What it means
-(으)면 creates conditional sentences — "if" or "when." Attach -(으)면 to the verb/adjective stem to express conditions. One of the most fundamental grammar patterns in Korean.
Nuance & when to use
비가 오면 집에 있어요 = If it rains, I stay home. 피곤하면 쉬어요 = When you're tired, rest. The nuance between "if" (uncertain) and "when" (certain/habitual) depends on context — the grammar is the same. 만약 (manyak) can be added for emphasis: 만약 오면 = If (by any chance) you come.
⚠ Common mistake
After 하다 verbs: 공부하면 (not 공부하으면). After vowel-final stems: 가면 (not 가으면). The -(으)- is only added after consonant-final stems.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
비가 오면 집에 있어요 = If it rains, I stay home. 피곤하면 쉬어요 = When you're tired, rest. The nuance between "if" (uncertain) and "when" (certain/habitual) depends on context — the grammar is the same. 만약 (manyak) can be added for emphasis: 만약 오면 = If (by any chance) you come.
What's a common mistake?
After 하다 verbs: 공부하면 (not 공부하으면). After vowel-final stems: 가면 (not 가으면). The -(으)- is only added after consonant-final stems.
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