Grammar · Joining sentences

-(으)면, if and when

Pattern

[stem] + 면 / 으면

-(으)면 sets a condition, 'if' or 'whenever': 시간이 있으면 가요. After a vowel or ㄹ it is 면 (가면, 살면), after other consonants 으면 (먹으면). What follows can be a statement, a request or a plan.

The mistake to avoid

It is not for a single past moment. 'When I was in Seoul' needs a different pattern, -(으)ㄹ 때: 서울에 있었을 때.

Examples

Romanisation help

시간이 있으면 같이 가요.

sigani isseumyeon gachi gayo.

If you have time, let's go together.

비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요.

biga omyeon jibe isseul geoyeyo.

If it rains, I will stay at home.

모르면 물어보세요.

moreumyeon mureoboseyo.

If you do not know, ask.

도착하면 전화해 주세요.

dochakamyeon jeonhwahae juseyo.

Please call me when you arrive.