다면 (da-myeon, damyeon) · 면 (myeon) · 거라면 (geo-ra-myeon, georamyeon)
다면 (damyeon), 면 (myeon), and 거라면 (georamyeon) all express conditions but differ in context and nuance.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Used for hypothetical or imagined conditions, often more formal or literary.
When to use
Hypothetical condition, Formal/written context, Abstract scenarios
The nuance
다면 is mainly used in hypothetical conditional sentences, imagining situations contrary to reality or less likely to happen.
Expresses a general condition, commonly used in everyday and realistic situations.
When to use
Everyday condition, Realistic situation, Colloquial use
The nuance
면 is used to express conditions based on realistic or possible facts.
Used when the speaker assumes a fact as a premise, often with strong conviction or emphasis.
When to use
Strong conviction condition, Emphasizing premise, Speaker's opinion emphasis
The nuance
거라면 is mainly used when the speaker presents a condition with strong certainty or emphasis.
네가 진짜로 그렇게 생각한다면, 말해 줘.
ne-ga jin-jja-ro geu-reoh-ge saeng-gak-han-da-myeon, mal-hae jwo., ne ga jin jja ro geu reoh ge saeng gak han da myeon, mal hae jwo.
다면 suits hypothetical or imagined conditions, fitting here.
네가 진짜로 그렇게 생각하면, 말해 줘.
ne-ga jin-jja-ro geu-reoh-ge saeng-gak-ha-myeon, mal-hae jwo., ne ga jin jja ro geu reoh ge saeng gak ha myeon, mal hae jwo.
면 fits realistic, everyday conditions, appropriate here.
네가 진짜로 그렇게 생각거라면, 말해 줘.
ne-ga jin-jja-ro geu-reoh-ge saeng-gak-geo-ra-myeon, mal-hae jwo., ne ga jin jja ro geu reoh ge saeng gak geo ra myeon, mal hae jwo.
거라면 attaches to noun forms, not directly after verbs like 'think'.
그가 온다면, 우리는 시작할 거야.
geu-ga on-da-myeon, u-ri-neun si-jak-hal geo-ya., geu ga on da myeon, u ri neun si jak hal geo ya.
다면 is appropriate for hypothetical future conditions.
그가 오면, 우리는 시작할 거야.
geu-ga o-myeon, u-ri-neun si-jak-hal geo-ya., geu ga o myeon, u ri neun si jak hal geo ya.
면 expresses realistic conditions naturally.
그가 온거라면, 나는 이미 알았을 거야.
geu-ga on-geo-ra-myeon, na-neun i-mi al-ass-eul geo-ya., geu ga on geo ra myeon, na neun i mi al ass eul geo ya.
거라면 is used for strong assumptions about past facts.
비가 오다면, 우리는 소풍을 취소할 것이다.
bi-ga o-da-myeon, u-ri-neun so-pung-eul chwi-so-hal geos-i-da., bi ga o da myeon, u ri neun so pung eul chwi so hal geos i da.
다면 suits hypothetical and formal conditions.
비가 오거라면, 우리는 소풍을 취소할 것이다.
bi-ga o-geo-ra-myeon, u-ri-neun so-pung-eul chwi-so-hal geos-i-da., bi ga o geo ra myeon, u ri neun so pung eul chwi so hal geos i da.
거라면 attaches to noun forms; cannot directly follow verb phrases like 'it rains'.
Which expresses a hypothetical imagined condition?
Which is appropriate for stating conditions with strong conviction?
Which naturally expresses everyday realistic conditions?
