As Long As (-(으)ㄴ/는 한)
-(으)ㄴ/는 한
Sets a condition that must remain true: 'as long as / so long as.'
Pattern
Action verb + -는 한 / Adj + -(으)ㄴ 한
Explanation
-(으)ㄴ/는 한 expresses that a result holds true as long as a condition is maintained: 노력하는 한 성공할 수 있어요 (As long as you make an effort, you can succeed). The condition in the first clause must continue to be true for the second clause to apply.
Action verbs use -는 한: 건강하게 사는 한 (as long as you live healthily). Adjectives use -(으)ㄴ 한: 가능한 한 (as far as possible). The expression 가능한 한 is extremely common: 가능한 한 빨리 오세요 (Please come as soon as possible).
This pattern is used in both spoken and written Korean, though it leans slightly formal. It expresses conditions that are ongoing rather than one-time.
Examples
포기하지 않는 한 기회는 있어요.
Pogihaji anneun han gihoeneun isseoyo.
As long as you don't give up, there's a chance.
가능한 한 빨리 연락해 주세요.
Ganeunghan han ppalli yeollakhae juseyo.
Please contact me as soon as possible.
건강한 한 계속 일할 거예요.
Geonganhan han gyesok ilhal geoyeyo.
As long as I'm healthy, I'll keep working.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
노력한 한 성공해요.
Correct
노력하는 한 성공할 수 있어요.
For ongoing conditions with action verbs, use present -는 한, not past -(으)ㄴ 한.
Wrong
가능하는 한 빨리.
Correct
가능한 한 빨리.
가능하다 is a descriptive verb, so use -(으)ㄴ 한: 가능한 한.
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