-기만 하면 grammar = whenever, as long as ~A specific action is enough to trigger a result

기만 하면 grammar

What is -기만 하면 grammar?

The -기만 하면 grammar expresses the meaning "as long as (something happens), then (a certain result will follow)." It is commonly translated as "whenever," "if only," or "as long as."

Key Concept: -기만 하면 = '기' turns a verb into a noun + '만' means 'only' + '하면' means 'if you do'

This structure is used:

To describe a repeated result that always happens whenever an action occurs.
To express that one specific condition is enough to trigger a result.
To emphasize that something always happens under a certain condition.

How to Conjugate -기만 하면

The conjugation of -기만 하면 is straightforward:

1. Verb + -기만 하면

먹다 (to eat) → 먹기만 하면 (If you only eat… / Whenever you eat…)
공부하다 (to study) → 공부하기만 하면 (If you only study… / Whenever you study…)

2. Adjectives are NOT used with -기만 하면

This pattern is primarily used with verbs since it describes an action that triggers a result.

When and How to Use -기만 하면

1. To Show a Repeated Result whenever an action occurs

이 노래를 듣기만 하면 기분이 좋아져요.
(Whenever I listen to this song, I feel happy.)

그 음식을 먹기만 하면 배가 아파요.
(Whenever I eat that food, I get a stomachache.)

2. To Emphasize That a Condition Is Sufficient to Trigger an Result

열심히 연습하기만 하면 실력이 늘어요.
(As long as you practice hard, your skills will improve.)

시간만 있기만 하면 갈 수 있어요.
(As long as I have time, I can go.)

3. Used in a Negative Context to Show an Unwanted Result

그는 술을 마시기만 하면 시끄러워져요.
(Whenever he drinks alcohol, he becomes loud.)

나는 비가 오기만 하면 우울해져요.
(Whenever it rains, I feel depressed.)

Differences from Similar Grammar Patterns

Grammar	Meaning	Usage
-기만 하면	Whenever / If only	A specific action is enough for a result to happen
-으면	If	General conditional statement
-다 보면	If you keep doing, then	Emphasizes continuous action leading to an outcome
-자마자	As soon as	The result happens immediately after the action

Examples of -기만 하면 in Sentences

1. 책을 읽기만 하면 졸려요.
(Whenever I read a book, I feel sleepy.)

2. 운동을 하기만 하면 기분이 좋아져요.
(Whenever I exercise, I feel good.)

3. 그녀는 이 송을 듣기만 하면 눈물을 흘려요.
(Whenever she listens to this song, she cries.)

4. 나는 그 사람과 이야기하기만 하면 화가 나요.
(Whenever I talk to that person, I get angry.)

5. 돈이 있기만 하면 여행을 갈 거예요.
(As long as I have money, I will travel.)

6. 그는 밤을 새우기만 하면 다음 날 아파요.
(Whenever he stays up all night, he gets sick the next day.)

7. 시험 공부를 하기만 하면 전화가 와요.
(Whenever I study for an exam, I get a phone call.)

8. 그 아이는 게임을 하기만 하면 시간을 잊어요.
(Whenever that child plays games, he lose track of time.)

9. 나는 달리기를 하기만 하면 다리가 아파요.
(Whenever I run, my legs hurt.)

10. 이 영화를 보기만 하면 감동 받아요.
(Whenever I watch this movie, I get emotional.)

Practice Sentences

Try translating these sentences into Korean using -기만 하면:

1. "Whenever I drink coffee, I can't sleep."

2. "As long as you keep practicing, you will improve."

3. "Whenever I go outside, I feel refreshed."

Answers:

1. 커피를 마시기만 하면 잠이 안 와요.

2. 연습하기만 하면 실력이 늘어요.

3. 밖에 나가기만 하면 상쾌해요.

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