22. Korean Grammar: (으)면 vs 을/ㄹ 때

Korean Grammar: (으)면 vs 을/ㄹ 때

In this post, we’ll explore the Korean grammar (으)면 and 을/ㄹ 때. Both can translate to “when” in English, but they are used in different situations. Let's dive in to see how to use them correctly!

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1. What is (으)면?

• Meaning:
  • If (condition)
  • When (in the future)

How to Use (으)면:

1. If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ, add 면
   • 가다 (to go) → 가면 (if/when you go)
2. If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add 으면
   • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으면 (if/when you eat)

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Examples of (으)면:

1. 비가 오면 우산을 가져가세요.
   (If it rains, take an umbrella.)
2. 시간이 있으면 영화 보러 가요.
   (If you have time, let's go watch a movie.)
3. 숙제를 다 하면 놀 수 있어요.
   (If you finish your homework, you can play.)
4. 배고프면 밥을 먹어요.
   (If you’re hungry, eat.)
5. 내일 날씨가 좋으면 공원에 갈 거예요.
   (If the weather is nice tomorrow, I will go to the park.)

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When Does (으)면 Mean "If" or "When"?

• If → When there is uncertainty or a condition.
  • If it rains, we’ll stay inside. (You don’t know if it will rain.)
• When → When talking about something that will definitely happen in the future.
  • When I get home, I will call you. (You know you will get home.)

Example:

• 시험이 끝나면 여행을 갈 거예요.
  (When the exam ends, I will go on a trip.)
  • You’re sure the exam will end, so this means "when."
• 시간이 있으면 만나요.
  (If you have time, let’s meet.)
  • You’re not sure if the person has time, so this means "if."

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2. What is 을/ㄹ 때?

• Meaning: When (talking about a specific time something happens)
• Used to describe the time during which something happens.

How to Use 을/ㄹ 때:

1. With Verbs:
   • If the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ, add ㄹ 때
     • 가다 (to go) → 갈 때 (when going)
   • If the verb stem ends in a consonant, add 을 때
     • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹을 때 (when eating)
2. With Adjectives:
   • Use the same rule as verbs.
     • 배고프다 (to be hungry) → 배고플 때 (when I’m hungry)
3. With Nouns:
   • Add 때 directly after the noun.
     • 시험 (exam) → 시험 때 (during the exam)

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Examples of 을/ㄹ 때:

1. 학교에 갈 때 친구를 만났어요.
   (I met my friend when I was going to school.)
2. 밥을 먹을 때 TV를 봐요.
   (I watch TV when I eat.)
3. 피곤할 때 커피를 마셔요.
   (I drink coffee when I’m tired.)
4. 어렸을 때 한국에 살았어요.
   (I lived in Korea when I was young.)
5. 시험 볼 때 긴장했어요.
   (I was nervous when taking the test.)

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3. What’s the Difference Between (으)면 and 을/ㄹ 때?

Grammar Meaning Usage Example

(으)면	If / When (conditional or future event)	Talking about conditions or future actions	비가 오면 우산을 써요. (If it rains, I use an umbrella.)
을/ㄹ 때	When (specific time something happens)	Describing a specific time during an event	비가 올 때 우산을 써요. (When it rains, I use an umbrella.)

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Key Differences:

• Use (으)면 when you’re talking about a condition or something that might happen.
• Use 을/ㄹ 때 when you’re describing a specific time something happens.

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4. Vocabulary from Examples

Korean English

비	Rain
우산	Umbrella
시간	Time
숙제	Homework
밥	Meal
친구	Friend
피곤하다	To be tired
커피	Coffee
어리다	To be young
시험	Exam

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5. Quick Quiz (Test Yourself!)

1️⃣ Fill in the blanks with (으)면 or 을/ㄹ 때:

1. 배고프___ 밥을 먹어요. (I eat when I’m hungry.)
2. 시간이 있___ 영화 봐요. (If I have time, I watch a movie.)
3. 학교에 가___ 친구를 만났어요. (I met my friend when I went to school.)
4. 날씨가 좋___ 산책할 거예요. (If the weather is nice, I’ll go for a walk.)
5. 공부하___ 음악을 들어요. (I listen to music when I study.)

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2️⃣ Choose the correct meaning:

1. 비가 오면 집에 있을 거예요.
   • a) If it rains, I will stay home.
   • b) When it rains, I stay home.
2. 밥을 먹을 때 TV를 봐요.
   • a) If I eat, I watch TV.
   • b) When I eat, I watch TV.

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3️⃣ Translate into Korean:

1. If you finish your homework, you can play.
2. I drink coffee when I’m tired.
3. When the exam ends, I will call you.

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Comment your answers below and let’s practice together! 😊📚