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-(으)면 vs -(으)ㄹ 때

Beginner · TOPIK I

-(으)면 is a condition or assumption ('if / whenever'); -(으)ㄹ 때 refers to the time or period when something happens ('when / at the time').

-(으)면A connective ending used to assume an uncertain fact.-(으)ㄹ 때An expression used to indicate the duration, period, or occasion of a certain act or situation.

Rules of thumb

  • Uncertain assumptions: -(으)면 (시간이 있으면 같이 가요 'If you have time, let's go together').
  • A specific time or period in the past: -았/었을 때 (어렸을 때 'when I was young'), not -(으)면.
  • Habits and general truths allow both, with a nuance: -(으)면 'whenever (if) A, then B', -(으)ㄹ 때 'at times when A'.
  • -(으)ㄹ 때 has a noun version: N 때 (방학 때 'during the holidays', 점심때 'at lunchtime').

Example sentences

  • -(으)면

    If you have time, let's have dinner together.

  • -(으)ㄹ 때

    I lived in Busan when I was little.

  • 어렸으면 부산에 살았어요.

    Incorrect

    When I was little I lived in Busan. [Wrong: a specific past period needs -ass/eosseul ttae, not -(eu)myeon]

  • Both work

    When I'm tired / Whenever I'm tired, I listen to this music.

  • -(으)면

    If I save up a lot of money, I'll travel around the world.

Often confused with

← All confused pairs