Processing keyword: ~하면 ~하다 [hamyeon hada] (If ~ then)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하면 ~하다 [hamyeon hada] (If ~ then)

Introduction

Conditional statements are essential in any language, allowing us to express possibilities, hypotheses, and logical sequences. In Korean, one common way to form conditional sentences is by using the structure ~하면 ~하다 (If ~ then ~). This construction enables speakers to articulate conditions and their results smoothly and naturally.

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1. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure ~하면 ~하다 translates to "If [action/event], then [result/consequence]" in English. It is used to express that if the first clause occurs, then the second clause will follow.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 하면 + [Result Clause]

• Verb/Adjective Stem: The base form of the verb or adjective without the ending 다.
• 하면: The conditional marker (하 + 면) meaning "if."
• Result Clause: The outcome or consequence that follows the condition.

Detailed Explanation

1. Verb/Adjective Stem: Identify the stem by removing 다 from the dictionary form.
   • 가다 (to go) → 가
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹
   • 크다 (to be big) → 크
2. Adding 하면: Attach 하면 directly to the stem.
   • 가 + 하면 = 가하면 (if [someone] goes)
   • 먹 + 하면 = 먹하면 (if [someone] eats)
   • 크 + 하면 = 크하면 (if [something] is big) However, grammatically, for most verbs/adjectives, ~하면 is used when the verb is 하다 (to do). For other verbs or adjectives, we use ~(으)면. Note: The structure ~하면 ~하다 is most naturally used with 하다 verbs or when using 하면 to mean "if [someone] does [action]."

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Corrected Structure for General Verbs

For general verbs and adjectives, we should use ~(으)면 instead of ~하면.

Proper Formation Diagram

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + (으)면 + [Result Clause]

• If the stem ends with a consonant, add 으면.
  • 먹다 → 먹으면
• If the stem ends with a vowel, add 면.
  • 가다 → 가면

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Visual Aid: Conjugation Table

Verb/Adjective (Dictionary Form)	Stem	Ends with Consonant/Vowel	Conditional Form	Meaning
하다 (to do)	하	Vowel	하면	If [someone] does
먹다 (to eat)	먹	Consonant	먹으면	If [someone] eats
가다 (to go)	가	Vowel	가면	If [someone] goes
크다 (to be big)	크	Vowel	크면	If [something] is big

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2. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~하면 and ~(으)면

• ~하면 is specifically used with the verb 하다 (to do).
  • 일을 하면 → If [someone] works
• ~(으)면 is the general conditional ending used with all verbs and adjectives.
  • 비가 오면 → If it rains
  • 날씨가 좋으면 → If the weather is good

Nuances

• While ~하면 can technically be attached to any verb, it is stylistically and grammatically correct to use ~(으)면 with verbs other than 하다.
• Using ~하면 with non-하다 verbs may sound unnatural or may be understood differently.

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3. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 공부를 하면 성적이 좋아집니다.
   • If you study, your grades will improve.
2. 시간이 있으면 회의에 참석해 주십시오.
   • If you have time, please attend the meeting.

Informal Speech

1. 피곤하면 좀 쉬어.
   • If you're tired, get some rest.
2. 시간 있으면 영화 볼래?
   • If you have time, do you want to watch a movie?

Written Language

1. 노력하면 꿈을 이룰 수 있다.
   • If you make an effort, you can achieve your dreams.
2. 환경을 보호하면 미래가 밝아진다.
   • If we protect the environment, the future becomes brighter.

Spoken Language

1. 배고프면 같이 밥 먹자.
   • If you're hungry, let's eat together.
2. 내일 비가 오면 어떻게 할까?
   • What should we do if it rains tomorrow?

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4. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

Korean language heavily relies on speech levels and honorifics. The conditional ~(으)면 remains the same, but the verb endings in the result clause change according to the level of formality.

• Formal Polite: -어요/아요 endings
  • 가면 말해 주세요.
    • If you go, please tell me.
• Informal Polite: -어/아 endings
  • 늦으면 연락해 줘.
    • If you're late, let me know.
• Formal Honorific: -(으)십니다 endings
  • 오시면 알려 주십시오.
    • If you come, please let me know.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 늦으면 늦을수록 좋다
   • The later, the better.
2. 알면 알수록 모른다
   • The more you know, the less you know.

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5. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~하면 with non-하다 verbs
   • Incorrect: 먹하면 배불러요.
   • Correct: 먹으면 배불러요.
   • If I eat, I'm full.
2. Forgetting to add 으 with consonant-ending stems
   • Incorrect: 읽면 알려 주세요.
   • Correct: 읽으면 알려 주세요.
   • If you read it, please let me know.

Tips

• Remember the (으) rule:
  • Consonant-ending stems: Add 으 before 면 (먹으면)
  • Vowel-ending stems: Directly add 면 (가면)
• Practice with 하다 verbs:
  • Since 하다 is used in many verbs (e.g., 공부하다, 운동하다), practicing with these can help reinforce when to use ~하면.

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6. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~(으)면 is the standard conditional form meaning "if."
• ~하면 is specifically used with 하다 verbs.
• Always adjust the verb endings in the result clause to match the appropriate speech level.
• Pay attention to whether the verb stem ends with a consonant or vowel to use ~으면 or ~면 correctly.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: If the verb stem ends with a consonant, you add ______ before 면.
2. Translate: "If you do exercise, you become healthy."
3. Identify the error: 비가 오하면 가지 않아요.

Answers

1. 으 (You add 으면)
2. 운동하면 건강해져요.
3. Correction: 비가 오면 가지 않아요.
   • Using 오하면 is incorrect because 오다 ends with a vowel; therefore, it should be 오면.

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By understanding and practicing the ~(으)면 conditional form, you'll be able to express "if" statements confidently in Korean. Remember to pay attention to verb stems and politeness levels to ensure your sentences sound natural and appropriate.

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