Processing keyword: ~면 어때 [myeon eottae] (How about if)

Korean Grammar Point: ~면 어때 [myeon eottae] (How about if)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~면 어때 [myeon eottae]

1. Introduction

The expression ~면 어때 is a versatile phrase in Korean that means "How about if..." or "What if..." It's commonly used when suggesting an idea, proposing something, or asking for someone’s opinion about a hypothetical situation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of ~면 어때 consists of two main parts:

1. ~면: This is the conditional form, which means "if" or "when."
2. 어때 (eottae): This translates to "how about" or "what do you think."

Meaning, Structure, and Formation Diagram

• Structure: Verb stem + 면 + 어때
• Example: 가다 (gada - to go) → 가면 (gamyeon - if [you] go) + 어때 → 가면 어때? (gamyeon eottae? - How about if [you] go?)

Visual Aid

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~면 좋겠다 (myeon johaetta): This expression means "It would be nice if..." It indicates desire rather than suggestion.
• ~는 게 어때 (neun ge eottae): This form is used with actions, for example, “하는 게 어때?” (Haneun ge eottae?) meaning “How about doing (it)?”

Nuances

• ~면 어때 is more casual and often used in conversations.
• ~면 좋겠다 conveys a sense of wishing or longing.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Casual Conversation:
   • 가면 어때? (gamyeon eottae?)
   • How about if you go?
2. Formal Suggestion:
   • 내일 회의에 가면 어때요? (naeil hoeui-e gamyeon eottaeyo?)
   • How about attending the meeting tomorrow?
3. Group Decision:
   • 같이 영화 보러 가면 어때? (gachi yeonghwa boreo gamyeon eottae?)
   • How about going to watch a movie together?
4. Written Context:
   • 여행을 가면 어때요? (yeohaengeul gamyeon eottaeyo?)
   • What do you think about going on a trip?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ~면 어때 reflects the polite and indirect way Koreans communicate suggestions. It is less direct than commanding someone to do something and shows consideration for the other person's feelings.

Levels of Politeness

Using 어때요 instead of 어때 increases the level of politeness and is more suitable for formal or unfamiliar social settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 친구를 초대하면 어때? (Chingureul chodaemyeon eottae?)
   • How about if we invite a friend?
2. 점심 먹으면 어때? (jeomsim meogeumyeon eottae?)
   • How about having lunch?

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using with nouns: Sometimes learners mistakenly use ~면 어때 directly with nouns without a suitable context.
  • Incorrect: 사람 면 어때? (Saram myeon eottae?)
  • Correct: 친구를 초대하면 어때? (Chingureul chodaemyeon eottae?)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that “면” relates to conditions (if) and “어때” relates to suggestions (how about). Think of it as marrying conditions with suggestions.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~면 어때 is used for making suggestions or asking for opinions about a hypothetical situation.
• It is informal and can become formal by using "어때요?".
• Remember to pair it with the appropriate verb or action for correct usage.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you ask, "What about if we go together?" using ~면 어때?
2. What is the main difference between ~면 어때 and ~면 좋겠다?
3. Construct a sentence using ~면 어때 with the verb "to eat".

Feel free to reach out for clarification on this grammar point or any other Korean language learning queries!