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

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

Korean TOPIK Grammar Point: ~하기만 하면 (hakiman hamyeon) - "As soon as"

Introduction

The expression ~하기만 하면 is used in Korean to convey the idea of something happening immediately or as soon as a certain action is completed. This structure emphasizes that only the action mentioned is needed for something else to happen.

Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The structure indicates that when a specific action (하기) is completed, something else will happen. It's used for expressing conditionality, where the fulfillment of the first action leads to the second outcome.
• Structure:
  • The format is as follows: [Verb stem + 하기] + 만 + 하면
  • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가기 + 만 + 하면 = "As soon as [someone] goes..."

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem (하기) + 만 + 하면 

Visual Aids

Comparative Analysis

• Similar Expressions:

  • ~면 (myeon): This is another conditional structure that means "if." It is less immediate than ~하기만 하면, which stresses the urgency or immediacy of the action.
    • Example: 집에 가면 (If [someone] goes home) vs. 집에 가기만 하면 (As soon as [someone] goes home).

• Nuances:

  • While both can express conditionality, ~하기만 하면 implies a more definitive correlation between the action and the outcome than simple conditional clauses.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal
   • 제가 수업만 끝내기만 하면 연락드리겠습니다.
   • Translation: "As soon as I finish the class, I will contact you."
2. Informal
   • 이거 하기만 하면 끝나!
   • Translation: "As soon as you do this, it’ll be done!"
3. Written
   • 프로젝트 제출만 하면 방학이 시작됩니다.
   • Translation: "As soon as we submit the project, the vacation will start."
4. Spoken
   • 준비하기만 하면 금방 나갈 수 있어.
   • Translation: "As soon as you're ready, we can leave right away."

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, the timeliness and completion of tasks are highly valued. Using ~하기만 하면 often reflects a sense of urgency and importance placed on completing actions promptly.
• This expression is commonly found in various scenarios, from casual conversation to formal settings, showing the flexibility of politeness levels associated with it.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While this specific construction is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, it underscores the idea of readiness and responsiveness, which is a significant concept in Korean social interactions.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• A common mistake is using the structure with the wrong verb forms or forgetting to include "만" which changes the nuance.
• Ensure the verb root properly combines with "하기" (the action) to form the complete expression.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember it as "Action + Only + If that happens." This will help reinforce the idea of a direct result due to an action.

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The structure ~하기만 하면 conveys immediacy following an action.
• It is slightly different from the broader conditional structure ~면.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~하기만 하면 mean in English?
2. How is this structure formed? (provide the elements needed)
3. Provide an example sentence using ~하기만 하면 in a formal context. Make sure to practice using this structure in conversation to become more familiar with how it works in different contexts!