V는 대로 Grammar: As Soon As in Korean
안녕하세요! We're going to learn how to say "as soon as" in Korean using the V는 대로 grammar. It is pretty easy!
Recommended Level: A2-B1
<Table of Contents>
1. V는 대로 Grammar
V는 대로 is a Korean grammar pattern used to express that one action will happen immediately after another action is completed. It is similar to “as soon as,” “once,” or “right after” in English.
It is commonly used when the speaker intends to do something immediately after a particular event or action takes place. Since it is talking about an "action," you can only attach it to a verb stem.
도착하다 to arrive
도착하는 대로 연락할게요.
I'll contact you as soon as I arrive.
2. Conjugation Information
To form V-는 대로, simply add -는 대로 to the verb stem, regardless of whether the verb stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
It also doesn't change according to tense or verb-stem endings. Always use -는 대로. Simple!
Here are some examples.
끝나다: To end, finish, or be over. The focus is on something coming to an end. (Intransitive verb)
→ 끝나는 대로 (as soon as [something] ends)
끝내다: To finish or complete something. The focus is on someone bringing something to an end. (Transitive verb)
→ 끝내는 대로 (as soon as [someone] ends [something])
돌아오다: To return
→ 돌아오는 대로 (as soon as [someone] returns)
참 쉽지요? (It's pretty easy, isn't it?)
3. Sentence Information
A. The First Action Usually Comes Before the Second
The action before -는 대로 must happen first, and the following action happens immediately afterward.
For example:
회의가 끝나는 대로 전화해 주세요.
Please call me as soon as the meeting ends.
The meeting must end before the person makes the call.
B. Commonly Used with Future or Request Expressions
Since this pattern often describes an action that will happen immediately after another event, it is frequently used with future plans, intentions, requests, and instructions.
Common expressions include:
-(으)ㄹ게요: will (a speaker's intention)
-(으)ㄹ 거예요: will / be going to
-(으)세요: please do
-아/어 주세요: please do
By clicking each grammar, you can read my other lessons! Here are some examples using the endings.
도착하는 대로 알려 드릴게요. - (으)ㄹ게요
I'll let you know as soon as I arrive.
수업이 끝나는 대로 오세요. -(으)세요
Come as soon as class ends.
C. It Is Common in Both Spoken and Written Korean
This pattern is widely used in everyday conversations, messages, announcements, and formal instructions.
For example:
확인하는 대로 답변 드리겠습니다.
I will reply as soon as I have checked.
준비되는 대로 보내 드리겠습니다.
I will send it as soon as it is ready.
D. Subject of Clauses
With V-는 대로, the subjects of the subordinate clause (the part before 대로) and the main clause (the part after it) do not have to be the same. They can be either the same or different, depending on the context.
1. When the subjects are the same
제가 집에 도착하는 대로 전화할게요.
I'll call as soon as I get home.
Both actions are performed by the same person: I arrive home, and I make the phone call.
2. When the subjects are different
사람들이 모두 모이는 대로 선생님이 수업을 시작할 거예요.
The teacher will start the class as soon as everyone gathers.
Here, everyone gathers first, and the teacher starts the class afterward.
In Korean, subjects are often omitted when they can be easily understood from context. You don't need to repeat the subject in both clauses if it is already clear.
The key point is that the subjects of the two clauses can be the same or different. What matters is that the action in the subordinate clause happens before the action in the main clause.
4. Examples
1. 도착하는 대로 문자 보내 주세요.
Please text me as soon as you arrive.
도착하다 to arrive, 문자 N. text, 문자를 보내다 V. to text
2. 숙제가 끝나는 대로 친구를 만나러 갈 거예요.
I'll go meet my friend as soon as I finish my homework.
숙제 homework, 끝나다 to end, 친구 friends, 만나다 to meet, 가다 to go
3. 한국에 돌아오는 대로 가족을 만날 거예요.
I'll see my family as soon as I return to Korea.
한국 Korea, 돌아오다 to return, 가족 family, 만나다 to meet
4. 결과가 나오는 대로 알려 드리겠습니다.
I'll let you know as soon as the results are available.
결과 result, 나오다 to come out, 알려 드리다 to inform
5. 시간이 되는 대로 한 번 방문해 주세요.
Please visit whenever you have time.
시간 time, 시간이 되다 to have time, 한 번 once, 방문하다 to visit
6. 일이 끝나는 대로 집에 갈 거예요.
I'll go home as soon as I finish work.
일 work, 일이 끝나다 to finish work, 집 home
5. Wrap-Up & Free Worksheet
V는 대로 is a useful Korean grammar pattern meaning “as soon as” or “once.” It expresses that one action will take place immediately after another action is completed.
Grammar Form:
Verb stem + 는 대로
Key Points:
Add -는 대로 directly to the verb stem.
Use it to express that one action follows another without unnecessary delay.
It is frequently used with future plans, intentions, requests, and instructions.
Once you become familiar with V-는 대로, you'll be able to express plans and instructions naturally in Korean, especially when you want to emphasize that something will happen right after another event.
Here is the free worksheet you can use to practice V는 대로 grammar!
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