A2 · Elementary Chapter 6

Conditions and Step-by-Step Actions

4 Total Rules
45 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of sequencing your day and setting conditions for your future plans.

  • Sequence events precisely using -고 나서 (after doing).
  • Express conditions and hypotheses with -(으)면 (if/when).
  • Connect daily tasks and future intentions effortlessly.
Connect your actions and master your conditions!

What You'll Learn

Hey there, language explorer! You've done an amazing job with Korean so far, and I'm really proud of your progress! Now it's time to supercharge your conversations, letting you speak with more precision and detail, just like a native. In this exciting chapter, we're giving you two incredibly powerful tools to help you plan, give instructions, and talk about events that are linked together. First up, you'll master '-고 나서'. This structure is your secret weapon for emphasizing that one action must be completely finished before the next one can even begin. Imagine telling a friend, 'After I finish my homework, I'll call you,' or 'After I cook dinner, we'll eat together.' With this, you'll never skip a beat and can describe sequential tasks with perfect clarity. Next, we dive into '면/으면', your go-to for expressing conditions. This means you'll be able to say things like, 'If X happens, then Y will follow,' or 'When this event occurs, it will have this result.' For instance, you can confidently state, 'If it rains, we'll stay home,' or 'When I get hungry, I'll make food.' Pretty useful, right? By the end of this chapter, planning and giving instructions will feel effortless. You'll be able to confidently sequence events, set conditions, and describe interconnected situations. Ready to transform your Korean conversations? Let's go!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Describe a clear sequence of events for your daily routine.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: State conditional plans, such as 'If it rains, I will study'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey there, language explorer! You've done an amazing job with Korean so far, and I'm really proud of your progress! Now it's time to supercharge your conversations, letting you speak with more precision and detail, just like a native. This chapter is a game-changer for your Korean grammar A2 journey, unlocking the ability to express complex ideas and link events logically. Mastering these structures is crucial for moving beyond basic sentences and truly engaging in dynamic conversations. We're giving you two incredibly powerful tools to help you plan, give instructions, and talk about events that are linked together, greatly enhancing your CEFR A2 Korean communication skills.
First up, you'll master -고 나서. This structure is your secret weapon for emphasizing that one action must be completely finished before the next one can even begin. Imagine telling a friend, "After I finish my homework, I'll call you," or "After I cook dinner, we'll eat together." With this, you'll never skip a beat and can describe sequential tasks with perfect clarity, making your descriptions of sequencing actions in Korean much more accurate.
Next, we dive into (으)면, your go-to for expressing conditions. This means you'll be able to say things like, "If X happens, then Y will follow," or "When this event occurs, it will have this result." For instance, you can confidently state, "If it rains, we'll stay home," or "When I get hungry, I'll make food." This is essential for understanding and using Korean conditionals effectively. By the end of this chapter, planning and giving instructions will feel effortless. You'll be able to confidently sequence events, set conditions, and describe interconnected situations. Ready to transform your Korean conversations? Let's go!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces two fundamental Korean grammar patterns that add depth and clarity to your sentences: -고 나서 for sequential actions and (으)면 for conditions.
First, let's explore -고 나서, which translates to "after doing..." or "having done...". This structure is used to indicate that the first action is fully completed before the second action begins. It emphasizes the sequential nature and completion of the first task. To use it, simply attach -고 나서 directly to the stem of a verb. There are no special batchim (final consonant) rules to worry about, making it quite straightforward.
* Verb stem + -고 나서
* 밥을 먹고 나서 이를 닦았어요. (After eating a meal, I brushed my teeth.)
* 숙제를 하고 나서 친구를 만날 거예요. (After finishing homework, I will meet a friend.)
* 텔레비전을 보고 나서 잠이 들었어요. (After watching TV, I fell asleep.)
This pattern clearly signifies a completed action followed by another, making it perfect for describing step-by-step processes or plans.
Next, we have (으)면, your essential tool for expressing Korean conditionals, meaning "if" or "when." This versatile ending connects a conditional clause to a result clause. The form you use depends on whether the verb or adjective stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
* If the verb/adjective stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ (the 'l' sound), you use -면.
* 가다 (to go) → 가면 (If/When you go)
* 보다 (to see) → 보면 (If/When you see)
* 만들다 (to make) → 만들면 (If/When you make)
* If the verb/adjective stem ends in a consonant (except ㄹ), you use -으면.
* 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으면 (If/When you eat)
* 읽다 (to read) → 읽으면 (If/When you read)
* 없다 (to not exist/have) → 없으면 (If/When there isn't/you don't have)
Examples:
* 비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요. (If it rains, I will stay home.)
* 배가 고프면 빵을 먹으세요. (If you are hungry, please eat bread.)
* 열심히 공부하면 좋은 성적을 받을 수 있어요. (If you study hard, you can get good grades.)
This (으)면 ending is fundamental for describing hypothetical situations, general truths, or conditions that lead to certain outcomes, greatly expanding your A2 Korean communicative range.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 숙제를 하고 게임을 했어요. (I did homework and played games.)
✓ Correct: 숙제를 하고 나서 게임을 했어요. (After doing homework, I played games.)
*Explanation:* While -고 can simply list actions, -고 나서 specifically emphasizes that the first action was *completed* before the second one began. Using -고 나서 makes the sequence clearer and implies a stronger completion requirement for the first action.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 책을 읽으면 재미있다. (If/When you read books, it is interesting.)
✓ Correct: 책을 읽으면 재미있어요. (If/When you read books, it is interesting.)
*Explanation:* When using (으)면 to express a condition, the main clause (the result) still needs a proper sentence ending, such as a politeness level like -어요/-아요, -습니다/-ㅂ니다, or other appropriate endings. Omitting it makes the sentence sound incomplete or overly blunt in most conversational contexts.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 돈이 없으면, 나에게 말해. (If you don't have money, tell me.)
✓ Correct: 돈이 없으면, 저에게 말해주세요. (If you don't have money, please tell me.)
*Explanation:* While the conditional clause with (으)면 is grammatically correct, the imperative (command) or suggestion in the main clause often requires a more polite or complete ending, especially when speaking to someone you're not extremely close to. Using -아/어 주세요 (please do X) or -세요 (please do X) is much more natural and polite.

Real Conversations

A

A

오늘 저녁에 뭐 할 거예요? (What are you going to do tonight?)
B

B

음... 먼저 밥을 먹고 나서 영화를 볼 거예요. (Hmm... First, after eating dinner, I'm going to watch a movie.)
A

A

주말에 비가 오면 어떡하죠? (What should we do if it rains this weekend?)
B

B

비가 오면 집에서 책을 읽거나 게임을 해요. (If it rains, let's read books or play games at home.)
A

A

이 케이크를 만들려면 어떻게 해야 해요? (How do I make this cake?)
B

B

먼저 밀가루를 섞고 나서 우유를 넣으세요. (First, mix the flour, and then add the milk.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between -고 and -고 나서 when talking about sequential actions?

-고 simply lists actions in order (e.g., "I ate and then went"). -고 나서 emphasizes that the first action was *fully completed* before the second one began, often implying a stronger cause-and-effect or necessary completion.

Q

Can I use (으)면 with adjectives to express conditions?

Yes, absolutely! You can use (으)면 with adjectives just like with verbs. For example, 바쁘면 (if you're busy), 예쁘면 (if it's pretty), or 좋으면 (if it's good).

Q

Are there other ways to say "if" in Korean besides (으)면?

Yes, there are, but (으)면 is the most common and versatile for A2 learners. Other forms like -다면 (if [hypothetical/reported]) or -아/어야 (only if/must) exist, but (으)면 covers most general conditional situations.

Q

How do I form a negative conditional using (으)면?

To make a negative conditional, you simply make the verb or adjective negative *before* attaching (으)면. For example, 안 오면 (if it doesn't come), 먹지 않으면 (if you don't eat), or 없으면 (if there isn't/you don't have).

Cultural Context

These two patterns, -고 나서 and (으)면, are deeply embedded in daily Korean communication. You'll hear -고 나서 frequently in instructions, recipes, and when people describe their plans, emphasizing the step-by-step nature of tasks. Its use reflects a culture that often values clear sequence and thoroughness. Similarly, (으)면 is ubiquitous in everyday conversations, from making polite suggestions ("피곤하면 쉬세요" - "If you're tired, please rest") to discussing plans or predicting outcomes. It's a cornerstone of logical thought expression in Korean, essential for navigating social interactions and understanding cause-and-effect relationships. Mastering them helps you sound more natural and precise.

Key Examples (8)

1

밥을 먹고 나서 이를 닦아요.

I brush my teeth after eating.

Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)
2

숙제를 다 하고 나서 넷플릭스를 볼 거야.

I'm going to watch Netflix after I finish all my homework.

Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)
3

숙제를 다 하고 나서 게임을 했어요.

After I finished all my homework, I played games.

After doing... (고 나서)
4

우버를 부르고 나서 밖으로 나갔어요.

After calling an Uber, I went outside.

After doing... (고 나서)
5

If I have a lot of money, I want to buy a Ferrari.

If I have a lot of money, I want to buy a Ferrari.

If and When: Korean Conditionals (면/으면)
6

If you have time, shall we watch Netflix together?

If you have time, shall we watch Netflix together?

If and When: Korean Conditionals (면/으면)
7

돈이 `있으면` 이 가방을 사고 싶어요.

If I have money, I want to buy this bag.

If & When: The (으)면 Ending
8

유튜브를 `보면` 시간이 정말 빨리 가요.

When I watch YouTube, time really flies.

If & When: The (으)면 Ending

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Check the stem

Always ensure you are using the verb stem, not the conjugated form.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)
💡

Focus on the stem

Always drop the -다 before adding -고 나서.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: After doing... (고 나서)
💡

Check the stem

Always remove -다 before adding -면.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If and When: Korean Conditionals (면/으면)
💡

Check the Stem

Always look at the last letter of the verb stem. If it's a vowel, just add -면. It saves time!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If & When: The (으)면 Ending

Key Vocabulary (6)

숙제(sukje) homework 끝나다(kkeutnada) to finish 비가 오다(biga oda) to rain 만나다(mannada) to meet 시간이 있다(sigani itda) to have time 요리하다(yorihada) to cook

Real-World Preview

calendar

Weekend Planning

Review Summary

  • Verb + -고 나서
  • Verb/Adj + -(으)면

Common Mistakes

You used a sequence connector instead of a conditional. Use (으)면 for 'if'.

Wrong: 비가 오고 나서 집에 갈 거예요. (If it rains, I will go home.)
Correct: 비가 오면 집에 갈 거예요. (If it rains, I will go home.)

Don't forget the object marker '를' for natural flow.

Wrong: 숙제하고 나서 먹어요. (I eat after doing homework.)
Correct: 숙제를 하고 나서 먹어요. (I eat after doing homework.)

The grammar is -고 나서, not the other way around.

Wrong: 먹으면 나서 갈 거예요.
Correct: 먹고 나서 갈 거예요.

Next Steps

You've successfully mastered the logic of Korean sentences! Keep practicing these structures in your daily life, and you'll be speaking fluently in no time.

Write a 5-sentence plan for tomorrow using -고 나서 and (으)면.

Continue to: Wants, Abilities, and Goals

Quick Practice (10)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

공부했다 고 나서 자요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 공부하고 나서
No past tense in the first clause.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: After doing... (고 나서)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of '가다'.

내일 학교에 ___ 친구를 만날 거예요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가면
Vowel stem '가' takes -면.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If & When: The (으)면 Ending

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

예쁘고 나서 옷을 샀어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 예뻐서
Adjectives cannot use -고 나서.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)

Which is more natural?

Choose the best option.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 다 먹고 나서
Emphasis on completion.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: After doing... (고 나서)

Fill in the blank.

숙제를 ___ 나서 놀아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 하고
Use the stem + -고 나서.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: After doing... (고 나서)

Which sentence is correct?

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고 나서 잤어요
No tense on the first verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

비가 오다면 집에 있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오다면 -> 오면
Drop '다' before adding -면.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If & When: The (으)면 Ending

Choose the correct form.

밥을 ___ 나서 영화를 봐요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고 나서
The structure is verb + 고 나서.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing actions with -고 나서 (After doing...)

Fill in the blank.

비가 ___ 집에 가요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오면
Correct conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If and When: Korean Conditionals (면/으면)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 먹고 나서
Only action verbs work.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: After doing... (고 나서)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, adjectives describe a state, not an action that can be 'finished'.
They are very similar, but -고 나서 emphasizes the completion of the action.
No, it only works with action verbs.
They are similar, but -고 나서 emphasizes the completion of the action.
Yes, use -이면.
No, you must use -(이)라면 for nouns. For example, 'If it is a book' is '책이라면'.
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