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B1 conjunction #900 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

만약

manyak Top 900

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to form simple sentences. While '만약' (manyak) might be introduced as 'if', the primary focus is on the verb ending '-(으)면'. At this stage, you can think of '만약' as an extra word you put at the beginning of a sentence to show you are talking about a possibility. For example, '만약 비가 오면 집에 있어요' (If it rains, I stay home). It helps you signal the 'if' part of the sentence early on. You don't need to worry about complex hypotheticals yet; just use it to talk about simple daily conditions like weather, time, or basic plans. It's like a 'heads up' word that tells the listener a condition is coming.

At the A2 level, you start to use '만약' more frequently to discuss plans and simple 'what if' scenarios. You might use it with more diverse verbs and adjectives. For example, '만약 한국에 가면 김치를 먹을 거예요' (If I go to Korea, I will eat kimchi). At this level, you should also recognize '만약에' (manyak-e), which is the more common spoken form. You are learning to connect two ideas more smoothly. '만약' helps you structure these longer sentences. You might also start using it to ask simple hypothetical questions to friends, like '만약 돈이 많으면 뭐 할 거야?' (If you have a lot of money, what will you do?). It's about expanding your ability to talk about things that aren't happening right now.

At the B1 level, '만약' becomes a key tool for expressing more complex hypotheticals and 'unreal' situations. You start pairing '만약' with the '-ㄴ/는다면' ending to talk about things that are unlikely to happen. For example, '만약 내가 대통령이라면...' (If I were the president...). This level is where you distinguish between a likely condition and a purely imaginary one. You also use '만약' to express worries or contingency plans in a more nuanced way. You might use expressions like '만약의 경우' (in case of emergency). Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, and '만약' serves as a logical anchor that keeps your hypothetical thoughts organized for the listener.

At the B2 level, you use '만약' with high precision in both formal and informal contexts. You understand the subtle difference between '만약' and '만일' and can choose the appropriate one for a business report versus a casual chat. You also master the use of '만약' in counterfactual sentences (talking about the past) using '-았/었더라면'. For example, '만약 그때 내가 더 열심히 공부했더라면 시험에 합격했을 텐데' (If I had studied harder then, I would have passed the exam). You can use '만약' to build persuasive arguments, setting up 'if-then' scenarios to prove a point. Your use of the word reflects a deeper understanding of Korean logic and sentence flow.

At the C1 level, '만약' is used to explore philosophical, abstract, and highly technical hypotheticals. You can use it in academic writing to set up complex premises. You are also aware of literary alternatives like '가령' or '설사' and can use them to add stylistic variety to your speech and writing. You understand how '만약' can be used rhetorically to challenge an assumption or to lead an audience through a thought experiment. Your mastery allows you to use '만약' in a way that sounds completely natural, including its placement within a sentence for specific rhythmic or emphatic effects. You can navigate the 'what-ifs' of history, science, and literature with ease.

At the C2 level, your use of '만약' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You use it to navigate the most subtle nuances of possibility, regret, and speculation. You can use '만약' in complex legal or technical documents where the exact framing of a condition is critical. You also appreciate the word's role in classical literature and can discuss its etymological roots and how they influence modern usage. At this level, '만약' is not just a grammar point; it is a flexible instrument of thought that you use to weave intricate narratives and arguments. You can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, from the slightest doubt to the most grandiose 'what-if' scenario.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

만약 en 30 secondes

만약 means 'if' or 'supposing' and is used to start hypothetical sentences.
It is almost always paired with conditional verb endings like -(으)면 or -ㄴ/는다면.
The word emphasizes uncertainty and is used for both likely and unlikely scenarios.
In spoken Korean, '만약에' is the more common and natural-sounding version.

The Korean word 만약 (manyak) is a fundamental conjunction and adverb used to introduce hypothetical situations, possibilities, or conditions. While the Korean language often relies on verb endings like -(으)면 to express 'if', adding 만약 at the beginning of a clause serves to emphasize the uncertainty or the purely hypothetical nature of the statement. It is the equivalent of saying 'supposing,' 'in the event that,' or 'what if' in English. This word is essential for B1 learners because it allows for more complex thought patterns, such as planning for the future, expressing worries, or imagining alternative realities. It creates a mental frame for the listener, signaling immediately that the speaker is about to describe a scenario that hasn't happened yet or might never happen.

Hypothetical Emphasis: When you use 만약, you are highlighting that the condition is not a certainty. For example, 'If it rains' can be just '비가 오면', but '만약 비가 오면' feels more like 'In the unlikely or specific case that it rains'.
Planning and Preparation: It is frequently used in discussions about contingency plans. Koreans use it to prepare for the 'worst-case scenario' or to dream about 'best-case scenarios' like winning the lottery.

만약 내일 시간이 있으면 같이 영화 볼래요?
— Translation: If (by any chance) you have time tomorrow, would you like to watch a movie together?

In daily conversation, 만약 is often shortened to 만약에 (manyak-e). The addition of the particle '에' doesn't change the fundamental meaning but makes the word function more like 'in the case of'. You will hear this version constantly in dramas and variety shows when characters are playing 'what if' games or discussing serious life choices. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between simple conditional sentences and advanced speculative discourse. Understanding 만약 is not just about grammar; it is about understanding how Korean speakers frame their expectations and anxieties about the unknown.

만약 제가 부자라면 전 세계를 여행할 거예요.
— Translation: If I were rich, I would travel the whole world.

The etymology of the word is also quite telling. It comes from the Hanja (Chinese characters) 萬 (만 - ten thousand) and 若 (약 - like/if). Historically, it implies a 'one in ten thousand' chance, emphasizing that the situation being discussed is a specific instance out of many possibilities. This historical nuance still lingers in modern usage, where 만약 is preferred when the speaker wants to sound more deliberate or when the condition is particularly significant. Whether you are negotiating a contract or just asking a friend about their weekend, 만약 provides the necessary nuance to navigate the world of possibilities.

Using 만약 correctly involves understanding its relationship with the verb endings that follow. In Korean, a sentence starting with 만약 almost always ends its first clause with a conditional suffix. The most common pair is 만약 ... -(으)면. This is the standard way to say 'If [condition], then [result]'. However, for more formal or highly improbable situations, you might see 만약 ... -ㄴ/는다면. This 'double-marking' of the conditional (once at the start with 만약 and once at the end with the suffix) is a hallmark of natural-sounding Korean.

The Standard Pattern: Structure: 만약 + [Subject] + [Verb/Adjective]-(으)면. This is used for everyday possibilities. '만약 비가 오면' (If it rains).
The Hypothetical Pattern: Structure: 만약 + [Subject] + [Verb/Adjective]-ㄴ/는다면. This is used for things that are unlikely to happen or are purely imaginary. '만약 내가 새라면' (If I were a bird).

만약 무슨 일이 생기면 바로 연락해 주세요.
— Translation: If anything happens, please contact me immediately.

One interesting aspect of 만약 is its placement. While it usually appears at the very beginning of the sentence, it can also appear after the subject for emphasis. For example, '내가 만약...' (If I...). This shift places more focus on the person involved in the hypothetical situation. Additionally, in spoken Korean, 만약 can stand alone as a question: '만약에?' which means 'But what if (that happens)?' This is a common way to challenge someone's optimism or to prompt further planning.

만약에 대비해서 우산을 챙겼어요.
— Translation: I brought an umbrella just in case (to prepare for the 'what if').

When using 만약 with past tense hypotheticals (counterfactuals), you use the pattern 만약 ... -았/었더라면. This is equivalent to 'If I had [done something]'. For instance, '만약 그때 알았더라면...' (If I had known then...). This structure is vital for expressing regret or analyzing past events. As you can see, 만약 acts as a versatile anchor for a wide range of conditional structures, making it one of the most powerful words in a B1 learner's vocabulary. Mastery of these patterns allows you to move beyond simple descriptions and start engaging in complex reasoning and storytelling.

In South Korea, 만약 is everywhere—from the lyrics of K-pop ballads to intense K-drama confrontations and even in mundane office meetings. Its frequency stems from the Korean cultural tendency to consider multiple outcomes and maintain a level of cautiousness in social interactions. In a culture where harmony and preparedness are valued, being able to discuss 'what if' scenarios is crucial. You will hear it in various registers, though its usage remains remarkably consistent across different social strata.

In K-Dramas: Characters often use 만약 during emotional confessions or when facing a dilemma. '만약 우리가 만나지 않았더라면?' (What if we had never met?) is a classic trope that heightens the drama by making the audience contemplate a different reality.
In News and Media: News anchors use 만약 when discussing potential economic shifts, weather disasters, or political changes. In these contexts, it sounds professional and analytical, often paired with the more formal '-ㄴ다면' ending.

“만약 내일 지구가 멸망한다면 무엇을 할 거예요?”
— Translation: 'If the world were to end tomorrow, what would you do?' (A common icebreaker question in variety shows).

In the workplace, 만약 is used for risk management. During a project briefing, a manager might say, '만약의 사태에 대비해야 합니다' (We must prepare for any contingency). Here, '만약의 사태' (a 'what-if' situation) is a fixed expression meaning an emergency or unexpected event. It shows that the speaker is being thorough and responsible. Even in casual settings, like deciding where to eat, a friend might say, '만약 거기 문 닫았으면 어떡하지?' (What if that place is closed?). It’s a word that facilitates collaborative problem-solving.

“만약에 말이야, 내가 고백하면 받아줄 거야?”
— Translation: 'Hypothetically speaking, if I were to confess, would you accept it?' (Commonly heard in romance-themed content).

Finally, you will find 만약 in literature and poetry, where it explores the 'roads not taken'. It is a word that carries the weight of human imagination and the 'what-ifs' of life. Whether it's a child asking '만약 내가 초능력이 있다면?' (What if I had superpowers?) or an elderly person reflecting on '만약 젊었을 때로 돌아간다면' (If I could go back to when I was young), the word 만약 serves as the gateway to the infinite possibilities of the human mind. By listening for this word, you can better understand the hopes, fears, and plans of the people around you.

While 만약 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into their Korean. The most common mistake is thinking that 만약 alone is enough to mean 'if'. In English, 'if' is a conjunction that connects two clauses. In Korean, the heavy lifting of the 'if' meaning is done by the verb ending (-(으)면). 만약 is just an optional (though helpful) adverb that adds emphasis. Using 만약 without a conditional ending is like saying 'Supposing it rain' instead of 'Supposing it rains'.

Mistake 1: Missing the Verb Ending: Incorrect: 만약 비가 와요, 집에 있을 거예요.
Correct: 만약 비가 오면, 집에 있을 거예요. You must use the conditional ending.
Mistake 2: Overuse in Certainty: Don't use 만약 for things that are definitely going to happen. For example, 'If it becomes 10 o'clock' (10시가 되면) shouldn't use 만약 because 10 o'clock is a certainty, not a hypothetical.

만약 내일이 월요일이면 출근해요. (Awkward)
— Note: Since tomorrow is definitely Monday (if today is Sunday), using '만약' sounds strange. Just say '내일 월요일이면...'.

Another nuance that learners miss is the difference between 만약 and 혹시 (hoksi). While both can be translated as 'if' or 'by any chance', 혹시 is more commonly used when asking a question to be polite or when there's a slight chance of something being true right now (e.g., '혹시 한국 분이세요?' - By any chance, are you Korean?). 만약 is strictly for future or hypothetical conditions. Confusing these two can make your speech sound slightly off-kilter to a native speaker.

만약 제가 실수했다면 사과드립니다.
— Correct usage: 'If (it so happens that) I made a mistake, I apologize.' (Formal and polite).

Lastly, be careful with the word order. While 만약 is flexible, placing it too far from the start of the clause can sometimes confuse the listener, especially in complex sentences with multiple clauses. The best practice for B1 learners is to keep 만약 at the beginning of the specific 'if' clause it refers to. This ensures clarity and helps you maintain the logical flow of your thoughts. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will sound much more like a natural Korean speaker who understands the subtle art of hypothetical reasoning.

In Korean, there are several ways to express the concept of 'if' or 'supposing', each with its own nuance and level of formality. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're writing an academic essay or chatting with friends. While 만약 is the most versatile and common, knowing its synonyms like 만일, 혹시, and 가령 will significantly enrich your vocabulary and comprehension.

만일 (Man-il) vs. 만약 (Manyak): These two are almost identical in meaning. However, 만일 (萬一) literally means 'one in ten thousand' and is often perceived as slightly more formal or literary than 만약. You'll see 만일 more often in written documents, news reports, or formal speeches.
혹시 (Hoksi): While 만약 focuses on the condition itself, 혹시 focuses on the 'chance' or 'possibility'. It is often translated as 'by any chance'. It is frequently used in questions to make them sound less direct and more polite. '혹시 시간이 되세요?' (Do you happen to have time?).
가령 (Garyeong): This is a more academic or formal word meaning 'suppose' or 'for example'. It is used when setting up a hypothetical example for the sake of an argument or explanation. You'll find this in textbooks or debates.

만일의 사태에 대비해 보험을 들었어요.
— Example: 'I got insurance to prepare for the (one in ten thousand) event.' (Sounds very standard and responsible).

There are also more advanced alternatives like 설사 (seolsa), which means 'even if' or 'even granting that'. Unlike 만약, which is neutral, 설사 is used when the speaker is acknowledging a possibility but stating that the outcome will remain the same regardless. For example, '설사 비가 오더라도 갈 거예요' (Even if it rains, I will go). Another one is 혹여 (hogyeo), which is a poetic or archaic version of 혹시, often found in literature or historical dramas.

가령 우리가 화성에 간다면 어떨까요?
— Example: 'Suppose we go to Mars, what would it be like?' (Setting up a scientific or philosophical discussion).

Choosing between these words depends on the context and the 'feeling' you want to convey. As a B1 learner, you should focus on mastering 만약 first, as it is the most useful in 90% of situations. Once you feel comfortable, start experimenting with 만일 in your writing and 혹시 in your polite requests. This progression will help you sound more natural and sophisticated in your Korean communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"만약 귀하께서 동의하신다면 계약을 진행하겠습니다."

Neutre

"만약 내일 비가 오면 경기는 취소됩니다."

Informel

"만약에 나 배고프면 어떡해?"

Child friendly

"만약에 곰 세 마리가 우리 집에 오면 어떨까?"

Argot

"만약에 각 나오면 바로 고!"

Le savais-tu ?

The character 萬 (ten thousand) was historically used to represent 'everything' or 'a very large number', so '만약' implies considering one specific case out of a vast number of possibilities.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mɐ.ɲɐk̚/

US /mɑ.njɑk̚/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the first syllable '만' is often slightly longer in emphatic speech.

Rime avec

약 (yak) 계약 (gyeyak) 예약 (yeyak) 제약 (jeyak) 서약 (seoyak) 공약 (gongyak) 치약 (chiyak) 한약 (hanyak)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ny' as a simple 'n' (man-ak instead of ma-nyak).
Releasing the final 'k' sound with a puff of air (it should be silent).
Confusing the vowel 'ㅑ' (ya) with 'ㅏ' (a).
Pronouncing it too slowly like 'man-yak' with a pause in between.
Over-emphasizing the 'm' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize at the start of a sentence.

Écriture 3/5

Requires pairing with the correct verb ending.

Expression orale 3/5

Natural placement takes some practice.

Écoute 2/5

Very clear and distinct pronunciation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

-(으)면 비 돈 시간 하다

Apprends ensuite

-ㄴ/는다면 -았/었더라면 혹시 만일 가정

Avancé

설사 가령 비록 정작 설령

Grammaire à connaître

-(으)면

시간이 있으면 오세요.

-ㄴ/는다면

내가 새라면 날아갈 텐데.

-았/었더라면

어제 갔더라면 좋았을 거예요.

-(으)ㄹ 경우

비가 올 경우 실내에서 진행합니다.

-아/어도

만약 비가 와도 갈 거예요.

Exemples par niveau

만약 비가 오면 우산을 가져가세요.

If it rains, take an umbrella.

만약 + -면 (simple condition)

만약 시간이 있으면 전화해 주세요.

If you have time, please call me.

만약 + -면 (daily possibility)

만약 배가 고프면 빵을 드세요.

If you are hungry, eat some bread.

만약 + -면 (state/condition)

만약 친구를 만나면 인사하세요.

If you meet a friend, say hello.

만약 + -면 (social action)

만약 추우면 문을 닫으세요.

If it's cold, close the door.

만약 + -면 (environmental condition)

만약 돈이 있으면 사과를 사요.

If I have money, I buy apples.

만약 + -면 (simple requirement)

만약 학교에 가면 공부해요.

If I go to school, I study.

만약 + -면 (routine condition)

만약 주말이면 영화를 봐요.

If it's the weekend, I watch a movie.

만약 + -면 (temporal condition)

만약 한국에 가면 경복궁에 가고 싶어요.

If I go to Korea, I want to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace.

만약 + -면 + -고 싶다 (expressing desire)

만약 내일 날씨가 좋으면 등산을 갈까요?

If the weather is good tomorrow, shall we go hiking?

만약 + -면 + -(으)ㄹ까요? (making a suggestion)

만약 숙제를 다 하면 게임을 할 수 있어요.

If you finish all your homework, you can play games.

만약 + -면 + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (possibility)

만약에 길을 잃으면 경찰에게 물어보세요.

If you get lost, ask a police officer.

만약에 (spoken form) + -면

만약 매운 것을 못 먹으면 이 음식을 시키지 마세요.

If you can't eat spicy food, don't order this dish.

만약 + -면 + -지 마세요 (prohibition)

만약 버스를 놓치면 택시를 타야 해요.

If you miss the bus, you have to take a taxi.

만약 + -면 + -아/어야 하다 (necessity)

만약에 아프면 병원에 꼭 가세요.

If you are sick, make sure to go to the hospital.

만약에 + -면 + 꼭 (emphasis)

만약 생일 파티를 하면 저를 초대해 줄래요?

If you have a birthday party, will you invite me?

만약 + -면 + -(으)ㄹ래요? (requesting/asking intention)

만약 내가 복권에 당첨된다면 큰 집을 살 거예요.

If I were to win the lottery, I would buy a big house.

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (low probability hypothetical)

만약 지구가 평평하다면 끝까지 걸어갈 수 있을까요?

If the earth were flat, could we walk to the end?

만약 + -다면 (purely imaginary)

만약의 사태를 대비해서 비상금을 준비했어요.

I prepared emergency money just in case.

만약의 사태 (fixed expression for 'emergency')

만약 그가 거짓말을 하고 있다면 어떻게 하죠?

What if he is lying?

만약 + -고 있다면 (progressive hypothetical)

만약 다시 태어난다면 예술가가 되고 싶어요.

If I were born again, I would want to be an artist.

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (reincarnation hypothetical)

만약 우리가 늦게 도착하면 문이 닫혀 있을 거예요.

If we arrive late, the door will be closed.

만약 + -면 + -아/어 있을 것이다 (result of state)

만약에 무슨 일이 생기면 저한테 꼭 알려주세요.

If anything happens, please let me know for sure.

만약에 + 무슨 일 (indefinite pronoun)

만약 시험에 떨어지면 부모님이 실망하실 거예요.

If I fail the exam, my parents will be disappointed.

만약 + -면 + -(으)실 것이다 (honorific future)

만약 그때 내가 그 제안을 거절했더라면 지금쯤 후회하고 있을 거야.

If I had rejected that proposal then, I would be regretting it by now.

만약 + -았/었더라면 (past counterfactual)

만약 경제 상황이 더 악화된다면 정부는 새로운 대책을 세워야 합니다.

If the economic situation worsens further, the government must establish new measures.

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (formal hypothetical)

만약이라는 가정 하에 우리는 모든 가능성을 검토해야 합니다.

Under the assumption of 'what if', we must review all possibilities.

만약이라는 가정 (the assumption of 'if')

만약 당신이 내 입장이라면 어떻게 하시겠습니까?

If you were in my position, what would you do?

만약 + -이라면 (noun hypothetical)

만약에라도 그가 올지 모르니 조금 더 기다려 봅시다.

He might come, just in case, so let's wait a bit longer.

만약에라도 (even just in case)

만약 과학 기술이 더 발전한다면 화성에서도 살 수 있을까요?

If science and technology develop further, will we be able to live on Mars?

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (speculative future)

만약 그 소문이 사실이라면 정말 큰일이네요.

If that rumor is true, it's a big problem.

만약 + -이라면 (confirming a condition)

만약 우리가 환경을 보호하지 않는다면 미래는 어두울 것입니다.

If we do not protect the environment, the future will be dark.

만약 + -지 않는다면 (negative hypothetical)

만약 인류가 문자를 발명하지 않았더라면 역사는 어떻게 기록되었을까?

If humanity had not invented writing, how would history have been recorded?

만약 + -지 않았더라면 (historical counterfactual)

만약의 하나라도 오류가 발생할 경우를 대비해 이중 보안 시스템을 구축했습니다.

We have built a double security system in case even a single error occurs.

만약의 하나 (one in ten thousand chance)

만약 자본주의가 붕괴한다면 어떤 새로운 체제가 등장할 것인가?

If capitalism collapses, what kind of new system will emerge?

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (sociopolitical speculation)

만약 그 작가가 살아있었다면 이 작품에 대해 뭐라고 평했을까요?

If that author were alive, what would they have said about this work?

만약 + -았/었더라면 (imagining a different present)

만약이라는 단어는 때로 우리에게 희망을 주기도 하지만, 때로는 고통스러운 후회를 남기기도 한다.

The word 'if' sometimes gives us hope, but sometimes it leaves painful regrets.

만약이라는 단어 (the word 'if' as a subject)

만약 우리가 빛의 속도로 여행할 수 있다면 시간의 개념은 어떻게 변할까?

If we could travel at the speed of light, how would the concept of time change?

만약 + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다면 (scientific hypothetical)

만약 정부의 정책이 실패로 돌아간다면 그 책임은 누구에게 있는가?

If the government's policy turns out to be a failure, who is responsible?

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (accountability hypothetical)

만약 인간의 수명이 무한하다면 삶의 의미는 지금과 같을까?

If human lifespan were infinite, would the meaning of life be the same as now?

만약 + -이라면 (philosophical hypothetical)

만약이라는 가설적 전제 없이는 어떠한 과학적 진보도 이루어질 수 없었을 것이다.

Without the hypothetical premise of 'if', no scientific progress could have been achieved.

만약이라는 가설적 전제 (hypothetical premise)

만약 우주에 우리만 존재한다면 그것은 엄청난 공간의 낭비일 것이다.

If we are the only ones in the universe, it would be a terrible waste of space.

만약 + -ㄴ/는다면 (cosmological speculation)

만약 역사의 수레바퀴를 거꾸로 돌릴 수 있다면 당신은 어느 시점으로 가겠습니까?

If you could turn back the wheels of history, to which point would you go?

역사의 수레바퀴 (metaphorical expression)

만약 인공지능이 자아를 갖게 된다면 인간과 기계의 경계는 무너질 것이다.

If artificial intelligence gains a sense of self, the boundary between humans and machines will collapse.

만약 + -게 된다면 (resultative hypothetical)

만약의 사태에 대한 철저한 분석 없이 감행된 투자는 도박이나 다름없다.

An investment carried out without a thorough analysis of contingencies is no different from gambling.

만약의 사태에 대한 분석 (contingency analysis)

만약 우리가 타인의 고통을 온전히 느낄 수 있다면 세상의 갈등은 사라질까?

If we could fully feel the pain of others, would the world's conflicts disappear?

만약 + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다면 (empathy hypothetical)

만약 자유 의지가 환상에 불과하다면 도덕적 책임의 근거는 무엇인가?

If free will is nothing but an illusion, what is the basis for moral responsibility?

만약 + -에 불과하다면 (restrictive hypothetical)

만약이라는 가능성의 문을 열어두는 것이야말로 창조적 사고의 핵심이다.

Keeping the door of possibility called 'if' open is the core of creative thinking.

만약이라는 가능성의 문 (metaphorical door of possibility)

Collocations courantes

만약의 사태

만약에 대비하다

만약의 경우

만약에 하나라도

만약이라는 가정

만약 그렇다면

만약 아니면

만약 가능하다면

만약 사실이라면

만약 내가 너라면

Phrases Courantes

만약에 말이야

만약에라도

만약이라는 것은 없다

만약에 대비해서

만약에 생길 문제

만약에 있을 사고

만약에 그럴 리는 없겠지만

만약에 내가...

만약에 시간이 되면

만약에 돈이 생기면

Souvent confondu avec

만약 vs 혹시

혹시 is 'by any chance' (current possibility), 만약 is 'if' (hypothetical condition).

만약 vs 만일

만일 is just a more formal version of 만약.

만약 vs 가령

가령 is used for academic or illustrative examples, not general hypotheticals.

Expressions idiomatiques

"만약의 사태에 대비하다"

To prepare for an emergency or unexpected event.

군대는 항상 만약의 사태에 대비하고 있다.

Neutral

"만약이라는 가정 하에"

Under the assumption that something might happen.

만약이라는 가정 하에 이야기를 나눠 봅시다.

Formal

"만약에 하나라도"

Even if there is just one (chance/error).

만약에 하나라도 틀리면 안 돼.

Emphatic

"만약이라는 문"

The 'door of if', referring to possibilities.

그는 만약이라는 문을 항상 열어둔다.

Literary

"만약의 경우를 생각하다"

To consider the 'what-if' scenarios.

항상 만약의 경우를 생각해서 행동해라.

Neutral

"만약에 대비한 대책"

Measures taken in case of a hypothetical event.

우리는 만약에 대비한 대책을 세웠다.

Formal

"만약에라도 생길지 모를"

Something that might possibly happen.

만약에라도 생길지 모를 위험을 피하자.

Neutral

"만약에 내가 너라면"

If I were in your shoes.

만약에 내가 너라면 그 사람을 믿지 않을 거야.

Neutral

"만약이라는 것은 부질없다"

It is useless to talk about 'if' (regarding the past).

이미 끝난 일에 만약이라는 것은 부질없다.

Literary

"만약에 대비한 비상구"

An emergency exit for 'what-if' situations.

만약에 대비한 비상구를 확인하세요.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

만약 vs 만약

Both mean 'if'.

만약 is the adverb 'if', -(으)면 is the verb ending 'if'. You need both for emphasis, but -(으)면 is mandatory.

만약 비가 오면 (O), 만약 비가 와요 (X)

만약 vs 혹시

Both translate to 'if'.

혹시 is for 'maybe' or 'by any chance'. 만약 is for 'supposing'.

혹시 전화 왔어요? (Did a call come by any chance?)

만약 vs 만일

Identical meaning.

만일 is more formal/written. 만약 is more common in speech.

만일의 사태 (Formal contingency)

만약 vs 설사

Both involve conditions.

설사 means 'even if' (outcome is fixed). 만약 is 'if' (outcome depends on condition).

설사 비가 와도 갈 거야. (Even if it rains, I'm going.)

만약 vs 가령

Both are hypothetical.

가령 is 'suppose' for an example. 만약 is 'if' for a real possibility or wish.

가령 A가 B라면... (Suppose A is B...)

Structures de phrases

만약 [Noun]이/가 [Adjective]-(으)면...

만약 날씨가 좋으면...

만약 [Noun]을/를 [Verb]-(으)면...

만약 한국어를 배우면...

만약 [Noun]이/가 [Noun]-(이)라면...

만약 내가 부자라면...

만약 [Verb]-ㄴ/는다면...

만약 비가 내린다면...

만약 [Verb]-았/었더라면...

만약 일찍 왔더라면...

만약 [Verb]-고 있다면...

만약 공부하고 있다면...

만약 [Noun]이라는 가정 하에...

만약 성공이라는 가정 하에...

만약의 사태에 대비하여...

만약의 사태에 대비하여 준비합시다.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Korean.

Erreurs courantes

만약 비가 와요. → 만약 비가 오면.
You must use a conditional ending like -(으)면 with 만약.
만약 내일이 토요일이면... → 내일이 토요일이면...
Don't use 만약 for certainties like the days of the week.
혹시 내가 부자라면... → 만약 내가 부자라면...
혹시 is for 'by any chance', 만약 is for 'supposing' (hypothetical).
만약 어제 갔으면... → 만약 어제 갔더라면...
For past hypotheticals (regrets), -았/었더라면 is more natural.
만약에? (as a complete answer in formal setting) → 만약의 경우를 말씀하시는 겁니까?
'만약에?' is too casual for formal situations.

Astuces

The Pairing Rule

Always pair '만약' with '-(으)면'. It's the most important rule for using this word correctly.

Natural Sound

In conversation, use '만약에' (manyak-e). It sounds much more natural and less like a textbook.

Avoid Certainties

Don't use '만약' for things like 'If it becomes 1 PM'. Time is certain, so just use '-(으)면'.

Formal vs Informal

Use '만일' for writing reports and '만약' for talking to friends.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize '만약의 사태' (emergency). It's a very common and useful phrase in professional settings.

Signal Word

Treat '만약' as a signal that a hypothetical is coming. It helps you follow long Korean sentences.

Placement

Keep '만약' at the start of your sentence to help the reader understand your logic immediately.

Politeness

Use '만약' or '혹시' to soften your questions. It makes you sound more considerate.

Hypothetical Suffixes

Try using '-ㄴ/는다면' with '만약' to express things that are very unlikely to happen.

Mnemonic

Remember: 'Manyak' = 'Many a possibility'. This will help you link it to 'if'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Man' + 'Yak'. A 'Man' is taking a 'Yak' (medicine) *if* he gets sick. 만약 (Manyak) = If.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant number '10,000' (萬) with a question mark next to it, representing the 'one in ten thousand' chance.

Word Web

만약 만일 혹시 가정 조건 -(으)면 -ㄴ/는다면 가능성

Défi

Try to write three sentences about what you would do *if* you won the lottery, using '만약' in each one.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters 萬 (만) meaning 'ten thousand' and 若 (약) meaning 'like' or 'if'.

Sens originel : The literal meaning is 'one in ten thousand' or 'supposing a rare event'.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-eo)

Contexte culturel

Avoid using '만약' when talking about someone's death or serious misfortune unless the context is very formal or medical, as it can sound like you are wishing for it.

English speakers use 'if' for both certainties ('If it's 5 PM, I leave') and hypotheticals. Koreans distinguish these, using '만약' primarily for the latter.

The song '만약에' (If) by Taeyeon (SNSD) is a very famous ballad about the fear of confessing love. The movie 'If Only' (2004) is translated in Korea with themes related to '만약'. Many Korean self-help books use '만약' to prompt readers to imagine a better life.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather Plans

만약 비가 오면
만약 날씨가 좋으면
만약 눈이 내리면
만약 너무 더우면

Financial Dreams

만약 돈이 많으면
만약 복권에 당첨되면
만약 부자가 되면
만약 세일하면

Social Meetings

만약 시간이 되면
만약 친구를 만나면
만약 늦게 오면
만약 못 가면

Emergencies

만약의 사태에
만약 사고가 나면
만약 아프면
만약 길을 잃으면

Regrets

만약 그때 알았더라면
만약 공부를 했더라면
만약 가지 않았더라면
만약 말했더라면

Amorces de conversation

"만약 내일 갑자기 휴가가 생긴다면 뭐 하고 싶어요?"

"만약 과거로 돌아갈 수 있다면 언제로 가고 싶어요?"

"만약 복권 1등에 당첨되면 가장 먼저 뭘 살 거예요?"

"만약 무인도에 딱 세 가지만 가져갈 수 있다면 뭘 가져갈래요?"

"만약 외국에서 살 기회가 생긴다면 어느 나라에 가고 싶어요?"

Sujets d'écriture

만약 내가 초능력을 가질 수 있다면 어떤 능력을 선택할지 써 보세요.

만약 10년 전의 나를 만난다면 어떤 조언을 해 주고 싶은지 적어 보세요.

만약 오늘이 지구의 마지막 날이라면 누구와 무엇을 할지 기록해 보세요.

만약 내가 좋아하는 연예인을 만난다면 어떤 질문을 할지 상상해 보세요.

만약 한국어를 완벽하게 할 수 있게 된다면 한국에서 무엇을 하고 싶은지 써 보세요.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, in standard Korean, '만약' must be paired with a conditional verb ending like '-(으)면' or '-ㄴ/는다면'. Using it with a plain ending like '-아요' is grammatically incorrect.

There is no difference in meaning. '만약에' is simply the more common spoken form. The '에' adds a slight nuance of 'in the case of'.

'만약' is neutral and can be used in almost any context. However, '만일' is preferred in very formal or written contexts.

No, '만약' is for hypotheticals. For certain future events, just use '-(으)면' or '때'. For example, 'When I get home' should be '집에 가면', not '만약 집에 가면'.

You can say '만약에 ~하면 어떡하죠?' or simply '만약에?' in casual speech.

Yes, it comes from the Hanja 萬若 (만약), meaning 'ten thousand' and 'like/if'.

Yes, but it must be paired with the '-았/었더라면' ending. Example: '만약 그때 그랬더라면...'

It usually goes at the very beginning of the conditional clause, but it can also follow the subject (e.g., 내가 만약...).

It is similar but not a direct synonym. '혹시' means 'by any chance' and is used more for current possibilities or polite questions.

It is a common fixed expression meaning 'emergency' or 'contingency'. It literally means 'a what-if situation'.