Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -(으)면 to express 'if' or 'when' by attaching it to the verb or adjective stem.
- Use -으면 after consonants: 먹다 → 먹으면 (If you eat)
- Use -면 after vowels: 가다 → 가면 (If you go)
- Use -면 after ㄹ-final verbs: 살다 → 살면 (If you live)
Overview
-(으)면 (e.g., 가면, 먹으면) stands as one of the most fundamental and versatile. At its core, -(으)면 serves as a linguistic bridge, connecting a preceding clause that describes a condition, premise, or prior event, to a subsequent clause that expresses a consequence, outcome, or subsequent action.if and when in English, adapting its nuance based on context and the nature of the main clause. Understanding -(으)면 is crucial not only for constructing grammatically correct sentences but also for grasping a core aspect of Korean thought, which often frames actions within a conditional or sequential framework.if typically initiates a clause, -(으)면 attaches directly to the stem of a verb or adjective. This structural difference highlights a fundamental aspect of Korean grammar: its agglutinative nature, where grammatical functions are expressed by suffixes appended to stems. The consistent use of -(으)면 across various tenses and registers in the main clause, while the conditional clause often remains in its base form, simplifies sentence construction and reinforces its role as a stable conditional marker.-(으)면 unlocks the ability to express a wide range of logical relationships, from simple hypotheses to inevitable future occurrences, making it indispensable for B1-level learners aiming for communicative competence.How This Grammar Works
-(으)면 functions by establishing a direct logical or temporal dependency between two clauses. The action or state described in the clause preceding -(으)면 is presented as the prerequisite for the action or state in the subsequent clause. This inherent cause-and-effect structure is what gives -(으)면 its dual functionality as both a conditional (if) and a temporal (when) connector.비가 오면 집에 갈 거예요 (bija omyeon jibe gal geoyeo). Here, 비가 오면 (if/when it rains) sets the stage. The main clause, 집에 갈 거예요 (I will go home), indicates a future action.-(으)면 naturally translates to if it rains. However, if you are simply waiting for rain to start as a signal to go home, it can mean when it rains. The Korean language, through -(으)면, expresses a neutral connection, allowing the listener to infer the degree of certainty from surrounding information. This contrasts with English, which often requires explicit markers like if or when to disambiguate.-(으)면 is often employed to express general truths, habitual actions, or scientific principles. In these cases, the condition is not a singular event but a universally acknowledged premise. For instance, 봄이 오면 꽃이 펴요 (bomi omyeon kkochi pyeoyo) translates to When spring comes, flowers bloom.Here,
-(으)면 indicates an inevitable, recurring event, not a hypothetical one.-(으)면 lies in its ability to abstract away from specific instances and articulate broader principles, making it a powerful tool for explaining relationships in the world.
Formation Pattern
-(으)면 to verb and adjective stems is relatively straightforward, following the standard Korean conjugation rules that consider the final sound of the stem. Mastery of these rules, especially with irregular verbs, ensures correct and natural-sounding Korean.
ㄹ:
가- from 가다) or the consonant ㄹ (e.g., 살- from 살다), you directly attach -면.
-(으)면 Form | Romanization | Meaning |
가다 (to go) | 가- | 가면 | gamyeon | If/when you go |
보다 (to see) | 보- | 보면 | bomyeon | If/when you see/watch |
예쁘다 (to be pretty)| 예쁘- | 예쁘면 | yeppeumyeon | If it's pretty |
ㄹ | 살다 (to live) | 살- | 살면 | salmyeon | If/when you live |
ㄹ | 만들다 (to make) | 만들- | 만들면 | mandeulmyeon | If/when you make |
시간이 있으면 같이 영화 볼까요? (sigani isseumyeon gachi yeonghwa bolkkayo?) – If you have time, shall we watch a movie together?
서울에 가면 꼭 연락할게요. (seoure gamyeon kkok yeollakhalgeyo.) – "When I go to Seoul, I'll definitely contact you."
ㄹ):
ㄹ (e.g., 먹- from 먹다), you attach -으면.
-(으)면 Form | Romanization | Meaning |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹으면 | meogeumyeon | If/when you eat |
읽다 (to read) | 읽- | 읽으면 | ilgeumyeon | If/when you read |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋- | 좋으면 | joeumyeon | If it's good |
피곤하면 좀 쉬세요. (pigonhamyeon jom swiseyo.) – "If you're tired, please rest a bit."
이 책을 다 읽으면 다음 책을 시작할 거예요. (i chaegeul da ilgeumyeon daeum chaegeul sijakhal geoyeyo.) – "When I finish reading this book, I'll start the next one."
-(으)면 attaches. These require specific changes to the stem before applying the standard rules.
ㄷ Irregular: Verbs ending in ㄷ in their stem often change ㄷ to ㄹ when followed by a vowel-initial ending. -(으)면 is a vowel-initial ending. This typically applies to verbs like 듣다 (to listen) and 걷다 (to walk).
듣다 (to listen) → 들으면 (deureumyeon) – If/when you listen
걷다 (to walk) → 걸으면 (georeumyeon) – If/when you walk
받다 (to receive) is regular: 받으면)
ㅂ Irregular: Adjectives and some verbs ending in ㅂ in their stem change ㅂ to 우 (or 오 in some cases like 돕다) when followed by a vowel-initial ending. Then, -면 is attached.
덥다 (to be hot) → 더우면 (deoumyoen) – If/when it's hot
춥다 (to be cold) → 추우면 (chuumyeon) – If/when it's cold
돕다 (to help) → 도우면 (doumyoen) – If/when you help
ㅅ Irregular: Verbs ending in ㅅ in their stem drop the ㅅ when followed by a vowel-initial ending. Then, -으면 is attached.
낫다 (to get better) → 나으면 (naeumyeon) – If/when you get better
짓다 (to build) → 지으면 (jieumyeon) – If/when you build
ㅎ Irregular: Adjectives ending in ㅎ (e.g., 빨갛다, 그렇다) drop ㅎ and add 면 (for ㄹ case) or 으면 (for ㄷ, ㅂ, ㅅ case). For -(으)면, the ㅎ drops and 으 merges, typically resulting in 면 or 다면.
빨갛다 (to be red) → 빨개면 (ppalgaemyeon) – If it's red (this specific case often takes 빨개지면 or 빨갛다면 for nuance)
그렇다 (to be so) → 그러면 (geureomyeon) – If so, then...
When To Use It
-(으)면 is a remarkably flexible connective ending, enabling you to express a broad spectrum of relationships between events or states. Its usage can be categorized into distinct contexts, each carrying a particular nuance.If)-(으)면 clause is met. This applies to future hypotheses, uncertain scenarios, or potential outcomes.- Future Hypothetical: You are positing a situation that might or might not happen.
내일 비가 오면 우리는 소풍을 안 갈 거예요.(nae-il bija omyeon urineun sopungeul an gal geoyeyo.) – "If it rains tomorrow, we won't go on a picnic."복권에 당첨되면 세계 여행을 할 거예요.(bokkwone dangcheomdoemyeon segye yeohaengeul hal geoyeyo.) – "If I win the lottery, I'll travel the world."
- Uncertainty/Assumption: Often used with expressions of possibility or conjecture in the main clause.
너무 많이 먹으면 배탈이 날 수도 있어요.(neomu mani meogeumyeon baetar-i nal sudo isseoyo.) –If you eat too much, you might get a stomach ache.
그 사람을 만나면 혹시 싸울지도 몰라요.(geu sarameul mannamyeon hoksi ssauljido mollayo.) –If I meet that person, I might even fight.
When or Once)-(으)면 implies a sequence of events where the first action or state is a definite or highly probable prerequisite for the second. It focuses on the time or occasion of the main clause's occurrence, triggered by the preceding clause.- Inevitable Future Events: When the condition is expected to happen, and the consequence follows.
수업이 끝나면 바로 집으로 갈 거예요.(sueobi kkeutnamyeon baro jibeuro gal geoyeyo.) – "When class finishes, I'll go straight home."졸업하면 한국에서 일하고 싶어요.(joreophamyeon hangugeseo ilhago sipeoyo.) –Once I graduate, I want to work in Korea.
- Habitual Actions/General Truths: Describing events that regularly or universally occur under certain conditions.
여름이 되면 해변에 사람이 많아요.(yeoreumi doemyeon haebyeon-e sarami manayo.) –When summer comes, there are many people at the beach.
배가 고프면 밥을 먹어야 해요.(baega gopeumyeon babeul meogeoya haeyo.) – "When you're hungry, you should eat."
-(으)면 is frequently used to provide guidance, recommendations, or polite commands, framing them within a conditional context.궁금한 것이 있으면 언제든지 저에게 물어보세요.(gunggeumhan geosi isseumyeon eonjedeunji jeoege mureoboseyo.) –If you have anything curious, please ask me anytime.
여행을 가면 편한 신발을 신으세요.(yeohaengeul gamyeon pyeonhan sinbareul sineuseyo.) –If you go on a trip, wear comfortable shoes.
(Implies advice:When you go, *you should* wear...
)
-(으)면 combines with certain verbs and adjectives to express wishes, permission, or necessity.-(으)면 좋겠다(I wish/It would be good if...): Expresses a hope or desire.시험에 합격하면 정말 좋겠어요.(siheome hapgyeokhamyeon jeongmal jokgesseoyo.) –It would be really great if I pass the exam.
-(으)면 되다(It's okay if/You just need to...): Indicates sufficiency or permission.내일 10시까지 오면 돼요.(nae-il yeolsikkaji omyeon dwaeyo.) – "It's okay if you come by 10 tomorrow.« / »You just need to come by 10 tomorrow."
-(으)면 안 되다(You must not/It's not okay if...): Indicates prohibition or inappropriateness.여기에 쓰레기를 버리면 안 돼요.(yeogie sseuragireul beorimyeon an dwaeyo.) – "You mustn't throw trash here."
Common Mistakes
-(으)면, primarily due to the natural tendency to map English grammatical structures directly onto Korean. Recognizing these common errors and understanding the underlying linguistic differences is crucial for accurate expression.-(으)니까 (Because/Since)-(으)면 and -(으)니까 link two clauses, but their fundamental relationship is different.-(으)면: Establishes a condition for a subsequent event or state. The first clause is a *prerequisite*, and the outcome in the second clause is *dependent* on it. It doesn't necessarily state a reason that already exists.배고프면 밥을 먹어요.(baegopeumyeon babeul meogeoyo.) – "If/When I'm hungry, I eat." (The hunger is a condition for eating.)
-(으)니까: Establishes a reason or cause for a preceding or subsequent event. The first clause is a *given fact* or *existing situation* that explains *why* something else happens.배고프니까 밥을 먹어요.(baegopeunigga babeul meogeoyo.) – "Because I'm hungry, I eat." (The hunger is an existing reason for eating.)
-(으)니까. If it describes a *potential or preceding situation* that allows the second clause to happen, use -(으)면.-(을/ㄹ) 때 (When/At the time of)-(으)면 can mean when, it's essential to differentiate its usage from -(을/ㄹ) 때, which more specifically refers to a point in time or a duration during which something occurs.-(으)면: Focuses on the condition or completion of an event as a trigger for another. The emphasis is on the *relationship* between the two clauses.학교에 가면 전화할게.(hakgyoe gamyeon jeonhwahalge.) – "When I get to school, I'll call you." (The act of arriving is the condition/trigger for calling.)
-(을/ㄹ) 때: Focuses on the specific time frame during which an action happens or a state exists. It describes *when* something is happening.학교에 갈 때 전화할게.(hakgyoe gal ttae jeonhwahalge.) – "I'll call you when I'm going to school." (The calling happens *during* the act of going to school.)
-(으)면 is like a switch that, *when flipped*, triggers an action. -(을/ㄹ) 때 is like a clock, indicating *at what time* an action occurs.-(으)면 Clause-(으)면 clauses into the future tense (e.g., 갈 것이면). However, the -(으)면 clause itself typically remains in the present tense stem form, even when referring to future conditions. The future or past nature of the event is conveyed by the main clause or by context.- *Incorrect:*
내일 비가 올 것이면 집에 있을게요. - *Correct:*
내일 비가 오면 집에 있을게요.(nae-il bija omyeon jibe isseulgeyo.) – "If it rains tomorrow, I'll stay home."
-(았/었)으면 is grammatically correct, but it carries a different meaning: a past condition (often counterfactual) or a condition that *must be completed* in the past. This is commonly seen in -(았/었)으면 좋겠다 (I wish I had...) or -(았/었)으면 하다 (I hope I did...). Also, it can mean if something *was* / *had been*.
숙제를 다 했으면 놀아도 돼요.(sukjereul da haesseumyeon norado dwaeyo.) –If you *have finished* your homework, you can play.
(Here, the condition is a completed past action).어제 비가 안 왔으면 소풍 갔을 텐데.(eoje bija an wasseumyeon sopung gasseul tende.) – "If it hadn't rained yesterday, we would have gone on a picnic." (Counterfactual past.)
-(으)면 for Intention (Instead of -(으)려면)-(으)면 can sometimes imply intention (e.g., 책을 읽으면... meaning if you *intend to* read a book...), the more precise and natural way to express
if you want to...or
in order to... is -(으)려면 (-(으)려고 하면).- *Less natural (though sometimes understood):*
한국어를 잘하면 많이 공부해야 해요. - *More natural:*
한국어를 잘하려면 많이 공부해야 해요.(hangukoreul jalharyeomyeon mani gongbuhaeya haeyo.) –If you want to speak Korean well, you have to study a lot.
-(으)려면 explicitly signals the speaker's or subject's intention or goal, making the sentence clearer.-(ㄴ/는)다면 (Stronger/Hypothetical If)-(으)면 is the general if, -(ㄴ/는)다면 carries a stronger sense of hypotheticality, unlikelihood, or a very specific condition. It's often used for scenarios that are contrary to fact, highly improbable, or to emphasize the conditional nature.-(으)면: General, everyday condition. The possibility of the condition being met is often reasonable.부자가 되면 집을 살 거예요.(bujaga doemyeon jibeul sal geoyeyo.) – "If I become rich, I'll buy a house." (Possible, maybe you're working towards it.)
-(ㄴ/는)다면: More distant, often contrary-to-fact, or highly uncertain/speculative. Conveys a sense ofif it *were* the case that...
내가 대통령이 된다면 세계 평화를 위해 노력할 거예요.(naega daetongryeongi doendamyeon segye pyeonghwareul wihae noryeokhal geoyeyo.) –If I *were to become* president, I would strive for world peace.
(Implies it's unlikely.)
Real Conversations
-(으)면 is ubiquitous in spoken and written Korean, appearing in a vast array of contexts from casual chat to formal declarations. Its adaptability means you'll encounter it in diverse registers and settings.
1. Casual Conversation (해체 – haeche)
In informal settings, -(으)면 remains unchanged, with politeness conveyed by the final sentence ending.
- Scenario: Friends making plans
- A: 내일 시간 되면 영화 보러 갈래? (nae-il sigan doemyeon yeonghwa boreo gallae?) –
If you have time tomorrow, wanna go see a movie?
- B: 응, 좋아! 끝나면 연락 줘. (eung, joa! kkeutnamyeon yeollak jwo.) –
Yeah, sounds good! When it finishes, let me know.
- Scenario: Offering advice to a younger sibling
- 공부하다가 졸리면 잠깐 자도 돼. (gongbuhadaga jollimyeon jamkkan jado dwae.) –
If you get sleepy while studying, you can sleep for a bit.
2. Formal/Polite Conversation (합니다체 – hamnidache)
In more formal or polite situations, -(으)면 is used in the same way, but the main clause will end with -(스)ㅂ니다/-(스)ㅂ시오.
- Scenario: Customer service representative
- 문제가 있으시면 언제든지 말씀해주십시오. (munjega isseusimyeon eonjedeunji malsseumhaejusipsio.) –
If you have a problem, please tell us anytime.
- 서류가 준비되시면 다시 방문해주시면 됩니다. (seoryuga junbidoesimyeon dasi bangmunhaejusimyeon doemnida.) –
If the documents are ready, you may visit again.
3. Written Communication (Texting, Emails)
-(으)면 is equally common in written forms, maintaining its core meaning. In informal texts, you might see shorter, clipped sentences.
- Text Message:
- 늦으면 택시 타고 와. (neujeumyeon taeksi tago wa.) – "If you're late, take a taxi and come."
- 답장 오면 바로 알려줄게. (dapjang omyeon baro allyeojulge.) – "When the reply comes, I'll let you know right away."
- Work Email:
- 궁금하신 사항이 있으시면 회신 부탁드립니다. (gunggeumhasin sahangi isseusimyeon hoesin butakdeurimnida.) –
If there are any questions, please reply.
4. Proverbs and Idiomatic Expressions
-(으)면 is foundational to many Korean proverbs and common expressions, reflecting its role in establishing general truths and cause-effect relationships.
- 가는 말이 고와야 오는 말이 곱다. (ganeun mari gowaya oneun mari gopda.) – Literally,
If the going word is beautiful, the coming word is beautiful.(Equivalent to
What goes around, comes aroundor "Speak kindly and you'll be spoken to kindly.")
- 급하면 바늘 허리에 실 매어 쓴다. (geupamyeon baneul heorie sil mae-eo sseunda.) – Literally, "If you're in a hurry, you tie thread around the middle of a needle to use it. (Meaning: Necessity is the mother of invention.")
These examples demonstrate how -(으)면 is a deeply ingrained and natural part of Korean communication, extending beyond textbook examples into the fabric of everyday interaction and cultural wisdom.
Quick FAQ
-(으)면 be used with past tense markers in the conditional clause?Yes, but with specific implications. When -(았/었)으면 is used (e.g., 했으면, 갔으면), it typically refers to a past completed condition or a counterfactual condition (something that did not happen but if it *had* happened). This is distinct from a general present/future condition. For example:
숙제를 다 했으면 놀아도 돼요.(sukjereul da haesseumyeon norado dwaeyo.) –If you have finished your homework, you can play.
(A condition that requires a past completion.)어제 비가 안 왔으면 소풍 갔을 거예요.(eoje bija an wasseumyeon sopung gasseul geoyeyo.) – "If it hadn't rained yesterday, I would have gone on a picnic." (A counterfactual past event.)
-(으)면?The form -(으)면 itself does not change based on politeness levels. Politeness in Korean is conveyed through the sentence-final ending of the main clause, not by the connective ending. For instance:
- Casual:
시간이 있으면 와.(sigani isseumyeon wa.) –If you have time, come.
- Polite:
시간이 있으시면 오세요.(sigani isseusimyeon oseyo.) –If you have time, please come.
- Formal:
시간이 있으시면 오십시오.(sigani isseusimyeon osipsio.) –If you have time, please come.
-(으)면 clause is superior in status or older, you should use the honorific stem -(으)시- before -(으)면. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 가시면 (honorific if/when you go).-(으)면 be used with 이다 (to be) or 아니다 (to not be)?Yes. For nouns, you attach -(이)면. If the noun ends in a consonant, use 이면 (e.g., 학생이면 – if you are a student). If it ends in a vowel, use 면 (e.g., 의사면 – if you are a doctor).
아니다 (to not be), you simply attach -면 to the stem 아니-: 아니면 (animyeon) – if not, otherwise.학생이면 할인을 받을 수 있어요.(haksaengimyeon harineul badeul su isseoyo.) –If you are a student, you can get a discount.
이것이 아니면 다른 것을 보여주세요.(igeosi animyeon dareun geoseul boyeojuseyo.) – "If it's not this, please show me another one."
만약 or 혹시 with -(으)면?Absolutely. 만약 (manyak, meaning if, in case) and 혹시 (hoksi, meaning by chance, perhaps) are adverbs that can precede the -(으)면 clause to explicitly emphasize the hypothetical or uncertain nature of the condition. Using these adverbs makes the if meaning more prominent and reduces the when interpretation.
만약 비가 오면 우리는 안에 있을 거예요.(manyak bija omyeon urineun ane isseul geoyeyo.) –If it rains, we will stay inside.
혹시 시간이 되시면 연락 부탁드립니다.(hoksi sigani doesimyeon yeollak butakdeurimnida.) –If by any chance you have time, please contact me.
-(으)면?-(으)면 is part of many useful expressions:
-(으)면 되다(doeda):It will do if...
,You just need to...
-(으)면 안 되다(an doeda):You must not..., "It's not allowed if..."-(으)면 좋겠다(joketda):I wish/hope that...
,It would be good if...
그러면(geureomyeon):If so, then...,In that case...(from그렇다)게다가/게다가, 만약(gedaga/gedaga, manyak):Moreover, if...,In addition, if...
-(으)면 in daily Korean conversation, often conveying specific modal meanings beyond a simple if or when.Conjugation Rules for -(으)면
| Verb/Adj Type | Example | Stem | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vowel Ending
|
가다
|
가
|
가면
|
|
Consonant Ending
|
먹다
|
먹
|
먹으면
|
|
ㄹ-Final
|
살다
|
살
|
살면
|
|
Adjective (Vowel)
|
크다
|
크
|
크면
|
|
Adjective (Consonant)
|
작다
|
작
|
작으면
|
|
Past Tense
|
먹었다
|
먹었
|
먹었으면
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
~하면
|
~함
|
|
~했으면
|
~했음
|
Meanings
This grammar expresses a condition or a hypothetical situation. It is used to link a premise to a result.
Hypothetical Condition
Expressing a condition that may or may not happen.
“시간이 있으면 전화해 주세요.”
“공부하면 성적이 오를 거예요.”
Temporal 'When'
Expressing a recurring event or a future certainty.
“봄이 오면 꽃이 피어요.”
“학교에 가면 친구를 만나요.”
Regret/Wish
Used with -았/었으면 to express a wish.
“돈이 많았으면 좋겠어요.”
“한국에 갔으면 좋았을 텐데.”
Reference Table
| 词干类型 | 接续规则 | 词干示例 | 活用形式 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
元音结尾
|
+ 면
|
자다 (睡觉)
|
자면
|
|
辅音结尾
|
+ 으면
|
먹다 (吃)
|
먹으면
|
|
ㄹ 结尾
|
+ 면 (不脱落)
|
놀다 (玩)
|
놀면
|
|
ㄷ 不规则
|
ㄷ → ㄹ + 으면
|
걷다 (走)
|
걸으면
|
|
ㅂ 不规则
|
去 ㅂ + 우면
|
맵다 (辣)
|
매우면
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ㅅ 不规则
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去 ㅅ + 으면
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짓다 (造)
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지으면
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正式程度
식사하시면 배가 부르실 겁니다. (Eating)
먹으면 배가 불러요. (Eating)
먹으면 배불러. (Eating)
먹으면 배터짐. (Eating)
-(으)면 连接桥梁
设定条件
- 비가 오면 如果下雨
- 시간 있으면 如果你有时间
动作先后
- 도착하면 当我到达时
- 끝나면 当结束时
元音词干 vs 辅音词干
活用判定流程
词干是以元音结尾吗？
是以辅音 ㄹ 结尾吗？
不规则变化模式
ㄷ (d) 变化
- • 듣다 → 들으면
- • 걷다 → 걸으면
ㅂ (b) 变化
- • 덥다 → 더우면
- • 춥다 → 추우면
ㅅ (s) 脱落
- • 짓다 → 지으면
- • 낫다 → 나으면
按水平分级的例句
먹으면 맛있어요.
If you eat it, it's delicious.
가면 전화하세요.
If you go, please call.
비가 오면 안 가요.
If it rains, I won't go.
시간이 있으면 만나요.
If you have time, let's meet.
공부하면 성적이 좋아요.
If you study, your grades are good.
돈이 없으면 못 사요.
If you don't have money, you can't buy it.
한국에 가면 김치를 먹어요.
When I go to Korea, I eat kimchi.
피곤하면 쉬세요.
If you are tired, please rest.
더 일찍 왔으면 좋았을 텐데.
I wish you had come earlier.
내일 날씨가 좋으면 소풍 갈 거예요.
If the weather is nice tomorrow, we will go on a picnic.
이 약을 먹으면 금방 나을 거예요.
If you take this medicine, you will get better soon.
그 사람이 오면 바로 시작합시다.
When he arrives, let's start immediately.
상황이 바뀌면 다시 논의해야 합니다.
If the situation changes, we must discuss it again.
노력하지 않으면 성공할 수 없어요.
If you don't put in the effort, you cannot succeed.
그 제안을 받아들이면 손해가 클 거예요.
If you accept that proposal, the loss will be significant.
모르는 것이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요.
If there is anything you don't know, ask anytime.
만약 그가 진실을 알았더라면 상황은 달라졌을 것이다.
If he had known the truth, the situation would have been different.
법을 어기면 처벌을 피할 수 없습니다.
If one violates the law, one cannot avoid punishment.
경제적 여건이 허락하면 유학을 가고 싶습니다.
If economic conditions permit, I would like to study abroad.
그렇게 말하면 오해를 살 수도 있어요.
If you say it like that, it could cause a misunderstanding.
설령 실패하더라도 다시 도전하면 그만이다.
Even if I fail, it is enough to try again.
그가 오기만 하면 모든 문제는 해결될 것이다.
As long as he comes, all problems will be solved.
역사가 반복된다면 우리는 무엇을 배워야 하는가?
If history repeats itself, what must we learn?
그토록 간절히 원했으면 진작 말했어야지.
If you wanted it that badly, you should have said so earlier.
容易混淆
Both can mean 'when'.
Both are conditional.
Both link sentences.
常见错误
가요면
가면
먹다면
먹으면
비가 오면 소풍 가요.
비가 오면 소풍 안 가요.
가면 가요.
가면 좋아요.
시간이 있으면 때
시간이 있을 때
가면 좋겠어요
갔으면 좋겠어요
안 가면 안 돼요
가지 않으면 안 돼요
알면 좋았을 텐데
알았으면 좋았을 텐데
비가 오면 취소될 것이에요
비가 오면 취소될 거예요
그것을 하면 안 돼요
그것을 하지 않으면 안 돼요
만약 가면
만약 간다면
했으면 좋겠다
했더라면 좋았을 것을
가면 갈수록
가면 갈수록 (Correct, but check context)
句型
___(으)면 ___(으)세요.
___(으)면 좋겠어요.
___(으)면 ___(으)ㄹ 거예요.
___(으)면 ___(으)ㄹ 텐데.
Real World Usage
도착하면 톡해!
매우면 안 먹어요.
합격하면 최선을 다하겠습니다.
길을 잃으면 물어보세요.
좋아요 누르면 선물 드려요.
비가 오면 우산을 챙기세요.
咨询建议的小妙招
-(으)면 和 되다 组合就行。比如问路时：“이거 누르면 돼요?”别和‘必须’搞混了
-(아/어)야。-(으)면 只是简单的因果：“공부하면 합격해요.”让语气更委婉
过去时的特殊含义
으면 通常表示愿望或假设。比如感叹自己不是土豪：“부자였으면 좋겠다.”Smart Tips
Use past tense + (으)면 좋겠다.
Use -(으)시면 to show respect.
Always check the dictionary form first.
Use -다면 for hypothetical situations.
发音
Linking
The 'm' sound in -면 often links to the next word.
Rising
가면? (If I go?)
Questioning the condition.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'Myeon' as 'My-on' (My-on switch). If you flip the switch, the light turns on!
视觉联想
Imagine a light switch. When you touch it (the condition), the light turns on (the result).
Rhyme
If you want to go, just add -면, if you want to eat, add -으면.
Story
Min-su wants to go to the park. He looks at the sky. 'If it is sunny, I will go.' He checks the weather. It is sunny! He goes to the park.
Word Web
挑战
Write 5 sentences about your plans for the weekend using 'If... then...' structure.
文化笔记
Conditional sentences are used to soften requests or suggestions.
Used to express concern for elders.
Used for making plans.
Derived from the verb 'to be' and conditional markers in Middle Korean.
对话开场白
주말에 시간이 있으면 뭐 할 거예요?
비가 많이 오면 어떻게 할 거예요?
만약 복권에 당첨되면 무엇을 사고 싶어요?
한국어를 잘하게 되면 무엇을 하고 싶으세요?
日记主题
常见错误
Test Yourself
내일 날씨가 좋으면, 공원에 ___.
选择 먹다 (吃) + (으)면 的正确形式：
Find and fix the mistake:
음악을 듣으면 기분이 좋아요.
Score: /3
练习题
8 exercises시간이 ___ (있다) 전화하세요.
가다 + (으)면 = ?
Find and fix the mistake:
먹어요면 맛있어요.
있으면 / 전화 / 시간이 / 주세요
If it rains, I will stay home.
살다 + (으)면
피곤하면...
돈이 많다 + 사고 싶다
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises한국에 ___ 한국어를 빨리 배울 수 있어요.
哪句话在语法上是正确的？
匹配逻辑正确的组合：
열심히 / 시험이 / 공부하면 / 쉬워요
집을 새로 ___ 돈이 많이 들어요.
서울에 도착할 때 전화해.
창문을 열면 추워요.
커피를 ___ 잠이 안 와요.
哪个表达更有假设、梦幻的感觉？
내일 비가 왔으면 안 갈 거예요.
不规则活用匹配：
숙제를 안 ___ 선생님이 화내요.
Score: /12
常见问题 (8)
No, it attaches to verbs/adjectives. For nouns, use -(이)라면.
It can also mean 'when' for habitual actions.
It depends on the final sound of the stem to ensure easy pronunciation.
Yes, attach it to the past tense stem (e.g., 갔으면).
-(으)면 is for conditions, -을 때 is for specific time points.
Yes, it is used in all speech levels.
Treat it like a vowel and add -면.
Yes, use '안' or '-지 않으면'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
If/When
Korean merges 'if' and 'when' into one particle.
Si
Spanish requires complex tense matching.
Wenn
German word order changes after 'wenn'.
～ば / ～たら
Japanese has more conditional nuance markers.
如果
Korean is agglutinative, Chinese is isolating.
إذا
Arabic uses a separate word.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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