If/When (-(으)면)
-(으)면
-(으)면 expresses a condition or hypothetical situation, meaning 'if' or 'when.'
Pattern
Verb/Adjective stem + 면 (after vowel) / 으면 (after consonant)
Explanation
-(으)면 is the basic conditional ending in Korean, meaning 'if' or 'when.' Use -면 after a vowel and -으면 after a consonant. It is attached to the verb or adjective stem.
Examples: 가다 → 가면 (if you go), 먹다 → 먹으면 (if you eat), 좋다 → 좋으면 (if it's good). This pattern is used for general conditions, hypothetical situations, and habitual patterns: '비가 오면 집에 있어요' (If it rains, I stay home).
-(으)면 is one of the most versatile conditional forms. It can express real conditions ('시간이 있으면 같이 가요' — If you have time, let's go together) and hypothetical situations ('돈이 많으면 여행할 거예요' — If I had a lot of money, I would travel). At Level 1, focus on simple, real conditions.
Examples
시간이 있으면 같이 가요.
Sigan-i isseumyeon gachi gayo.
If you have time, let's go together.
비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요.
Bi-ga omyeon jib-e isseul geoyeyo.
If it rains, I'll stay home.
배가 고프면 밥을 먹으세요.
Bae-ga gopeumyeon bab-eul meogeuseyo.
If you're hungry, please eat.
모르면 질문하세요.
Moreumyeon jilmunhaseyo.
If you don't know, please ask.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
가으면
Correct
가면
가 ends in a vowel, so use -면, not -으면.
Wrong
먹면
Correct
먹으면
먹 ends in a consonant, so use -으면, not -면.
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