Processing keyword: ~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As long as)
Korean Grammar Point: ~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As long as)
1. Introduction
Welcome to today's lesson on the Korean grammar point ~하기만 하면 (hakiman hamyeon), which translates to "as long as" in English. This expression is used to indicate that if a certain action is performed or a condition is met, then a specific result will follow. Mastering this grammar point will enhance your ability to express conditions and expectations in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~하기만 하면 is used to express "as long as (one) does..." or "if only (one) does...". It emphasizes that a particular action or condition is sufficient for a certain result to occur.
Structure
The construction involves adding ~기만 하면 to the verb stem.
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 기만 하면
- [Verb Stem]: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- 기만 하면: Added to the verb stem to form the expression.
Examples:
- 가다 (to go) → 가 + 기만 하면 → 가기만 하면
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 기만 하면 → 먹기만 하면
- 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 기만 하면 → 공부하기만 하면
Visual Aid
| Verb | Verb Stem | + 기만 하면 | Resulting Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 기만 하면 | 가기만 하면 |
| 보다 (to see) | 보 | 기만 하면 | 보기만 하면 |
| 일하다 (to work) | 일하 | 기만 하면 | 일하기만 하면 |
3. Comparative Analysis
- ~기만 하면 vs. ~(으)면:
- ~(으)면 simply means "if" or "when" and is used for general conditional statements.
- ~기만 하면 emphasizes that only the specified action is needed for the result to occur. Example:
- 네가 노력하면 성공할 거야.
- If you make an effort, you will succeed.
- 네가 노력하기만 하면 성공할 거야.
- As long as you make an effort, you will succeed. The second sentence stresses that making an effort is the sole requirement for success.
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
- 문을 열기만 하면 돼요.
- As long as you open the door, it's fine.
- 시간을 지키기만 하면 문제가 없을 거예요.
- As long as you are punctual, there won't be any problems.
- 책을 읽기만 하면 지식을 얻을 수 있어요.
- As long as you read books, you can gain knowledge.
- 음식을 많이 먹기만 하면 건강해질 거예요.
- As long as you eat a lot of food, you will become healthy.
- 연습하기만 하면 실력이 늘어요.
- As long as you practice, your skills improve.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, diligence and meeting conditions are highly valued. Expressions like ~하기만 하면 reflect the belief that fulfilling certain key actions leads to desired outcomes. It underscores the importance of effort and responsibility.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 보기만 하면 웃어요.
- He/She laughs just by looking.
- Indicates that simply seeing something is enough to cause laughter.
- 먹기만 하면 자요.
- He/She sleeps as soon as eating.
- Implies that eating inevitably leads to sleeping.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Placement of 만:
- Incorrect: 하만기 하면
- Correct: 하기만 하면
- Tip: Ensure 만 follows 기.
- Omitting 기:
- Incorrect: 하만 하면
- Correct: 하기만 하면
- Tip: Remember that 기만 하면 attaches to the verb stem.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of ~기만 하면 as "do only this action and if you do, then...".
- Practice Exercise: Create sentences using common verbs:
- 쓰다 (to write) → 쓰기만 하면
- As long as you write...
- 듣다 (to listen) → 듣기만 하면
- As long as you listen...
- 쓰다 (to write) → 쓰기만 하면
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~하기만 하면 means "as long as (one) does...".
- It emphasizes that only the specified action is necessary for the result.
- Formed by adding 기만 하면 to the verb stem.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Form the expression using the verb 하다 (to do). Answer: 하 + 기만 하면 → 하기만 하면
- Translate into Korean: As long as you come, I will be happy. Answer: 네가 오기만 하면 나는 행복할 거야.
- *What's the main difference between ~기만 하면 and ~(으)면? Answer: ~기만 하면 emphasizes that only the mentioned action is needed for the result, whereas ~(으)면 is a general conditional meaning "if" or "when".
By understanding and practicing ~하기만 하면, you enhance your ability to express conditions and expectations effectively in Korean. Keep practicing by forming your own sentences, and soon this grammar point will become a natural part of your Korean language skills!