As long as

This pattern sets a condition or a limit, equivalent to "as long as," "provided that," or "as far as" in English. The main clause is only true within the scope of the condition set by -(으)ㄴ/는 한.

Formation

Action Verbs: Attach -는 한 to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.

가다 → 가는 한 (as long as you go)

먹다 → 먹는 한 (as long as you eat)

Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives): Attach -(으)ㄴ 한. Use -ㄴ 한 for stems ending in a vowel and -은 한 for stems ending in a consonant.

행복하다 → 행복한 한 (as long as you're happy)

좋다 → 좋은 한 (as long as it's good)

있다 / 없다: Always use -는 한.

있다 → 있는 한 (as long as there is)

없다 → 없는 한 (as long as there isn't / unless there is)

Nouns (이다): Attach -인 한.

학생 → 학생인 한 (as long as you are a student)

내가 살아 있는 한 안 돼. / 포기하지 않는 한 실패는 없어. / 네가 행복한 한 나도 좋아. / 법이 허용하는 한 다 할 거야.

While often translated as "as long as," -(으)ㄴ/는 한 can also mean "as far as," depending on the context and the verb it's attached to.

Condition ("As long as")

This is the most common usage. It sets a condition that must be met for the main clause to be true. It often expresses a strong will, a promise, or a rule.

Example: 숨 쉬는 한 널 사랑해. (As long as I breathe, I love you.) - The love continues under the condition of breathing.

Scope of Knowledge ("As far as")

This usage limits a statement to the speaker's knowledge, memory, or perception. It's frequently used with verbs like 알다 (to know), 기억하다 (to remember), 보다 (to see), and 듣다 (to hear).

Example: 내가 아는 한 그게 맞아. (As far as I know, that's correct.) - The statement's correctness is limited to the scope of what the speaker knows.

내가 아는 한 그게 맞아. / 제가 기억하는 한 그런 일은 없었어요. / 법이 허용하는 한 다 할 거예요. / 숨이 붙어 있는 한 먹을 거야.