Unit 16: Travelconditionalif

동사 + -(으)면 (조건)

동사+-(으)면 (조건)

Explanation

Conditional "if/when". If A, then B.

Examples

시간 있으면 여기에 가 보세요

si-gan i-sseu-myeon yeo-gi-e ga bo-se-yo

If you have time, try going here

비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요

bi-ga o-myeon ji-be i-sseul geo-ye-yo

If it rains, I'll stay home

모르면 물어보세요

mo-reu-myeon mu-reo-bo-se-yo

If you don't know, please ask

-(으)면: complete usage guide

-(으)면 attaches to a verb or adjective stem for “if/when”: 가면 (if/when [someone] goes), 먹으면 (if/when [someone] eats).

Batchim stems usually take 으면 (있으면, 읽으면). Vowel stems take 면 (가면, 보면).

It covers both real conditions and general “when” sequences. Context and tense in the main clause decide the reading.

Pair it with suggestions and plans: 시간 있으면 같이 가요. Avoid forcing English “if only” nuances onto every 면 clause.

Level: elementary. Read the pattern, say each example out loud, then write two new sentences of your own before moving on.

After you can produce the form, open related Chamelingo pages (vocabulary, conjugator, particles) so the pattern connects to words you actually study.

Usage notes

Register: learn the polite 요 form first unless this page is specifically about formal 습니다 style.
Production tip: use the pattern in a short dialogue (question + answer) the same day you study it.

More examples

비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요.

If it rains, I’ll stay home.

끝나면 알려 주세요.

If you finish, please tell me.

시간이 있으면 커피 마실래요?

If you have time, want to get coffee?

Common mistakes

Do not translate English word-for-word into “-(으)면”: match Korean order and speech level.
Do not treat near-miss patterns as free synonyms of “-(으)면” without checking meaning and register.