If / When

The pattern -(으)면 attaches to the stem of a verb or adjective to create a conditional clause, meaning "if" or "when."

Formation

Vowel or ㄹ ending stem + -면

가다 (to go) → 가면 (if/when you go)

알다 (to know) → 알면 (if you know) Note: the ㄹ does not drop.

Consonant ending stem + -으면

먹다 (to eat) → 먹으면 (if/when you eat)

있다 (to have) → 있으면 (if you have)

Usage

This pattern sets up a condition (the -(으)면 clause) and a result (the main clause). It's incredibly versatile and can be used for hypothetical situations, general truths, or sequential actions.

Hypothetical: 비 오면 안 가. (If it rains, I won't go.)

General Truth: 배고프면 예민해져. (When I'm hungry, I get sensitive.)

Sequential Action: 도착하면 연락해. (When you arrive, contact me.)

비 오면 안 가. / 배고프면 예민해져. / 도착하면 연락해. / 돈 있으면 나 좀 줘.

While -(으)면 translates to both "if" and "when," the context determines the best English equivalent. Korean speakers often don't distinguish between the two as strictly as English speakers do.

"If" (가정)

This usage implies a hypothetical or uncertain condition. The event in the -(으)면 clause may or may not happen.

비싸면 안 사. (If it's expensive, I won't buy it.) — You don't know the price yet.

합격하면 한턱쏴. (If you pass, you treat.) — Passing the test is not guaranteed.

"When" (시간)

This usage implies a condition that is expected or certain to happen. It sets up a temporal sequence: "When A happens, then B happens."

집에 가면 씻어. (When you get home, wash up.) — It's assumed you are going home.

끝나면 전화해. (When you're done, call me.) — It's assumed you will finish what you're doing.

비 오면 안 가. / 합격하면 한턱쏴요. / 집에 가면 씻어요. / 끝나면 전화해.