Learn Korean for Free | Beginner Korean Grammar #28
If it rains, take an umbrella. When class ends, call me. -(으)면 introduces the condition or time needed for the next result.
What Does A/V-(으)면 Mean?
Attach -(으)면 to an adjective or verb stem to mean “if” or “when.” The first clause gives a condition, and the second gives its result.
The Rule
After a consonant, add -으면: 먹다 → 먹으면. After a vowel or ㄹ, add -면: 가다 → 가면, 살다 → 살면. 하다 becomes 하면.
Useful Korean Words
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 비가 오다 | to rain |
| 시간이 있다 | to have time |
| 끝나다 | to finish |
| 도착하다 | to arrive |
| 싸다 | to be inexpensive |
| 피곤하다 | to be tired |
| 전화하다 | to call |
| 쉬다 | to rest |
Korean Grammar Examples
비가 오면 우산을 가져가세요.
If it rains, take an umbrella.
시간이 있으면 같이 점심을 먹어요.
If you have time, let’s have lunch together.
수업이 끝나면 전화해 주세요.
When class ends, please call me.
가격이 싸면 이 가방을 살 거예요.
If the price is low, I will buy this bag.
피곤하면 집에서 쉬세요.
If you are tired, rest at home.
A Short Dialogue
A: 주말에 날씨가 좋으면 뭐 할 거예요? — What will you do if the weather is good this weekend?
B: 날씨가 좋으면 등산할 거예요. — If it is good, I will go hiking.
A: 비가 오면요? — What if it rains?
B: 비가 오면 집에서 영화를 볼 거예요. — If it rains, I will watch a movie at home.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
Do not attach 으 after a vowel: 가으면 is incorrect; use 가면. A final ㄹ also takes -면: 살면, 만들면. The condition should come before its result. In general truths, English may prefer “when,” while Korean still uses -(으)면: 봄이 오면 꽃이 피어요.
Quick Quiz 🎯
Complete with -(으)면: ① 시간이 있다 ② 한국에 가다 ③ 날씨가 춥다 ④ 일이 끝나다.
Answers and Explanation
① 시간이 있으면 ② 한국에 가면 ③ 날씨가 추우면 ④ 일이 끝나면. Add a result to each phrase and make a complete sentence.
Try It in Your Own Life
Write two original sentences with A/V-(으)면 about your real schedule, plans, travel, food, or Korean study. Read them aloud, then change one word or time expression and say them again. This turns the pattern into language you can use instead of a sentence you only recognize.
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