Meaning

-(으)면 sets up a condition: if (or when) the first part happens, the second part follows. It often talks about something that may or may not happen, or about what usually happens.

Form

• Vowel stem

  -면

  가다 → 가면

• Consonant stem

  -으면

  먹다 → 먹으면 · 있다 → 있으면

• ㄹ stem

  -면

  살다 → 살면

Examples

• 시간이 있으면 만나요.

  If you have time, let's meet.

• 피곤하면 쉬세요.

  If you're tired, take a rest.

• 봄이 오면 꽃이 피어요.

  When spring comes, flowers bloom.

Watch out