-으려면Korean connective · TOPIK 3
-euryeomyeon
One connective with 3 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.
형태Forms
Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.
A connective ending used to assume that one has a purpose or intention of doing a certain act.
어떤 행동을 할 의도나 의향이 있는 경우를 가정할 때 쓰는 연결 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-.
‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
호랑이를 잡으려면 호랑이 굴에 들어가야 된다.
If you want to catch a tiger, you have to go into the tiger's den.
밥을 맛있게 지으려면 물을 맞추는 게 중요하다.
If you want to cook rice deliciously, getting the water right is important.
대화In conversation
귀찮은데 준비 운동을 꼭 해야 돼요?
It's such a hassle, but do we really have to do warm-up exercises?
운동 중에 다치지 않으려면 준비 운동을 충분히 해야 돼.
If you don't want to get hurt while exercising, you need to warm up enough.
A connective ending used to express the assumption that something will happen in the future.
미래에 일어날 일을 가정할 때 쓰는 연결 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-.
‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
절에 닿으려면 십 리는 더 가야 한다.
To reach the temple, you still have to go ten more li.
물이 팔팔 끓으려면 아직 더 끓여야 한다.
For the water to come to a rolling boil, it still needs to boil longer.
작은 씨앗이 자라 풍성한 열매를 맺으려면 오랜 세월이 필요하다.
For a tiny seed to grow and bear abundant fruit, a long time is needed.
대화In conversation
날이 많이 따뜻해졌지?
The weather has gotten a lot warmer, hasn't it?
그래도 꽁꽁 언 호수가 녹으려면 멀었어.
Still, it'll be a while before the frozen lake thaws.
A connective ending used to assume the occurrence of a certain situation and then express one's desire for that specific situation
어떤 상황을 가정한 뒤 그 구체적인 상황에 대한 바람을 나타낼 때 쓰는 연결 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-.
‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사와 형용사 또는 ‘-었-’ 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
채소를 씻으려면 깨끗하게 씻어. 흙이 남아 있잖니.
If you're going to wash the vegetables, wash them properly. There's still dirt on them.
비가 오려면 오든지, 맑으려면 맑든지, 날씨가 잔뜩 흐려서 이게 뭐야.
If it's going to rain, let it rain; if it's going to be clear, let it be clear. The sky is so overcast, what is this?
대화In conversation
감기는 좀 괜찮아졌어?
Has your cold gotten any better?
아니. 감기가 나으려면 깨끗하게 낫지, 나을 듯 말 듯 해.
No. If it's going to get better, let it get better completely, not just seem like it's getting better.
관련 문법Related grammar
Other connectives you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does -으려면 mean in Korean?
-으려면 is a connective introduced at 3급 (TOPIK 3). A connective ending used to assume that one has a purpose or intention of doing a certain act. It has 3 distinct senses, all listed on this page.
When do you use -으려면?
Attaches after verbs and adjectives ending in a consonant other than ㄹ or the past -었-. The other shape is -려면 — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between -으려면 and -려면?
None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same connective, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.
What TOPIK level is -으려면?
3급 — TOPIK 3, lower intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.
Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.