Processing keyword: ~하기만 하면 [hakiman hamyeon] (As soon as)
Korean Grammar Point: ~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
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ~자마자 | As soon as | Directly indicates immediate succession of actions. |
| ~으면 | If | General conditional without emphasis on immediacy. |
| ~는 대로 | As soon as / According to | Can mean "as soon as" but also "according to." |
| ~기만 하면 vs. ~자마자 | Both mean "as soon as" | ~기만 하면 emphasizes the condition, ~자마자 emphasizes immediacy. |
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
Informal Spoken
- 한국어를 배우기만 하면 재미있어져요.
- If you only start learning Korean, it becomes fun.
Formal Spoken
- 그 약을 먹기만 하면 병이 나을 것입니다.
- As soon as you take the medicine, you will recover.
Written Formal
- 노력하기만 하면 목표를 달성할 수 있다.
- As long as you make an effort, you can achieve your goals.
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
- Incorrect Verb Stem Usage
- 가다기만 하면 ❌
- Correct: 가기만 하면 ✔️
- 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
- Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
- 학교에 ________ 시험이 시작해요. (가다)
- Answer: 학교에 가기만 하면 시험이 시작해요.
- 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.