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A2 adverb #1,500 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

~만약

manyak Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic way to express conditions. While '만약' might be a bit advanced for the very first few weeks, it quickly becomes essential as you learn the '-(으)면' ending. At this stage, you should think of '만약' as a helper word that tells you 'an IF is coming!' You will mostly use it in very simple, concrete situations. For example, '만약 비가 오면 집에 있어요' (If it rains, I stay at home). The focus here is on the word order: '만약' comes at the beginning, and the verb at the end of the first part of the sentence gets the '-면' attached to it. It's a great way to start making your sentences longer and more interesting than just simple statements like 'It is raining.' You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet; just use '만약' to make your 'if' sentences clearer. It helps your Korean friends understand that you are talking about a possibility, not a fact. Practice using it with basic verbs like 'to go' (가다), 'to eat' (먹다), and 'to be' (있다). This will build a strong foundation for more complex grammar later on.

At the A2 level, you start using '만약' to talk about plans, intentions, and simple 'what-if' scenarios. You are now comfortable with the '-(으)면' ending, and '만약' (or '만약에') becomes a natural part of your spoken Korean. You might use it to discuss weekend plans: '만약 내일 날씨가 좋으면 등산 갈 거예요' (If the weather is good tomorrow, I will go hiking). You also begin to use it in social situations to be more flexible, like '만약 바쁘면 다음에 만나요' (If you're busy, let's meet next time). At this level, you should also notice that '만약' is often used to express concerns or ask for advice: '만약 길을 잃으면 어떻게 해요?' (What if I get lost?). This shows you are moving beyond simple facts and starting to navigate the world using Korean. You might also start hearing '만약에' more often in songs and dramas, which helps you recognize the word in different contexts. The key at A2 is consistency—remembering to pair '만약' with the correct verb ending every time.

At the B1 level, '만약' is used to explore more abstract and hypothetical situations. You are no longer just talking about the weather; you are talking about feelings, hypothetical choices, and 'what could have been.' You will start using '만약' with the past tense conditional '-았/었으면' to express wishes or regrets: '만약 내가 더 열심히 공부했으면 좋았을 텐데' (It would have been good if I had studied harder). This is a big step forward in your ability to express complex emotions. You also start to distinguish between '만약' and other similar words like '혹시' or '만일.' You might use '만약' in a work or school setting to discuss potential outcomes of a project: '만약 이 계획이 성공하면 우리는 더 많은 기회를 얻을 것입니다' (If this plan succeeds, we will get more opportunities). Your sentences become longer and more nuanced, often including multiple clauses. You are also becoming more aware of the 'supposing' nuance, using '만약' to set up scenarios for discussion or debate.

At the B2 level, you use '만약' with a high degree of precision and variety. You are comfortable using it with more advanced endings like '-ㄴ/는다면' for highly unlikely or purely imaginary situations. For example, '만약 내가 새라면 하늘을 날 수 있을 텐데' (If I were a bird, I could fly in the sky). You understand that '만약' serves as a logical anchor in your speech, allowing you to build persuasive arguments or detailed explanations. You also start to use '만약' in formal writing, perhaps alternating it with '만일' to vary your style. You can handle complex 'if' structures, such as 'even if' (설사 ... -아/어도) and 'unless' (-(으)면 안 되다), and you know exactly when '만약' is needed for emphasis and when it can be omitted for brevity. Your listening skills are sharp enough to catch the subtle emotional weight '만약' carries in literature or film, recognizing it as a signal for deep introspection or dramatic irony. You are also able to use '만약' to negotiate and set conditions in professional or academic contexts effectively.

At the C1 level, '만약' is a tool for sophisticated rhetorical and philosophical expression. You use it to construct complex 'counter-factual' arguments, exploring how history or personal lives might have unfolded differently. You are adept at using '만약' in academic papers to propose hypotheses or in business to conduct thorough risk assessments. You understand the historical roots of the word and can appreciate its use in classical literature or high-level journalism. Your use of '만약' is perfectly integrated with advanced grammatical structures like '-기로 한다면' or '-ㄴ다는 가정 하에.' You can also use '만약' to create subtle irony or sarcasm in social commentary. At this level, you don't just use the word; you play with its nuances to influence your audience. You might use it to set up a 'reductio ad absurdum' argument or to explore the ethical implications of a hypothetical technology. Your command of '만약' and its synonyms allows you to navigate any communicative situation, from a casual chat to a formal debate, with absolute confidence and linguistic flair.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '만약' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it with effortless precision in the most demanding linguistic environments, such as legal drafting, high-level diplomatic negotiations, or creative writing. You are sensitive to the most minute differences between '만약,' '만일,' '가령,' and '혹여,' choosing the exact word that fits the register and the desired emotional or logical impact. You can analyze the use of '만약' in complex literary texts, understanding how it contributes to theme, character development, and narrative structure. In your own writing, you use '만약' to create intricate layers of meaning, often employing it in rhetorical questions that challenge the reader's assumptions. You are also fully aware of the dialectal variations or archaic uses of conditional adverbs and can use them for stylistic effect. For you, '만약' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument that you use to navigate the deepest complexities of the Korean language and culture, expressing the full range of human possibility and imagination.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

~만약 en 30 secondes

An essential adverb used to introduce 'if' scenarios and hypothetical conditions in Korean sentences.
Always pairs with verb endings like -(으)면 or -ㄴ/는다면 to complete the conditional thought.
Comes from Hanja meaning 'one in ten thousand,' though used for any level of probability today.
Commonly heard in daily plans, emotional drama scenes, safety warnings, and speculative discussions.

The Korean word 만약 (Manyak) is a foundational adverb used to introduce a hypothetical situation, condition, or a 'what-if' scenario. Derived from the Hanja 萬一 (만일), which literally translates to 'one in ten thousand,' it carries the underlying nuance of a possibility that might be rare, unexpected, or purely speculative. While often translated simply as 'if' in English, its primary function in Korean is to act as a 'conditional signpost.' It prepares the listener or reader for a conditional statement that will almost always conclude with the grammatical structure -(으)면 or -ㄴ/는다면. In essence, while the verb ending does the heavy lifting of creating the 'if' condition, 만약 reinforces that condition, adding emphasis and clarity to the hypothetical nature of the thought. It is incredibly versatile, appearing in everything from casual daily conversations about the weather to complex legal documents discussing contingency plans. Understanding 만약 is crucial for moving beyond simple declarative sentences into the realm of abstract thinking, planning, and emotional expression in Korean.

Grammatical Category: Adverb (부사). It typically appears at the beginning of a clause or immediately before the subject to set the hypothetical stage.

만약 내일 비가 오면, 우리는 영화를 볼 거예요. (If it rains tomorrow, we will watch a movie.)

The use of 만약 often signals that the speaker is considering a deviation from the current reality or the expected path. For example, if you are planning a trip, you might use it to discuss 'Plan B.' It is also frequently used with the particle -에 to form 만약에, which functions identically but can feel slightly more colloquial or emphatic in spoken Korean. Historically, the term reflects a cautious worldview—considering the 'one in ten thousand' chance that things might go differently. In modern usage, however, that 'rare chance' nuance has softened, and it is now used for any hypothetical, regardless of how likely it is to occur. Whether you are dreaming about winning the lottery or simply wondering what to eat if the restaurant is closed, 만약 is your go-to tool.

Semantic Nuance: Speculative, conditional, and preparatory. It alerts the listener to look for the '-(으)면' ending later in the sentence.

만약 내가 부자라면, 가난한 사람들을 도울 텐데. (If I were rich, I would help poor people.)

In literature and songwriting, 만약 is a powerful emotional trigger. It introduces the 'unfulfilled' or the 'impossible,' allowing for deep exploration of regret or desire. For instance, many famous Korean ballads begin their choruses with '만약에...' to explore what might have happened if a breakup hadn't occurred. In a more practical sense, it is used in safety briefings: '만약 화재가 발생하면...' (In the event that a fire breaks out...). This duality—between the deeply emotional and the strictly practical—makes it one of the most useful adverbs for any learner to master. It bridges the gap between stating facts and exploring possibilities.

만약에 우리가 다시 만난다면 어떨까? (What if we were to meet again?)

Etymology Note: From Sino-Korean 萬 (ten thousand) and 若 (if/like). It shares roots with the word '만일' (萬一).

만약 길을 잃으면 저에게 전화하세요. (In case you get lost, call me.)

만약 그가 오지 않으면 어떻게 하죠? (What if he doesn't come?)

Finally, it's important to note that 만약 can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It isn't inherently 'worrying' or 'hopeful'; it is neutral. The tone is determined by the rest of the sentence. Whether you're discussing a potential promotion or a potential accident, 만약 serves as the logical starting point for the discussion. It allows for the construction of complex logical arguments: 'If A happens, then B will follow.' This logical structure is essential for academic writing, business negotiations, and everyday problem-solving in Korean-speaking environments.

Using 만약 correctly involves understanding its relationship with Korean verb endings. It is not a standalone conjunction like 'if' in English; rather, it is an adverb that reinforces a conditional ending already present on the verb. The most common pattern is 만약 + [Clause] + -(으)면. For example, to say 'If it's hot,' you would say '만약 더우면.' The word 만약 comes early to signal the condition, and the -면 ending at the end of the first clause seals the condition. This 'double-marking' is very common in Korean and helps listeners process complex sentences more easily. Without 만약, the sentence is still grammatically correct, but it might lack the specific emphasis on the 'hypothetical' or 'supposing' nature of the statement.

The '만약에' Variation: Adding the particle '-에' (만약에) is extremely common in spoken Korean. It doesn't change the meaning but can make the sentence sound more natural or rhythmic in conversation.

만약에 시간이 있으면 같이 점심 먹을래요? (If you have time, would you like to have lunch together?)

Another advanced way to use 만약 is with the ending -ㄴ/는다면. This ending is used for situations that are even more hypothetical, unlikely, or purely imaginary compared to the standard -(으)면. For instance, if you are talking about being reborn or winning a billion dollars, 만약 ... -ㄴ/는다면 is the preferred structure. This adds a layer of 'supposing' or 'imagining' that goes beyond simple conditions. It's the difference between 'If I go to the store' (likely) and 'If I were to travel to Mars' (highly hypothetical). Learners should start with -(으)면 and gradually incorporate -ㄴ/는다면 as they reach intermediate levels.

Placement in Sentence: Usually placed at the very beginning of the sentence or right after the subject of the conditional clause.

제가 만약 실수를 했다면 사과드립니다. (If I made a mistake, I apologize.)

In formal writing, such as business emails or reports, 만약 is often replaced by its synonym 만일. While they are interchangeable, 만일 carries a slightly more professional or literary tone. For example, in a contract, you might see '만일 계약을 위반할 경우...' (In the event of a contract violation...). However, in daily speech, 만약 is much more prevalent. It's also worth noting that 만약 can be used to ask 'What if?' questions by ending the sentence with -면요? or -면 어떻게 해요?. This is a common way to express concern or seek clarification on a plan.

만약 시험에 떨어지면 어떻게 해요? (What if I fail the exam?)

Common Verb Pairings: Pairs with -(으)면, -ㄴ/는다면, -거든 (more colloquial), and -었더라면 (past hypothetical).

만약 도움이 필요하시거든 언제든 말씀하세요. (If you happen to need help, please tell me anytime.)

만약 비행기를 놓치면 다음 비행기를 타야 해요. (If we miss the plane, we have to take the next one.)

Finally, consider the use of 만약 in 'if only' scenarios. By combining it with -았/었으면 좋겠다, you can express strong wishes or desires about hypothetical situations. '만약 내가 날 수 있다면 좋겠다' (If only I could fly). This demonstrates how 만약 serves as the foundation for expressing a wide range of human thoughts—from logical contingencies to impossible dreams. Mastering its placement and its partnership with verb endings is a major milestone in achieving fluency in Korean.

You will encounter 만약 in almost every facet of Korean life, from high-stakes drama scenes to mundane weather reports. In K-Dramas, it is a staple for emotional climaxes. Characters often use it to pose life-altering questions: '만약 우리가 헤어지면 어떡해?' (What if we break up?) or '만약 내가 그때 다른 선택을 했다면?' (What if I had made a different choice then?). These 'what-if' moments are central to the narrative tension in Korean storytelling. Similarly, in K-Pop lyrics, 만약 is used to express longing and hypothetical love scenarios. It sets a romantic or melancholic mood by inviting the listener to imagine a different reality. If you listen closely to ballads, you'll hear '만약에' repeated as a refrain, emphasizing the singer's internal struggle with possibility and regret.

Daily Life Scenario: Planning outings: '만약 비 오면 실내에서 만날까?' (If it rains, shall we meet indoors?)

만약에 말이야, 우리 진짜 복권 당첨되면 뭐 할까? (Hey, what if we actually win the lottery, what should we do?)

In professional settings, 만약 is used for risk management and contingency planning. During business meetings, you might hear: '만약 프로젝트가 지연되면...' (In case the project is delayed...). It allows professionals to discuss potential problems without sounding overly pessimistic, as it frames the issue as a hypothetical condition to be prepared for. On the news, anchors use it when discussing economic forecasts or weather warnings: '만약 태풍이 경로를 바꾸면...' (If the typhoon changes its path...). In these contexts, it provides a logical framework for presenting 'if-then' information to the public. It is also common in educational settings, where teachers use it to pose hypothetical problems for students to solve, particularly in science or ethics classes.

Public Announcements: Safety instructions: '만약 비상 상황이 발생하면 승무원의 지시에 따르십시오.' (In case of an emergency, please follow the crew's instructions.)

만약 결제가 안 되면 고객센터로 연락 주세요. (If the payment doesn't go through, please contact customer service.)

In social media and variety shows, 만약 is used for games and 'balance games' (would-you-rather). For example, '만약 평생 라면만 먹기 vs 평생 치킨만 먹기' (If you had to eat only ramen for life vs only chicken for life). This usage is playful and lighthearted, showing that the word isn't always serious. It's a tool for social bonding, allowing people to explore each other's preferences through hypothetical choices. Whether it's a serious debate about the future or a silly game among friends, 만약 is the essential starting point. Even in advertisements, you'll see it used to create a sense of need: '만약 당신의 피부가 고민이라면...' (If you are worried about your skin...). It effectively targets the consumer's specific situation by creating a conditional hook.

만약 이번 기회를 놓치면 다시는 안 올지도 몰라요. (If you miss this chance, it might never come again.)

Legal/Official Context: Contracts and terms: '만약 제3자에게 정보를 유출할 경우...' (In the event that information is leaked to a third party...)

만약 질문이 있으시면 손을 들어 주세요. (If you have any questions, please raise your hand.)

만약 제가 늦으면 먼저 식사하세요. (If I'm late, please eat first.)

Finally, in literature, 만약 is used to build 'alternate history' or 'speculative fiction' narratives. It allows authors to ask 'What if history had gone differently?' This shows the word's power to transcend reality and enter the world of pure imagination. For a learner, hearing 만약 is a signal to switch their brain into 'possibility mode.' It tells you that what follows is not necessarily a fact, but a condition that depends on something else. Recognizing this signal is a key part of listening comprehension in Korean.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 만약 without the corresponding conditional verb ending. In English, 'if' is a conjunction that connects two clauses. In Korean, 만약 is an adverb, and the 'if' meaning is actually carried by the verb ending -(으)면. Beginners often say things like '만약 비가 와, 집에 가요' (Incorrect), instead of '만약 비가 오면, 집에 가요' (Correct). Remember that 만약 is like a 'pre-announcement' for the condition, but the verb ending is the one that actually creates the condition. Without the ending, the sentence sounds incomplete or grammatically broken to a native speaker. It's like saying 'Perhaps it rains' when you mean 'If it rains.'

Mistake 1: Missing the -(으)면 ending: Incorrect: 만약 밥을 먹다, 배가 불러요.
Correct: 만약 밥을 먹으면, 배가 불러요.

만약 시간이 있으면 도와주세요. (NOT just '있어')

Another common error is confusing 만약 with 혹시 (Hoksi). While both can be translated as 'if' or 'by any chance' in some contexts, they have different nuances. 혹시 is often used to ask questions politely or to express a slight doubt/possibility ('By any chance, do you have...?'). 만약, on the other hand, is used for setting up a conditional logic ('If X happens, then Y'). Using 만약 when you mean 'by any chance' can make you sound like you are setting up a complex hypothetical scenario when you're actually just asking a simple question. For example, '혹시 김치 있어요?' (Do you happen to have Kimchi?) is natural, whereas '만약 김치 있으면...' sounds like the start of a recipe or a plan.

Mistake 2: Confusing with '혹시': Use '혹시' for 'by any chance' in questions. Use '만약' for 'if' in conditional statements.

혹시 제 우산 봤어요? (By any chance, have you seen my umbrella? - CORRECT)

Learners also struggle with the tense when using 만약. When talking about a hypothetical past (something that didn't happen), you must use the past conditional -았/었더라면 or -았/었으면. Using the present tense -(으)면 for past hypotheticals is a common mistake. For example, '만약 어제 비가 오면...' is incorrect because 'yesterday' is in the past. It should be '만약 어제 비가 왔더라면...' (If it had rained yesterday...). This distinction is vital for expressing regret or analyzing past events. Additionally, avoid overusing 만약. In many simple 'if' sentences, the -면 ending alone is sufficient. Overusing 만약 can make your speech sound repetitive or overly dramatic.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Tense Usage: Don't use present tense for past hypotheticals.
Incorrect: 만약 어제 공부하면 합격했을 거예요.
Correct: 만약 어제 공부했더라면 합격했을 거예요.

만약 그때 알았더라면 좋았을 텐데. (If only I had known then.)

만약 제가 틀렸다면 고쳐 주세요. (If I am wrong, please correct me.)

Finally, some learners use 만약 when they should use 때 (Ttae). 만약 is for uncertain conditions, while 때 is for certain future events. For example, if you are definitely going to Korea, say '한국에 갈 때' (When I go to Korea). If you are only considering it, say '만약 한국에 가면' (If I go to Korea). Using 만약 for certain events can sound like you are doubting they will happen, which might be confusing or even offensive in some social contexts (e.g., 'If you get married' vs 'When you get married').

Korean has several words that function similarly to 만약, each with its own specific nuance and register. The most direct synonym is 만일 (Manil). As mentioned earlier, 만일 is the more formal, Sino-Korean version. It is frequently used in written documents, legal texts, and formal speeches. While you can use 만약 in these contexts too, 만일 adds a layer of professional gravity. Another similar word is 혹시 (Hoksi). While 혹시 is often used for 'by any chance' in questions, it can also be used as a conditional adverb similar to 만약, but it suggests a much lower probability. It's like saying 'In the off-chance that...' compared to a general 'If...'

만약 vs. 만일: 만약: Common, versatile, used in speech and writing.
만일: Formal, literary, common in contracts and news.

만일의 사태에 대비해야 합니다. (We must prepare for any eventuality/emergency.)

Then there is 가령 (Garyeong), which is often translated as 'suppose' or 'for example.' It is used when setting up a hypothetical scenario for the sake of an argument or explanation. It's more academic or rhetorical than 만약. For instance, '가령 우리가 화성에 산다고 합시다' (Suppose we live on Mars). It invites the listener to join in a thought experiment. Another related term is 설사 (Seolsa), which means 'even if' or 'even though.' Unlike 만약, which sets up a condition, 설사 sets up a concession. It is used with the ending -아/어도. '설사 비가 오더라도 갈 거예요' (Even if it rains, I will go). Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right 'if' for the right situation.

만약 vs. 가령: 만약: General hypothetical condition.
가령: Hypothetical for the sake of illustration or argument ('Supposing...').

가령 이 계획이 실패한다면 어떻게 될까요? (Suppose this plan fails, what would happen?)

Lastly, we have 부디 (Budi) and 제발 (Jebal), which are sometimes used in sentences that look conditional but are actually pleas. While not synonyms for 'if,' they often appear in 'If only...' type sentences. However, 만약 remains the core adverb for logical and speculative 'if' scenarios. In summary, while 만약 is your primary tool, knowing 만일, 혹시, 가령, and 설사 allows you to express conditions with much greater precision and stylistic variety. Each word acts as a different kind of 'signpost' for the listener, indicating not just that a condition is coming, but also how likely it is and why you are mentioning it.

Quick Comparison Table

만약: Standard 'If' (Universal)
만일: Formal 'If' (Official)
혹시: 'By any chance' (Polite/Low probability)
가령: 'Suppose' (Illustrative)
설사: 'Even if' (Concessive)

설사 그게 사실이라 해도 믿을 수 없어요. (Even if that is true, I can't believe it.)

만약 혹시라도 마음이 바뀌면 연락해. (If by any chance you change your mind, call me.)

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

만약 비가 오면 집에 있어요.

If it rains, I stay at home.

만약 + verb + -면

만약 시간이 있으면 전화하세요.

If you have time, please call.

있다 becomes 있으면

만약 배가 고프면 빵을 드세요.

If you are hungry, eat some bread.

고프다 becomes 고프면

만약 한국에 가면 김치를 먹을 거예요.

If I go to Korea, I will eat Kimchi.

가다 becomes 가면

만약 친구를 만나면 인사해요.

If you meet a friend, say hello.

만나다 becomes 만나면

만약 돈이 있으면 가방을 사요.

If I have money, I buy a bag.

돈이 있다 (to have money)

만약 공부를 하면 시험을 잘 봐요.

If I study, I do well on the exam.

하다 becomes 하면

만약 아프면 병원에 가세요.

If you are sick, go to the hospital.

아프다 becomes 아프면

만약 내일 날씨가 좋으면 공원에 갈까요?

If the weather is good tomorrow, shall we go to the park?

Future plan with -ㄹ까요

만약에 질문이 있으면 손을 들어 주세요.

If you have a question, please raise your hand.

Using '만약에' for emphasis

만약 제가 늦으면 먼저 시작하세요.

If I'm late, please start first.

Polite request with -세요

만약 주말에 바쁘면 월요일에 만나요.

If you're busy on the weekend, let's meet on Monday.

Alternative plan

만약 이 옷이 작으면 환불할 수 있어요?

If these clothes are small, can I get a refund?

Asking about possibility with -ㄹ 수 있어요?

만약 매운 것을 못 먹으면 미리 말해 주세요.

If you can't eat spicy food, please tell me in advance.

못 + verb (cannot)

만약 길을 잃으면 지도를 보세요.

If you get lost, look at the map.

Instruction

만약 컴퓨터가 고장 나면 수리점에 가야 해요.

If the computer breaks, you have to go to the repair shop.

Obligation with -야 해요

만약 내가 부자라면 넓은 집을 사고 싶어요.

If I were rich, I would want to buy a big house.

Noun + -(이)라면 (hypothetical)

만약 어제 비가 안 왔으면 축구를 했을 거예요.

If it hadn't rained yesterday, we would have played soccer.

Past hypothetical with -았/었으면

만약에 우리가 다시 만난다면 무슨 말을 할까?

If we were to meet again, what would we say?

-ㄴ/는다면 for remote possibility

만약 시험에 합격하면 부모님이 정말 기뻐하실 거예요.

If I pass the exam, my parents will be very happy.

Honorific -시- used for parents

만약 도움이 필요하시면 언제든지 연락해 주세요.

If you need help, please contact me anytime.

Formal polite style

만약 그때 그 일을 하지 않았더라면 어땠을까요?

What would it have been like if I hadn't done that then?

-았/었더라면 (stronger past hypothetical)

만약 외국에서 살게 되면 언어 공부를 열심히 해야 해요.

If you end up living abroad, you must study the language hard.

-게 되다 (to end up doing)

만약 저에게 백만 달러가 생긴다면 여행을 떠날 거예요.

If I were to get a million dollars, I would go on a trip.

Hypothetical scenario

만약 프로젝트가 지연될 경우, 즉시 보고해 주시기 바랍니다.

In the event that the project is delayed, please report it immediately.

Formal '-(으)ㄹ 경우' structure

만약 제가 당신의 입장이라면 저도 그렇게 했을 것입니다.

If I were in your position, I would have done the same.

Counter-factual conditional

만약 정부가 새로운 정책을 시행한다면 경제에 큰 변화가 올 것입니다.

If the government implements a new policy, there will be a big change in the economy.

Formal hypothetical -ㄴ/는다면

만약에 말이야, 우리가 화성에 갈 수 있다면 넌 갈 거야?

Hey, if we could go to Mars, would you go?

Colloquial '만약에 말이야'

만약 사고가 발생하더라도 당황하지 말고 대피하세요.

Even if an accident occurs, do not panic and evacuate.

-더라도 (even if)

만약 이 약을 먹고 부작용이 나타나면 복용을 중단하세요.

If side effects appear after taking this medicine, stop taking it.

Instruction for safety

만약 우리가 환경을 보호하지 않는다면 미래는 어두울 것입니다.

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

Negative condition with -지 않는다면

만약 그가 진실을 말했더라면 상황이 이렇게까지 나빠지지는 않았을 거예요.

If he had told the truth, the situation wouldn't have gotten this bad.

Complex past hypothetical

만약 인류가 인공지능을 통제하지 못하게 된다면 어떤 일이 벌어질까?

What would happen if humanity loses control over AI?

Philosophical hypothetical

만약 역사가 다르게 흘러갔더라면 오늘날의 세계는 어떤 모습일까요?

If history had flowed differently, what would today's world look like?

Historical counter-factual

만약 당신이 무인도에 혼자 남겨진다면 가장 먼저 무엇을 하겠습니까?

If you were left alone on a deserted island, what would you do first?

Thought experiment

만약 기업이 사회적 책임을 다하지 않는다면 소비자들의 외면을 받을 것입니다.

If a company does not fulfill its social responsibility, it will be shunned by consumers.

Ethical conditional

만약 과학 기술이 죽음을 극복할 수 있게 된다면 인간의 삶은 어떻게 변할까요?

If science and technology become able to overcome death, how will human life change?

Speculative science hypothetical

만약 우리가 서로의 마음을 완벽히 읽을 수 있다면 세상은 더 평화로워질까요?

If we could perfectly read each other's minds, would the world become more peaceful?

Abstract psychological hypothetical

만약 예술이 세상에서 사라진다면 우리의 삶은 얼마나 삭막해질까?

If art were to disappear from the world, how desolate would our lives become?

Rhetorical hypothetical

만약 법이 공정하게 집행되지 않는다면 사회의 근간이 흔들릴 수밖에 없습니다.

If the law is not enforced fairly, the foundation of society is bound to be shaken.

-ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (cannot help but)

만약 우주의 기원에 대한 새로운 이론이 증명된다면 기존의 물리학은 재정립되어야 할 것이다.

If a new theory about the origin of the universe is proven, existing physics will have to be redefined.

Scientific formal hypothetical

만약 고전 문학이 현대 독자들에게 외면당한다면 인류의 지적 유산은 큰 손실을 입게 될 것이다.

If classical literature is ignored by modern readers, humanity's intellectual heritage will suffer a great loss.

Cultural/Academic hypothetical

만약 국가 간의 신뢰가 완전히 무너진다면 국제 사회는 무정부 상태에 빠질 위험이 있다.

If trust between nations completely collapses, there is a risk that the international community will fall into a state of anarchy.

Political/Diplomatic hypothetical

만약 언어가 사고를 규정한다는 가설이 사실이라면, 우리는 언어의 틀 안에서만 세상을 인식할 수 있다.

If the hypothesis that language defines thought is true, we can only perceive the world within the framework of language.

Linguistic/Philosophical hypothesis

만약 자본주의의 모순이 극에 달한다면 새로운 사회 체제의 등장은 필연적일지도 모른다.

If the contradictions of capitalism reach their peak, the emergence of a new social system might be inevitable.

Sociological hypothetical

만약 인간의 의식을 기계에 업로드할 수 있게 된다면 '인간성'의 정의는 근본적으로 뒤바뀔 것이다.

If human consciousness can be uploaded to a machine, the definition of 'humanity' will be fundamentally overturned.

Transhumanist hypothetical

만약 기후 변화로 인해 해수면이 급격히 상승한다면 수많은 해안 도시들이 지도에서 사라질 것이다.

If sea levels rise sharply due to climate change, numerous coastal cities will disappear from the map.

Environmental catastrophe hypothetical

만약 우리가 타인의 고통에 완전히 무감각해진다면 그것은 문명의 종말을 의미하는 것과 다름없다.

If we become completely insensitive to the pain of others, it is no different from meaning the end of civilization.

Ethical/Existential hypothetical

Collocations courantes

만약의 사태

만약의 경우

만약에 대비하다

만약에 말이야

만약에 하나라도

만약에 있을

만약에 대비해서

만약에라도 생길

만약에 가능하다면

만약에 틀림없다면

Phrases Courantes

만약에 말이야 (Hey, what if...)

만약의 경우를 대비해서 (Just in case...)

만약에라도 (Even if by some chance...)

만약 그렇다면 (If that's the case...)

만약 아니면 (If not...)

만약 가능하다면 (If possible...)

만약 필요하다면 (If necessary...)

만약 질문이 있다면 (If there are questions...)

만약 시간이 된다면 (If time allows...)

만약 괜찮으시다면 (If it's okay with you...)

Souvent confondu avec

~만약 vs 혹시 (By any chance)

~만약 vs 때 (When)

~만약 vs 만일 (Formal version)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

~만약 vs 혹시

Used for 'by any chance' in questions; '만약' is for 'if' in conditions.

~만약 vs 때

Used for certain future events; '만약' is for uncertain ones.

~만약 vs 가령

Used for illustrative 'suppose'; '만약' is a general 'if'.

~만약 vs 설사

Used for 'even if'; '만약' is just 'if'.

~만약 vs 만일

Identical meaning but more formal/written.

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature.

frequency

Very high in both speech and writing.

placement

Usually sentence-initial.

Erreurs courantes

Using '만약' without a conditional verb ending like -(으)면.
Confusing '만약' with '혹시' when asking a simple 'by any chance' question.
Using present tense with '만약' for past hypothetical situations.
Overusing '만약' in simple sentences where -(으)면 alone is sufficient.
Using '만약' for certain future events where '때' (when) is more appropriate.

Astuces

The Perfect Pair

Always remember that '만약' and '-(으)면' are best friends. They almost always appear together in a sentence.

Natural Flow

In casual conversation, use '만약에' (Manyak-e) instead of just '만약' to sound more natural.

Formal Choice

When writing a formal report or a contract, try using '만일' instead of '만약' for a more professional tone.

Signal Word

Treat '만약' as a signal. As soon as you hear it, your brain should prepare for a conditional statement.

Probability

If the situation is extremely unlikely, add '혹시' after '만약' (만약 혹시라도...) to emphasize the rarity.

Softening Requests

Use '만약' to frame requests as hypotheticals to be more polite and less demanding.

Word Family

Learning '만약' helps you understand other words starting with '만' (ten thousand), like '만일' or '만세'.

If-Then

Use '만약' to clearly separate the 'if' part of your logic from the 'then' part.

Daily Drill

Try to make one 'what if' sentence every day using '만약' to get used to the word order.

Tense Check

Always check if your hypothetical is in the past, present, or future, and adjust the verb ending accordingly.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

Extremely common in ballad lyrics to express regret.

Used in all public safety announcements in Korea.

Used to make suggestions less direct.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"만약 내일 지구가 멸망한다면 뭘 할 거예요?"

"만약 복권에 당첨되면 가장 먼저 뭘 사고 싶어요?"

"만약 과거로 돌아갈 수 있다면 언제로 가고 싶어요?"

"만약 투명 인간이 된다면 어디에 가고 싶어요?"

"만약 평생 한 가지 음식만 먹어야 한다면 뭘 선택할 거예요?"

Sujets d'écriture

만약 내가 다른 나라에서 태어났다면 내 삶은 어떻게 달랐을까?

만약 나에게 초능력이 생긴다면 어떤 능력을 갖고 싶은가?

만약 내가 회사의 사장이라면 어떤 규칙을 만들까?

만약 10년 전의 나를 만난다면 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶은가?

만약 오늘이 인생의 마지막 날이라면 나는 무엇을 할 것인가?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, '만약' is an adverb that supports the conditional ending. Using it without '-면' or a similar ending makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.

There is no difference in meaning. '만약에' is simply more common in spoken Korean and can add a bit of rhythmic emphasis to the sentence.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal writing, '만일' is often preferred.

Yes, but you must use the past conditional ending like '-았/었더라면' or '-았/었으면' to talk about things that didn't happen.

You can start with '만약' and end the sentence with '-(으)면 어떻게 해요?' or '-(으)면요?'

Not exactly. '혹시' is 'by any chance' and is used mostly in questions. '만약' is 'if' and is used to set up conditions.

Yes, usually after the subject of the conditional clause, e.g., '제가 만약...'.

No, the '-(으)면' ending alone is enough to mean 'if'. '만약' is used for emphasis or clarity.

It comes from 'ten thousand' and 'if/like', implying a 'one in ten thousand' possibility.

Use '-ㄴ/는다면' for situations that are very unlikely, imaginary, or purely hypothetical.