If & When: The (으)면 Ending
(으)면 to link a trigger (if/when) to its logical outcome in present or future scenarios.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -(으)면 to express 'if' or 'when' by attaching it to the verb or adjective stem.
- Use -으면 if the stem ends in a consonant (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹으면).
- Use -면 if the stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ (e.g., 가다 -> 가면, 만들다 -> 만들면).
- It works for both verbs and adjectives to set a condition for the main clause.
Overview
In Korean, the connective ending (으)면 (eumyeon/myeon) is a foundational grammatical structure that expresses both conditions ("if") and temporal circumstances ("when" or "whenever"). It is one of the most frequently used grammatical patterns, essential for linking actions or states that are contingent on a preceding event or situation. Understanding (으)면 allows you to construct complex sentences, articulate plans, give advice, and discuss hypothetical scenarios, moving beyond simple declarative statements to express nuanced relationships between ideas.
This ending demonstrates a linguistic economy in Korean, where a single form often covers semantic distinctions that English separates into distinct conjunctions.
The core function of (으)면 is to establish a logical dependency: the event or state described in the second clause (the main clause) occurs, or is relevant, only when the condition or circumstance in the first clause (the dependent clause) is met or takes place. Its versatility makes it indispensable for everyday communication, ranging from making personal decisions to engaging in group planning. Mastery of (으)면 is crucial for learners at the A2 level, enabling them to express a much wider range of thoughts and participate in more dynamic conversations.
How This Grammar Works
(으)면 functions by joining two clauses, where the first clause (X-(으)면) sets the condition or time, and the second clause (Y) describes the outcome or action. This creates a cause-and-effect relationship, where Y is dependent on X. The structure is consistently [Condition/Circumstance]-(으)면 [Result/Action].비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요 (biga omyeon jibe isseul geoyeyo), "if it rains" (비가 오면) is the condition, and "I will stay home" (집에 있을 거예요) is the result.(으)면 refers to situations that may or may not happen. It posits a hypothetical scenario, suggesting a potential outcome. For instance, 피곤하면 일찍 자세요 (pigonhamyeon iljjik jaseyo) means "If you are tired, please go to bed early." Here, going to bed early is a recommendation contingent on the state of being tired.겨울이 오면 날씨가 추워져요 (gyeouri omyeon nalssiga chuwojeoyo) translates to "When winter comes, the weather gets cold," indicating a regular, predictable occurrence.(으)면 clause) is always present tense, even when referring to future conditions. The future tense is expressed in the main clause. You will attach (으)면 directly to the verb or adjective stem.(이)면. This grammatical consistency simplifies its application compared to languages like English, which often demand specific tense agreements for conditional clauses. Understanding this core mechanism is key to applying (으)면 accurately and naturally in various contexts.Formation Pattern
(으)면, you must first identify the final sound of the verb or adjective stem after removing the dictionary ending -다. The choice between -면 and -으면 depends on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
-면.
가다 (ga-da, to go) -> 가 (ga) + 면 = 가면 (gamyeon) — "If/When you go"
오다 (o-da, to come) -> 오 (o) + 면 = 오면 (omyeon) — "If/When you come"
예쁘다 (ye-ppeu-da, to be pretty) -> 예쁘 (ye-ppeu) + 면 = 예쁘면 (yeppeumyeon) — "If it is pretty"
ㄹ):
ㄹ, attach -으면.
먹다 (meok-da, to eat) -> 먹 (meok) + 으면 = 먹으면 (meogeumyeon) — "If/When you eat"
읽다 (ilk-da, to read) -> 읽 (ilk) + 으면 = 읽으면 (ilgeumyeon) — "If/When you read"
좋다 (jo-ta, to be good) -> 좋 (jo) + 으면 = 좋으면 (joeumyeon) — "If it is good"
ㄹ:
ㄹ (e.g., 살다, 만들다) behave like vowel-ending stems for (으)면. The 으 is dropped for ease of pronunciation.
살다 (sal-da, to live) -> 살 (sal) + 면 = 살면 (salmyeon) — "If/When you live"
만들다 (man-deul-da, to make) -> 만들 (man-deul) + 면 = 만들면 (mandeulmyeon) — "If/When you make"
(으)면 is attached. These changes are consistent with other vowel-initial endings.
ㄷ irregulars: ㄷ changes to ㄹ.
듣다 (deut-da, to listen) -> 들 (deul) + 으면 = 들으면 (deureumyeon) — "If/When you listen"
ㅂ irregulars: ㅂ changes to ㅜ (sometimes ㅗ for 돕다, 곱다).
춥다 (chup-da, to be cold) -> 추우 (chu-u) + 면 = 추우면 (chuumyeon) — "If/When it is cold"
돕다 (dop-da, to help) -> 도우 (do-u) + 면 = 도우면 (doumyeon) — "If/When you help"
ㅅ irregulars: ㅅ is dropped.
낫다 (nat-da, to get better) -> 나 (na) + 으면 = 나으면 (naeumyeon) — "If/When it gets better"
ㅎ irregulars: ㅎ is dropped, and the preceding vowel changes.
빨갛다 (ppal-ga-ta, to be red) -> 빨개 (ppal-gae) + 면 = 빨개면 (ppalgaemyeon) — "If it is red" (Though 빨간색이면 is often preferred for nouns)
(이)면:
(으)면 to a noun, you use the particle (이)라 (i-ra) combined with (으)면 to form (이)면. This literally means "if it is Noun." This pattern is fundamental for expressing conditional statements involving identity or classification.
-면.
친구 (chin-gu, friend) -> 친구 (chin-gu) + 면 = 친구면 (chingumyeon) — "If you are a friend"
-이면.
학생 (hak-saeng, student) -> 학생 (hak-saeng) + 이면 = 학생이면 (haksaengimyeon) — "If you are a student"
-면 | 가다 -> 가면 | gamyeon | 의사 -> 의사면| uisamyeon |
-으면 | 먹다 -> 먹으면 | meogeumyeon | 학생 -> 학생이면| haksaengimyeon|
ㄹ Consonant | -면 | 살다 -> 살면 | salmyeon | N/A | N/A |
ㄷ Irregular | -으면 | 듣다 -> 들으면 | deureumyeon | N/A | N/A |
ㅂ Irregular | -으면 | 춥다 -> 추우면 | chuumyeon | N/A | N/A |
ㅅ Irregular | -으면 | 낫다 -> 나으면 | naeumyeon | N/A | N/A |
When To Use It
- Future Conditions: When you talk about something that might happen in the future.
내일 비가 오면 우리는 집에 있을 거예요.(Naeil biga omyeon urineun jibe isseul geoyeyo.) — "If it rains tomorrow, we will stay home." (Formal)시간 있으면 영화 볼까?(Sigan isseumyeon yeonghwa bolkka?) — "If you have time, shall we watch a movie?" (Casual)- Advice or Suggestions: Often combined with imperative or propositive endings.
피곤하면 좀 쉬세요.(Pigonhamyeon jom swiseyo.) — "If you are tired, please rest a bit." (Formal)- Requests: Making a request contingent on a circumstance.
궁금한 것이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요.(Gunggeumhan geosi isseumyeon eonjedeunji mureoboseyo.) — "If you have anything curious, please ask anytime." (Formal)
(으)면 is also used for actions or states that occur regularly or are general truths. In these cases, it functions more like "whenever" or "every time that."- General Truths/Habits: Describing something that is always true or a habitual action.
배고프면 밥을 먹어요.(Baegopeumyeon babeul meogeoyo.) — "When I'm hungry, I eat rice." (Casual, describing a habit)날씨가 추우면 눈이 와요.(Nalssiga chuumyeon nuni wayo.) — "When the weather is cold, it snows." (Formal, general truth)- Repeated Actions: When an action in the main clause consistently follows an action in the
(으)면clause. 친구를 만나면 항상 카페에 가요.(Chingureul mannamyeon hangsang kape-e gayo.) — "Whenever I meet my friend, I always go to a cafe." (Formal)
- Implying "and then": Sometimes, especially in narratives or sequential instructions,
(으)면can imply "do X, and then Y will happen" or "if you do X, then Y." 이 길로 쭉 가면 역이 나와요.(I gillo jjuk gamyeon yeogi nawayo.) — "If you go straight down this road, the station will appear." (More like "go straight, and then the station appears.")
(으)면 encompasses both. The distinction is inferred from the surrounding context, the nature of the event, and often the verb tense or mood of the main clause. If the condition is inherently uncertain (e.g., winning the lottery), it leans towards "if." If it describes a natural law or a strong expectation (e.g., seasons changing), it leans towards "when." This dual function highlights the interpretive flexibility required in understanding Korean grammar.Common Mistakes
(으)면. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying reasons can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.ㄹ Final Consonant Stems:-으면 to verb or adjective stems that end with ㄹ, treating ㄹ like other consonants. This results in incorrect forms like 살으면 instead of the correct 살면. The ㄹ is a unique consonant in Korean phonology, often behaving like a vowel when followed by certain grammatical endings, particularly those starting with 으.- Incorrect:
만들으면(mandeureumyeon) for만들다(to make) - Correct:
만들면(mandeulmyeon) — "If/When you make"
(으)면 Clause for Simple Conditions:(으)면 clause almost exclusively uses the present tense form of the verb or adjective stem, even when referring to future conditions. Attempting to use a past tense marker (-았/었-) in the (으)면 clause will change the meaning significantly, typically implying regret, a wish, or a contrary-to-fact past condition (a more advanced concept).- Incorrect (for simple conditions):
비가 왔으면 소풍을 못 갔을 거예요.(Biga wasseumyeon sopungeul mot gasseul geoyeyo.) — This implies "If it had rained (but it didn't), we wouldn't have been able to go on a picnic," rather than a simple future "If it rains." - Correct (for future condition):
비가 오면 소풍을 못 갈 거예요.(Biga omyeon sopungeul mot gal geoyeyo.) — "If it rains, we won't be able to go on a picnic."
(으)면 with -(아/어)서 or (으)니까:(으)면 indicates a condition or a hypothetical scenario. -(아/어)서 indicates a cause or reason where the first clause is a given fact that leads to the second. (으)니까 also indicates a reason or basis, often for a command or suggestion, where the first clause is a discovered fact.(으)면(Condition):비가 오면 우산을 가져가세요.(Biga omyeon usaneul gajyeogaseyo.) — "If it rains, please take an umbrella." (Hypothetical)-(아/어)서(Reason/Cause - known fact):비가 와서 우산을 가져왔어요.(Biga waseo usaneul gajyeowasseoyo.) — "Because it rained, I brought an umbrella." (Rain is a confirmed event.)(으)니까(Reason/Basis - discovered fact/command):비가 오니까 우산을 가져가세요.(Biga onikka usaneul gajyeogaseyo.) — "Since it's raining (I see it now), please take an umbrella." (Emphasis on observation leading to action).
(이)면 correctly for nouns, particularly omitting 이 when the noun ends in a consonant. Forgetting 이 results in ungrammatical forms.- Incorrect:
학생면(haksaengmyeon) - Correct:
학생이면(haksaengimyeon) — "If you are a student"
(으)면 is a verb/adjective/noun-modifying ending, not a standalone particle. It must attach directly to a stem or (이)라 for nouns. Attaching it to topics (-은/는), subjects (-이/가), or objects (-을/를) is incorrect.- Incorrect:
저는 먹으면...(Jeoneun meogeumyeon...) —저는is a subject with a topic marker. The(으)면must attach to the verb stem. - Correct:
제가 먹으면...(Jega meogeumyeon...) or simply먹으면...(Meogeumyeon...) — "If I eat..."
(으)면 is appropriately used. Pay close attention to the stem ending, the tense of the clause, and the logical relationship you intend to convey.Real Conversations
(으)면 is a cornerstone of natural Korean conversation, appearing in a wide array of daily interactions. Its adaptability allows speakers to convey conditions, plans, and general statements with ease. Here are examples reflecting its use in modern, authentic contexts, showcasing both formal (합니다체 - hamnida-che) and casual (해체 - hae-che) speech styles.
1. Making Plans / Suggestions (Casual):
When discussing future meetups or activities with friends, (으)면 is invaluable.
- A: 내일 시간 되면 카페에서 볼까? (Naeil sigan doemyeon kapeseo bolkka?) — "If you have time tomorrow, shall we meet at the cafe?"
- B: 응, 좋아! 일찍 도착하면 연락 줄게. (Eung, joa! Iljjik dochakhamyeon yeollak julge.) — "Yeah, good! If I arrive early, I'll contact you."
2. Giving Advice / Commands (Formal & Casual):
Whether offering guidance to a junior colleague or a friend, (으)면 precedes a suggestion or imperative.
- Formal: 문제가 있으면 언제든지 말씀하십시오. (Munjega isseumyeon eonjedeunji malsseumhasipsio.) — "If there is a problem, please tell me anytime." (Common in workplace or customer service)
- Casual: 배고프면 냉장고에 있는 거 먹어. (Baegopeumyeon naengjanggoe inneun geo meogeo.) — "If you're hungry, eat what's in the fridge."
3. Describing Habits / General Truths (Formal & Casual):
For recurring events or universally accepted facts, (으)면 takes on the "whenever" meaning.
- Formal: 저는 아침에 운동하면 기분이 좋아요. (Jeoneun achime undonghamyeon gibuni joayo.) — "When I exercise in the morning, I feel good." (Describing a personal habit)
- Casual: 날씨 좋으면 산책 가자! (Nalssi joeumyeon sanchaek gaja!) — "If the weather's good, let's go for a walk!" (A general desire linked to a condition)
4. Expressing Conditions in Shopping / Services:
In commercial interactions, (으)면 is used to state conditions for returns, exchanges, or special offers.
- 영수증이 없으면 교환이 안 돼요. (Yeongsujeungi eopseumyeon gyohwani an dwaeyo.) — "If you don't have a receipt, exchange is not possible." (Common in stores)
- 회원이시면 할인받을 수 있어요. (Hoe-wonisumyeon harinbatdeul su isseoyo.) — "If you are a member, you can receive a discount." (Nouns with (이)면 in customer service)
5. Online Communication / Social Media:
In texting and social media, (으)면 is often abbreviated or used concisely.
- 궁금하면 DM (디엠) 보내줘. (Gunggeumhamyeon DM bonaejwo.) — "If you're curious, send me a DM." (Casual, online context)
- 재밌으면 구독하고 좋아요 눌러줘요! (Jaemisseumyeon gudokhago joayo nulleojwoyo!) — "If it's fun, subscribe and hit like!" (Common YouTube phrase)
These examples illustrate that (으)면 is not merely a grammatical rule but an active component of everyday Korean. Its natural integration into various speech acts highlights its indispensable role in connecting thoughts and managing conversational flow effectively. Pay attention to the context and the final ending of the main clause to correctly infer the nuances of politeness and certainty.
Quick FAQ
(으)면 ending, designed to reinforce your understanding and clarify common points of confusion.- Q: Can
(으)면be used with the past tense in the condition clause? - A: For simple A2 conditional statements, no. The
(으)면clause should always remain in the present tense, even when referring to future conditions. Using았/었으면(asseumyeon/eosseumyeon) indicates a wish, regret, or a contrary-to-fact past condition, which is a more advanced grammatical nuance (e.g.,복권에 당첨됐으면 좋겠다- I wish I had won the lottery).
- Q: Does
(으)면mean "if" or "when"? - A: It means both. The specific interpretation depends entirely on the context. If the condition is uncertain or hypothetical (e.g., winning a lottery), it's "if." If it describes a regularly occurring event or a general truth (e.g., seasons changing), it's "when" or "whenever." The main clause's tense and mood often provide clues.
- Q: Is
(으)면a polite ending? - A: The
(으)면ending itself is grammatically neutral regarding politeness. The level of politeness for the entire sentence is determined by the final ending of the main clause. For example,비가 오면 집에 가요(biga omyeon jibe gayo - polite) versus비가 오면 집에 가(biga omyeon jibe ga - casual).
- Q: Can I attach
(으)면to nouns? - A: Yes. When attaching
(으)면to nouns, you must use the form(이)면(imyeon/myeon). If the noun ends in a consonant, use이면(e.g.,학생이면- haksaengimyeon, "if you are a student"). If the noun ends in a vowel, use면(e.g.,의사면- uisamyeon, "if you are a doctor").
- Q: How do irregular verbs and adjectives behave with
(으)면? - A: They follow their standard irregular conjugation rules before
(으)면is attached. For example,춥다(chup-da) becomes추우면(chuumyeon),듣다(deut-da) becomes들으면(deureumyeon), and낫다(nat-da) becomes나으면(naeumyeon).
- Q: Is there a space between the verb/adjective stem and
(으)면? - A: No.
(으)면is a connective ending and attaches directly to the verb or adjective stem without any space. Similarly,(이)면attaches directly to the noun.
- Q: Can I start a sentence with
(으)면? - A: No. As a connective ending,
(으)면must follow a verb, adjective, or noun (with(이)라) to link two clauses. If you wish to start a sentence with a conditional meaning like "If so" or "Then," you would use그러면(geureomyeon) or그렇다면(geureotamyeon).
- Q: How is
(으)면different from-ㄹ 때(eul ttae)? - A: Both translate to "when" but with different nuances.
(으)면focuses on a condition or a general temporal situation ("if/whenever").-ㄹ 때refers to a specific point or period in time when an action occurs or a state exists ("at the time that"). For instance,한국에 가면(hanguk-e gamyeon - if/when I go to Korea) describes a condition, while한국에 갈 때(hanguk-e gal ttae - at the time I go to Korea) pinpoints the moment of travel.
Formation of -(으)면
| Stem Type | Ending | Example (Dictionary) | Example (Conjugated) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vowel
|
-면
|
가다
|
가면
|
|
Consonant
|
-으면
|
먹다
|
먹으면
|
|
ㄹ-ending
|
-면
|
만들다
|
만들면
|
|
Adjective (Vowel)
|
-면
|
크다
|
크면
|
|
Adjective (Consonant)
|
-으면
|
작다
|
작으면
|
|
Irregular (ㄷ)
|
-으면
|
듣다
|
들으면
|
Meanings
The -(으)면 ending is used to express a condition or a hypothetical situation, translating to 'if' or 'when'. It connects a dependent clause (the condition) to a main clause (the result).
Hypothetical Condition
Expressing a condition that may or may not happen.
“돈이 있으면 살 거예요.”
“시간이 있으면 전화하세요.”
Temporal 'When'
Referring to a recurring event or a future time.
“봄이 오면 꽃이 피어요.”
“학교에 가면 친구를 만나요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + (으)면
|
가면 (If you go)
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + (으)면
|
안 가면 (If you don't go)
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 았/었으면
|
갔으면 (If I had gone)
|
|
Question
|
Stem + (으)면 + Question?
|
가면 돼요? (Is it okay if I go?)
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj Stem + (으)면
|
예쁘면 (If it is pretty)
|
|
Polite
|
Stem + (으)면 + 요
|
가면 돼요 (It's fine if you go)
|
Formality Spectrum
가시면 저도 가겠습니다. (Making plans)
가면 저도 갈 거예요. (Making plans)
가면 나도 갈게. (Making plans)
가면 나도 가! (Making plans)
The Conditional Bridge
Condition
- 비가 오다 It rains
Result
- 우산을 쓰다 Use an umbrella
-(으)면 vs -을 때
Conjugation Decision Tree
Does stem end in consonant?
Usage Scenarios
Daily Life
- • If hungry, eat
- • If tired, sleep
Business
- • If approved, start
- • If delayed, call
Examples by Level
먹으면 좋아요.
If you eat, it is good.
가면 만나요.
If you go, we will meet.
비싸면 안 사요.
If it is expensive, I don't buy it.
좋으면 말해요.
If you like it, tell me.
시간이 있으면 영화 봐요.
If you have time, let's watch a movie.
날씨가 좋으면 공원에 가요.
If the weather is good, I go to the park.
한국어를 배우면 재미있어요.
If you learn Korean, it is fun.
도움이 필요하면 연락하세요.
If you need help, contact me.
더 열심히 공부했으면 좋았을 텐데.
If only I had studied harder, it would have been better.
내일 비가 오면 일정을 바꿀 거예요.
If it rains tomorrow, I will change the schedule.
그 사람이 오면 바로 시작합시다.
When he arrives, let's start immediately.
이 약을 먹으면 금방 나을 거예요.
If you take this medicine, you will get better soon.
조건이 맞으면 계약을 진행하겠습니다.
If the conditions are met, we will proceed with the contract.
그렇게 말하면 오해를 살 수 있어요.
If you say it like that, it could cause a misunderstanding.
문제가 생기면 즉시 보고해 주세요.
If a problem arises, please report it immediately.
성공하고 싶으면 포기하지 마세요.
If you want to succeed, do not give up.
상황이 허락한다면 내년에 방문하겠습니다.
If the situation permits, I will visit next year.
그가 진실을 알게 되면 충격을 받을 것이다.
If he finds out the truth, he will be shocked.
어떤 선택을 하든 후회하지 않으면 됩니다.
Whatever choice you make, it is fine as long as you don't regret it.
이론적으로는 가능하지만, 현실적으로는 어렵습니다.
Theoretically it is possible, but realistically it is difficult.
만약 내가 그때 그 말을 하지 않았더라면 어땠을까?
What if I hadn't said that back then?
어느 쪽을 선택하느냐에 따라 결과가 달라지면 곤란하다.
It is problematic if the result changes depending on which one you choose.
그의 제안을 수락하면 우리에게 유리한 고지를 점할 수 있다.
If we accept his proposal, we can gain an advantageous position.
모든 것이 계획대로 진행되면 좋으련만.
If only everything would proceed as planned.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'when' in some contexts.
Both are conditional.
Both connect clauses.
Common Mistakes
가다면
가면
먹다면
먹으면
비가 오면 때
비가 오면
좋다면
좋으면
만들면
만들면
예쁘으면
예쁘면
가면은
가면
갔으면 좋았을 것이다
갔으면 좋았을 텐데
비가 오면 때에
비가 오면
한다면은
한다면
했더라면은
했더라면
가면은
가면
먹었으면은
먹었으면
비싸면은
비싸면
Sentence Patterns
___이/가 있으면 ___ 할 거예요.
___(으)면 ___ 좋아요.
___(으)면 ___ 안 돼요.
___(으)면 ___ 할 수 있어요.
Real World Usage
시간 있으면 톡해!
매우면 미리 말해주세요.
채용이 되면 언제부터 출근 가능합니까?
길을 잃으면 경찰서에 가세요.
좋으면 좋아요 눌러주세요!
질문이 있으면 손을 드세요.
Check the Stem
Don't use with Nouns
Past Tense
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use '내가 너라면' (If I were you).
Use -았/었으면 좋겠다.
Use -는다면 to emphasize the hypothetical nature.
Use the honorific -으시면.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㅁ' sound at the end of the ending often links to the next word.
Consonant assimilation
If the stem ends in a consonant, it may change based on the following sound.
Rising
가면? (If I go?)
Questioning the condition.
Flat
가면 돼요. (It's fine if I go.)
Stating a fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'If' as a 'Gift'—you need to 'wrap' the verb with the -(으)면 ribbon.
Visual Association
Imagine a fork in the road. One path is labeled 'If' (-(으)면). You must choose the path to get to the result.
Rhyme
If you want to say 'If', add -면 to the cliff (stem).
Story
Min-su is hungry. He thinks, 'If I eat (먹으면) kimchi, I will be happy.' He goes to the kitchen. 'If I cook (요리하면) now, I can eat soon.' He is very happy.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using -(으)면 about your plans for this weekend.
Cultural Notes
Used in all levels of society to express logical conditions.
Often used to soften requests by making them conditional.
Often shortened or used with particles for emphasis.
The ending -(으)면 evolved from the verb '말다' (to stop/end) combined with conditional markers.
Conversation Starters
주말에 시간이 있으면 뭐 할 거예요?
한국어를 잘하면 어디에 가고 싶어요?
돈이 많으면 무엇을 사고 싶어요?
내일 비가 오면 무엇을 할 거예요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
내일 학교에 ___ 친구를 만날 거예요.
많이 ___ 배가 아파요.
Find and fix the mistake:
비가 오다면 집에 있어요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If you are tired, rest.
Answer starts with: 피곤하...
만들다 + (으)면 = ?
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises내일 학교에 ___ 친구를 만날 거예요.
많이 ___ 배가 아파요.
Find and fix the mistake:
비가 오다면 집에 있어요.
있으면 / 시간이 / 전화하세요
If you are tired, rest.
만들다 + (으)면 = ?
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
날씨가 좋으면...
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises음악을 ____ 기분이 좋아요.
날씨가 춥으면 코트를 입으세요.
있으면 / 돈이 / 사요 / 차를
If it is delicious, I will eat it all.
If you are a student, you get a discount.
Match the following:
공부를 안 ____ 시험에 떨어져요.
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
놀으면 재미있어요.
If you meet Minji, please say hello.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, you must use -(이)라면 for nouns. For example, 'If it is a book' is '책이라면'.
No, it can be used for general facts or habits. 'If it rains, I stay home' is a general habit.
-면 is for vowel stems, -으면 is for consonant stems. It's all about pronunciation flow.
Yes, by adding -았/었으면. It usually expresses a wish or regret.
It is neutral. You can add polite endings like -요 or -습니다 to adjust the formality.
-다면 is a more hypothetical conditional form, often used in formal or argumentative contexts.
Yes, but be careful. If you mean a specific time point, -을 때 is better. If you mean a condition, use -(으)면.
Extremely common. You will hear it in almost every conversation.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
If/When
Korean does not distinguish between 'if' and 'when' in this structure.
Si
Spanish requires complex tense shifts for hypothetical conditions.
Wenn
German word order changes after 'wenn', whereas Korean keeps the verb at the end.
～ば / ～たら
Japanese has more specific conditional markers for different nuances.
如果 (ruguo)
Chinese is SVO with pre-positional markers; Korean is SOV with post-positional markers.
إذا (idha)
Arabic uses pre-positional particles; Korean uses verb-ending suffixes.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Advanced Hypothetical: -ㄴ/은들 (No Use Even If)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-ㄴ/은들` (romanized as `-n/eundeul`) is a B2-level structure that expresses a **hy...
Must Not: Expressing Prohibition with -(으)면 안 되다
Overview Prohibition is a fundamental communicative act. In Korean, the most versatile and widely used grammatical patte...
Asking Permission: May I? (-아/어/여도 되다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-아/어/여도 되다` (romanization: `-a/eo/yeodo doeda`) is fundamental for expressing...
Worried That... (-(으)ㄹ까 봐)
Overview In Korean, the grammar pattern `-(으)ㄹ까 봐` [-(eu)l-kka bwa] expresses concern or worry about a potential neg...
The 'Action If' Pattern: Once you... then do (거든)
Overview The Korean connective ending `거든` (geodeun) serves as a conditional clause marker, signifying an anticipated...
Even If / Although (아/어/여도)
Overview `아/어/여도` (`a/eo/yeodo`), translating to "even if" or "even though," is a crucial connective ending in Korea...
Hypothetical If (ㄴ/는다면)
Overview Korean possesses several conditional grammatical structures, each conveying distinct nuances regarding likeliho...
Conditional -(으)면: The 'If' and 'When' Connector
Overview Korean, a language celebrated for its nuanced expressions, provides several mechanisms to articulate conditions...
If Only / I Wish (-았/었으면)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `—았/었으면` (romanized: *-at/eosseumyeon*) serves to express desires, wishes, regr...
As Long As / Provided That (-ㄴ/은/는 한)
Overview The Korean grammatical pattern **-ㄴ/은/는 한** ([-n/eun/neun han]) is a crucial advanced connector expressing...
Formal "Even If": -ㄹ/을지라도
Overview Korean grammar employs `-(으)ㄹ지라도` (romanized: `-(eu)ljirado`) as a highly formal and emphatic connective e...
The More... The More... (-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록)
Overview Korean grammar offers precise ways to articulate complex relationships, and `-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록` (pronounced `...
Sophisticated Concession: -(으)ㄹ지언정 (Even If)
Overview `-(으)ㄹ지언정` (romanized as `-(eu)lji-eonjeong`) is an advanced Korean grammar pattern used to express a stro...
Classical Conditional: Since, If (-ㄴ/은즉)
Overview `-ㄴ/은즉` serves as a highly formal and classical conjunction in Korean, primarily used to establish a **logic...
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