To fully grasp the feel of -도록 하다, it helps to understand the core function of -도록 itself.

On its own, -도록 often means "so that..." or "in order to...", indicating a purpose or goal.

Example: 시험에 합격하도록 열심히 공부했어요. (I studied hard so that I could pass the exam.)

This goal-oriented meaning carries over into -도록 하다. The pattern isn't just a command; it's an instruction to act in a way that achieves a specific result.

내일 늦지 않도록 해. literally means "Act so that you are not late tomorrow."

잊지 않도록 하세요. literally means "Do things so that you don't forget."

This is why it feels slightly more indirect and thoughtful than a simple, direct command. You're not just telling someone what to do, but also implying the outcome they should ensure.

내일 늦지 않도록 해. / 건강을 위해 운동하도록 하세요. / 잊지 않도록 하세요.

The verb 하다 at the end of the pattern changes to reflect the level of politeness. The script lines show this clearly.

Casual Form: -도록 해

Use -도록 해 when speaking to close friends, family members, or people younger than you. This is the standard 반말 (casual) form.

Context: A parent to a child, or between close friends.

Example: 방 청소하도록 해. (Make sure to clean your room.)

Polite Form: -도록 하세요

Use -도록 하세요 in most everyday situations where politeness is required. This is the standard 해요체 (polite) form.

Context: A doctor to a patient, a manager to an employee, or speaking to someone you don't know well.

Example: 푹 쉬도록 하세요. (Make sure to rest well.)

일찍 오도록 해. / 일찍 오도록 하세요. / 약 챙겨 먹도록 해. / 약 챙겨 먹도록 하세요.