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

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

1. 문을 열기만 하면 돼요.
   • As long as you open the door, it's fine.
2. 시간을 지키기만 하면 문제가 없을 거예요.
   • As long as you are punctual, there won't be any problems.
3. 책을 읽기만 하면 지식을 얻을 수 있어요.
   • As long as you read books, you can gain knowledge.
4. 음식을 많이 먹기만 하면 건강해질 거예요.
   • As long as you eat a lot of food, you will become healthy.
5. 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...

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

1. Form the expression using the verb 하다 (to do). Answer: 하 + 기만 하면 → 하기만 하면
2. Translate into Korean: As long as you come, I will be happy. Answer: 네가 오기만 하면 나는 행복할 거야.
3. *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!