(으)면

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Description

Adjective/Verb + (으)면 : This pattern is a non final ending used for conditional statements, equivalent to 'if' in English. If there is a time period [i.e. minute(s), day(s) week(s), month(s) etc] 있으면 Noun + 이다 pattern, then the meaning of 있으면 is "in (time period)" or "after (time period)." See examples below. Depending on the context, this pattern can also mean "when."


Notes

  • Sometimes gets abbreviated as 음, for example: 먹으면 → 먹음 (do not confuse this with A/V + (으)ㅁ). This is usually when typing on the internet or text messaging casually.
  • If the subject of the dependent and main clause are the same then you use the contrast markers 는/은.
  • If the subject of the dependent and main clause are different, then use the subject markers 가/이.
  • The dependent clause is attached to 면 and followed by the main clause. See the example below:
Dependent clause Main clause
다음 주에 서울로 오면 전화해 주세요
If you come to Seoul next week please call me.

Conjugation Rule

Conjugation Rule
Pattern Case Example
Rule 1: A/V + 면 If there is no 받침 or if the adjective/verb stem has ㄹ as a 받침 가다 → 가면
알다 → 알면
Rule 2: A/V + 으면 If there is a 받침 at the end of the adjective/verb stem 먹다 → 먹으면
없다 → 없으면


Sentence Examples

Korean English Notes
오른 비가 오면 안 나갈 거예요. If it rains today, I will not go out Polite informal form
시간이 나면 전화해 주세요. If you have time, please call me Polite informal form
많이 아프면 집에서 쉬세요. If you are very sick, rest at home. Polite informal form
그 사람을 만나면 안부 전해주세요. Please say hello to him if you see him. Polite informal form
그 사람 소식을 들으면 알려줄게. If I hear of him, I'll let you know. Low form (반말)
눈이 오면 좋겠다. If it snows, I'll be happy. Low form (반말)
취직하면 한턱 낼게요. If I get a job, I'll treat you. Polite informal form
질문이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요. If you have a question, ask me anytime. Polite informal form
수업 끝나면 전화해. Please call me when the class finishes. Low form (반말)
돈 있으면 좀 빌려줄래? If you have any money, can you lend me some? Low form (반말)


Time period + 있으면 N +이다

Korean English Notes
"10 일 있으면 내 생일이야." "In 10 days it will be my birthday." Low form (반말)
"1시간 있으면 2010년이야" "In an hour it will be 2010." Low form (반말)
"10분 있으면 콘서트가 시작할거야." "In 10 minutes, the concert will be started." Low form (반말)
"철수는 6개월 있으면 제대할거예요" "Chul Su will be released from the army in 6 months." Polite informal form
"좀 있으면 밤 12시야. 빨리 가자." ""

See Also