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

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

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~면 어때 is a useful expression in Korean that translates to "How about if..." or "What if..." in English. It's commonly used to make suggestions or propose ideas in a casual and friendly manner. Understanding this pattern will enhance your ability to engage in everyday conversations and offer suggestions naturally.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~면 어때 is used to:

• Make a suggestion or propose an idea.
• Ask for someone's opinion on a proposed action or situation. It conveys the speaker’s intention to gently propose something, often hoping for agreement or consideration from the listener.

Structure

Formation

To form this expression, attach ~면 어때 to the verb stem. [ \textbf{Verb Stem} + \textbf{면 어때} ]

Verb Stem Extraction

1. Identify the dictionary form of the verb.
   e.g., 가다 (to go)
2. Remove the 다 to find the verb stem.
   e.g., 가다 → 가
3. Attach 면 어때 to the verb stem.
   e.g., 가 + 면 어때 → 가면 어때

Examples of Formation

Dictionary Form	Verb Stem	+ 면 어때	Result	Meaning
가다 (to go)	가	가면 어때	가면 어때	How about if (we) go?
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹으면 어때	먹으면 어때	How about if (we) eat?
하다 (to do)	하	하면 어때	하면 어때	How about if (we) do (that)?
쉬다 (to rest)	쉬	쉬면 어때	쉬면 어때	How about if (you) rest?

---

3. Comparative Analysis

~면 어때 vs. ~는 게 어때요?

• ~면 어때: Suggests an action by proposing a condition.
  • Ex: 집에 일찍 가면 어때?
    (How about if we go home early?)
• ~는 게 어때요?: Suggests an action by directly recommending it.
  • Ex: 집에 일찍 가는 게 어때요?
    (How about going home early?) Nuance Difference:
• ~면 어때 often feels more speculative, asking "What if..."
• ~는 게 어때요? is more direct, meaning "How about doing..."

---

4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 오늘 밤에 파티에 가면 어때?
   How about if we go to the party tonight?
2. 지금 출발하면 어때?
   What if we leave now?

Formal Speech

1. 회의를 내일로 연기하면 어떻겠습니까?
   How about if we postpone the meeting to tomorrow?
2. 이 자료를 공유하면 어떻겠어요?
   What if we share this material?

Written Context

1. 이 프로젝트를 함께 진행하면 어떨까요?
   What if we proceed with this project together?
2. 새로운 전략을 시도해 보면 어떻습니까?
   How about if we try a new strategy?

Spoken Casual Conversation

1. 배고픈데 라면 끓여 먹으면 어때?
   I'm hungry; how about if we cook some ramen?
2. 주말에 여행 가면 어때?
   How about if we go on a trip this weekend?

---

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• ~면 어때 is moderately casual and typically used among friends, family, or in informal settings.
• To increase politeness, especially in formal situations or with superiors, you can use ~면 어떨까요? or ~면 어떻습니까?

Idiomatic Expressions

• 시간이 있으면 커피 한 잔 하면 어때?
  If you have time, how about grabbing a cup of coffee?
  (Common way to invite someone casually)
• 괜찮으면 도와주면 어때?
  If it's okay, how about helping out?
  (Politely asking for assistance)

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the wrong verb tense:
   • Incorrect: 갔으면 어때? (What if went?)
   • Correct: 가면 어때? (How about if we go?)
2. Confusing with similar expressions:
   • Mixing up ~면 어때 with ~면 좋겠다 (I wish...)
     • 가면 좋겠다 (I wish we could go)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 면 as "if" and 어때 as "how is it". So, "If (we) do this, how is it?"
• Practice by making suggestions: Try using ~면 어때 when making plans with friends to get comfortable with its usage.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~면 어때 is used to make suggestions or propose ideas.
• Attach ~면 어때 directly to the verb stem.
• Adjust formality by modifying 어때 to 어떨까요 or 어떻습니까.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "How about if we watch a movie?" → 영화를 ___ 어때?
2. True or False: ~면 어때 can be used in formal writing without any changes.
3. Correct the mistake: 먹을면 어때?

Answers:

1. 보면
   영화를 보면 어때?
2. False
   In formal settings, you should use ~면 어떨까요? or ~면 어떻습니까?
3. Corrected Sentence: 먹으면 어때?
   (Verb stem 먹 + 으면 어때)

---

By mastering ~면 어때, you'll enhance your ability to suggest ideas and make plans in Korean, making your conversations more natural and engaging!

---

© Hanabira.org