Processing keyword: ~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As soon as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As soon as)

~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As Soon As)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing conditions and emphasizing certain actions is common in daily conversations. The grammar pattern ~하기만 하면 is used to indicate that as soon as or whenever a particular action occurs, a certain result follows. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~하기만 하면, providing clear explanations, examples, and tips to help you master this grammar point.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~하기만 하면 conveys the meaning of "as soon as [action], [result]" or "whenever [action], [result]". It emphasizes that once the action is done, the result automatically follows.

Structure

The structure combines a verb with the pattern to create the conditional meaning:

[Verb Stem] + 기만 하면

Formation Diagram

┌───────────┐    ┌───────┐    ┌───────────┐
│ Verb Stem │ + │  기만  │ + │   하면    │
└───────────┘    └───────┘    └───────────┘
        │                │             │
        │                │             └─ 하면: "if (do)"
        │                └─ 기만: "only (do)"
        └─ Verb Stem of action

Breakdown

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without the ending 다. For example, 가다 (to go) → 가.
• 기만 하면: A combination where 기 nominalizes the verb, 만 means "only," and 하면 means "if (do)."

Usage

• To express that whenever an action occurs, a result follows.
• To emphasize that just by doing the action, the result will happen.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken

   • 한국어를 배우기만 하면 재미있어져요.
   • If you only start learning Korean, it becomes fun.

2. Formal Spoken

   • 그 약을 먹기만 하면 병이 나을 것입니다.
   • As soon as you take the medicine, you will recover.

3. Written Formal

   • 노력하기만 하면 목표를 달성할 수 있다.
   • As long as you make an effort, you can achieve your goals.

4. Casual Conversation

   • 영화를 보기만 하면 잠들어 버려요.
   • Whenever I watch a movie, I end up falling asleep.

Contextual Usage

• Expressing Regular Occurrence
  • 그 사람을 만나기만 하면 문제가 생겨요.
  • Whenever I meet that person, problems occur.
• Emphasizing Sufficiency
  • 돈을 벌기만 하면 여행을 갈 거예요.
  • As soon as I earn money, I will go on a trip.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, there's a strong emphasis on actions and their consequences. Using ~하기만 하면 reflects the cause-effect relationships valued in social interactions.

Politeness Levels

The grammar itself is neutral but can be adapted to different levels of politeness through verb endings.

• Formal Polite: 하면 → 합니다
• Informal Casual: 하면 → 해요

Idiomatic Expressions

• 보기만 하면 웃음이 난다.
  • Just by looking, I start to laugh.
  • Used to express that something always induces a reaction.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Usage
   • 가다기만 하면 ❌
   • Correct: 가기만 하면 ✔️
2. Confusion with ~만 하면
   • 먹만 하면 ❌ (missing 기)
   • Correct: 먹기만 하면 ✔️

Error Analysis

• Omitting 기 leads to grammatical errors since 만 cannot attach directly to the verb stem in this pattern.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "Verb + 기 (nominalizer) + 만 (only) + 하면 (if does)" to remember the structure.
• Practice Pattern:

  [Verb Stem] + 기만 하면 → [Result]
  

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기만 하면 is used to express that as soon as an action occurs, a result follows.
• Formed by adding 기만 하면 to the verb stem.
• Emphasizes the sufficiency of the action for the result to happen.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
   • 학교에 ________ 시험이 시작해요. (가다)
   • Answer: 학교에 가기만 하면 시험이 시작해요.
2. True or False: ~하기만 하면 can be used interchangeably with ~자마자 without any nuance difference.
   • Answer: False. ~하기만 하면 emphasizes the condition, whereas ~자마자 emphasizes immediacy.

Happy studying! Remember, practicing with various verbs and contexts will help solidify your understanding of ~하기만 하면.