🔐

Only if / Provided that: -아/어야만

Keywords
-아/어야만
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Intermediate Grammar
🔐
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🔐 -아/어야만 [-a/eo-ya-man] means only if / only when / provided that.
  • ✅ It adds “only” to the obligation/condition shape -아/어야, so it emphasizes a necessary condition.
  • 🧩 열심히 공부해야만 합격할 수 있어요. [yeol-sim-hi gong-bu-hae-ya-man hap-gyeok-hal su i-sseo-yo] = Only if you study hard can you pass.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets
and type sentences from this page to hear them aloud. Listen especially for the “condition lock” rhythm in 해야만, 먹어야만, 와야만, and 알아야만. 🎧
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-아/어야만 is Korean’s “this condition must be met first” grammar. It says that something can happen only if the first action/state is true.
 
Compare:
  • 공부해야 해요. [gong-bu-hae-ya hae-yo] = You have to study. ✅
  • 공부해야 합격할 수 있어요. [gong-bu-hae-ya hap-gyeok-hal su i-sseo-yo] = You can pass only if you study / You have to study to pass. ✅
  • 공부해야만 합격할 수 있어요. [gong-bu-hae-ya-man hap-gyeok-hal su i-sseo-yo] = Only if you study can you pass. 🔐
 
The makes the condition stronger and more exclusive. It is like putting a lock on the result: no condition, no result. 🔒
 

🎨 The Core “Only If” Family

Main pattern
  • 동사/형용사 + 아/어야만 + 결과 = only if / only when / provided that...
 
Common result endings
  • -ㄹ 수 있다 = can
    • 등록해야만 이용할 수 있어요. = Only if you register can you use it.
  • -ㄹ 수 없다 = cannot unless
    • 비밀번호를 알아야만 들어갈 수 있어요. = You can enter only if you know the password.
  • 가능하다 = possible
    • 조건을 맞춰야만 신청이 가능해요. = Application is possible only if you meet the conditions.
  • -게 되다 = end up / become
    • 계속 연습해야만 자연스러워져요. = Only if you keep practicing does it become natural.
 
Useful vocabulary for this lesson:
  • 조건 [jo-geon] = condition, 비밀번호 [bi-mil-beon-ho] = password, 신분증 [sin-bun-jeung] = ID, 등록 [deung-nok] = registration, 예약 [ye-yak] = reservation, 신청 [sin-cheong] = application.
  • 합격하다 [hap-gyeok-ha-da] = to pass, 이용하다 [i-yong-ha-da] = to use, 들어가다 [deu-reo-ga-da] = to enter, 받다 [bat-da] = to receive, 참석하다 [cham-seok-ha-da] = to attend, 성공하다 [seong-gong-ha-da] = to succeed.
 

🛠️ How It Works in Sentences

1. Necessary condition for success
  • 매일 연습해야만 실력이 늘어요. [mae-il yeon-seu-pae-ya-man sil-lyeo-gi neu-reo-yo] = Only if you practice every day will your skill improve. 📈
    • 매일 = every day, 실력 = skill, 늘다 = to increase/improve.
 
2. Requirement for access
  • 비밀번호를 알아야만 들어갈 수 있어요. [bi-mil-beon-ho-reul a-ra-ya-man deu-reo-gal su i-sseo-yo] = You can enter only if you know the password. 🔑
    • 알다 = to know, 들어갈 수 있다 = can enter.
 
3. Formal requirement
  • 신분증을 보여 줘야만 입장이 가능합니다. [sin-bun-jeung-eul bo-yeo jwo-ya-man ip-jang-i ga-neung-ham-ni-da] = Entry is possible only if you show your ID. 🪪
    • 입장 = entry, 가능하다 = to be possible.
 

🧩 General Formation Rule

Use the normal 아/어야 form, then add .
 
  • 가다 → 가야만 [ga-da → ga-ya-man] = only if someone goes
  • 오다 → 와야만 [o-da → wa-ya-man] = only if someone comes
  • 먹다 → 먹어야만 [meok-da → meo-geo-ya-man] = only if someone eats
  • 읽다 → 읽어야만 [ik-da → il-geo-ya-man] = only if someone reads
  • 알다 → 알아야만 [al-da → a-ra-ya-man] = only if someone knows
  • 공부하다 → 공부해야만 [gong-bu-ha-da → gong-bu-hae-ya-man] = only if someone studies
  • 필요하다 → 필요해야만 [pi-ryo-ha-da → pi-ryo-hae-ya-man] = only if it is necessary
 

🚨 Exception Rule(s)

The same 아/어 shape changes you already know still apply:
  • 하다 → 해야만 [ha-da → hae-ya-man]
    • 확인하다 → 확인해야만 = only if someone checks
  • 오다 → 와야만 [o-da → wa-ya-man]
  • 듣다 → 들어야만 [deut-da → deu-reo-ya-man] — ㄷ irregular
  • 걷다 → 걸어야만 [geot-da → geo-reo-ya-man] — ㄷ irregular
  • 돕다 → 도와야만 [dop-da → do-wa-ya-man] — ㅂ irregular
  • 쓰다 → 써야만 [sseu-da → sseo-ya-man] — ㅡ drop
  • 고르다 → 골라야만 [go-reu-da → gol-la-ya-man] — 르 irregular
 

📚 Cross-check note

This lesson builds on
Obligation: Must and Have to: -아/어야 되다 / 하다
and
🗝️
Limiting Particle: 만 / 뿐 / 밖에
. The form -아/어야만 combines the necessary-condition meaning of -아/어야 with the limiting force of . It also contrasts with general condition
🌱
Conditional If: (으)면
, intention condition
🧭
Strong Condition: -(으)려면
, and formal event condition
📌
In the event of: -(으)ㄹ 경우에
. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -아/어야 = only if / must do in order to; condition is necessary.
    • 공부해야 합격해요. = You pass only if you study.
  • -아/어야만 = only if; stronger emphasis that this is the required condition.
    • 공부해야만 합격해요. = Only if you study can you pass.
  • -(으)면 = if/when; general condition.
    • 시간이 있으면 오세요. = If you have time, come.
  • -(으)려면 = if you want to / in order to.
    • 합격하려면 공부해야 해요. = If you want to pass, you have to study.
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • 가다야만 → ✅ 가야만 — remove dictionary .
  • 먹야만 → ✅ 먹어야만 — use the 아/어 form.
  • 공부하야만 → ✅ 공부해야만하다 → 해야.
  • ❌ Using -아/어야만 for every “if” → ✅ Use it only when the first part is a necessary condition.
  • ⚠️ -아/어야만 can sound strong or strict. In casual conversation, -아/어야 may be enough.
 
🔐 With -아/어야만, Korean can say “this door opens only with the right condition”: study → pass, register → use, know password → enter. Grammar lock installed. ✨
 

Try this exercise

Instructions
Complete each sentence with the correct -아/어야만 form. Say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. 🔐
1. 매일 ____ 실력이 늘어요.
[mae-il ____ sil-lyeo-gi neu-reo-yo]
Only if you practice every day will your skill improve. 📈
Answer
연습해야만 [yeon-seu-pae-ya-man] — 연습하다 → 연습해야만.
2. 비밀번호를 ____ 들어갈 수 있어요.
[bi-mil-beon-ho-reul ____ deu-reo-gal su i-sseo-yo]
You can enter only if you know the password. 🔑
Answer
알아야만 [a-ra-ya-man] — 알다 → 알아야만.
3. 신분증을 ____ 입장이 가능해요.
[sin-bun-jeung-eul ____ ip-jang-i ga-neung-hae-yo]
Entry is possible only if you show your ID. 🪪
Answer
보여 줘야만 [bo-yeo jwo-ya-man] — 보여 주다 → 보여 줘야만.
4. 조건을 ____ 신청할 수 있어요.
[jo-geo-neul ____ sin-cheong-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can apply only if you meet the conditions. 📋
Answer
맞춰야만 [mat-chwo-ya-man] — 맞추다 → 맞춰야만.
5. 예약을 ____ 자리를 잡을 수 있어요.
[ye-ya-geul ____ ja-ri-reul ja-beul su i-sseo-yo]
You can get a seat only if you reserve. 📅
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 예약하다 → 예약해야만.
6. 설명을 끝까지 ____ 이해할 수 있어요.
[seol-myeong-eul kkeut-kka-ji ____ i-hae-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can understand only if you listen to the explanation until the end. 👂
Answer
들어야만 [deu-reo-ya-man] — 듣다 → 들어야만.
7. 약을 제때 ____ 나을 수 있어요.
[ya-geul je-ttae ____ na-eul su i-sseo-yo]
You can recover only if you take the medicine on time. 💊
Answer
먹어야만 [meo-geo-ya-man] — Korean says 약을 먹다 = to take medicine.
8. 문서를 꼼꼼히 ____ 실수를 줄일 수 있어요.
[mun-seo-reul kkom-kko-mi ____ sil-su-reul ju-ril su i-sseo-yo]
You can reduce mistakes only if you read the document carefully. 📄
Answer
읽어야만 [il-geo-ya-man] — 읽다 → 읽어야만.
9. 시간을 잘 ____ 마감에 맞출 수 있어요.
[si-ga-neul jal ____ ma-ga-me mat-chul su i-sseo-yo]
You can meet the deadline only if you use your time well. ⏰
Answer
써야만 [sseo-ya-man] — 쓰다 → 써야만.
10. 서로 ____ 문제가 풀려요.
[seo-ro ____ mun-je-ga pul-lyeo-yo]
The problem gets solved only if we help each other. 🤝
Answer
도와야만 [do-wa-ya-man] — 돕다 → 도와야만.
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 매일 [mae-il] → every day
  • 실력 [sil-lyeok] → skill
  • 비밀번호 [bi-mil-beon-ho] → password
  • 신분증 [sin-bun-jeung] → ID card
  • 입장 [ip-jang] → entry
  • 조건 [jo-geon] → condition
  • 신청하다 [sin-cheong-ha-da] → to apply
  • 예약 [ye-yak] → reservation
  • 제때 [je-ttae] → on time
  • 마감 [ma-gam] → deadline
Tip 💡 If the result is locked behind a condition, -아/어야만 is a strong fit.

🚀
Want more reps? Keep scrolling to the Practice Hub when you’re ready!
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Only if / Provided that: -아/어야만
 
Welcome to the condition-lock workout. 🔐 You’ll practice requirements for access, success, applications, deadlines, and “no shortcut” situations. The goal is to feel when adds strong “only if” pressure to -아/어야.
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets
whenever you want to hear a sentence before checking the answer.
 
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank with the correct -아/어야만 form. Read the whole sentence first; the result clause tells you why the condition is necessary.
 

Exercise 1 — Basic Only-If Forms 🔧

A. 가다 → 직접 ____ 알 수 있어요.
[ga-da → jik-jjeop ____ al su i-sseo-yo]
You can know only if you go in person. 🚶
Answer
가야만 [ga-ya-man].
B. 오다 → 일찍 ____ 좋은 자리를 잡을 수 있어요.
[o-da → il-jjik ____ jo-eun ja-ri-reul ja-beul su i-sseo-yo]
You can get a good seat only if you come early. 🪑
Answer
와야만 [wa-ya-man].
C. 먹다 → 밥을 ____ 힘이 나요.
[meok-da → ba-beul ____ hi-mi na-yo]
You get energy only if you eat. 🍚
Answer
먹어야만 [meo-geo-ya-man].
D. 읽다 → 설명서를 ____ 사용할 수 있어요.
[ik-da → seol-myeong-seo-reul ____ sa-yong-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can use it only if you read the manual. 📖
Answer
읽어야만 [il-geo-ya-man].
E. 알다 → 규칙을 ____ 게임을 할 수 있어요.
[al-da → gyu-chi-geul ____ ge-i-meul hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can play the game only if you know the rules. 🎮
Answer
알아야만 [a-ra-ya-man].
F. 하다 → 등록을 ____ 이용할 수 있어요.
[ha-da → deung-no-geul ____ i-yong-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can use it only if you register. 📝
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 등록하다 → 등록해야만.
G. 듣다 → 끝까지 ____ 이해할 수 있어요.
[deut-da → kkeut-kka-ji ____ i-hae-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can understand only if you listen until the end. 👂
Answer
들어야만 [deu-reo-ya-man].
H. 쓰다 → 시간을 잘 ____ 끝낼 수 있어요.
[sseu-da → si-ga-neul jal ____ kkeun-nael su i-sseo-yo]
You can finish only if you use your time well. ⏰
Answer
써야만 [sseo-ya-man].
I. 돕다 → 서로 ____ 성공할 수 있어요.
[dop-da → seo-ro ____ seong-gong-hal su i-sseo-yo]
We can succeed only if we help each other. 🤝
Answer
도와야만 [do-wa-ya-man].
J. 고르다 → 잘 ____ 후회하지 않아요.
[go-reu-da → jal ____ hu-hoe-ha-ji a-na-yo]
You won’t regret it only if you choose well. 🎁
Answer
골라야만 [gol-la-ya-man].
🔧
Form Box
  • 가다 → 가야만
  • 오다 → 와야만
  • 먹다 → 먹어야만
  • 읽다 → 읽어야만
  • 알다 → 알아야만
  • 하다 → 해야만
  • 듣다 → 들어야만
  • 쓰다 → 써야만
Tip 💡 Build the normal 아/어야 form first, then add .
 

Exercise 2 — Access and Permission Locks 🔑

A. 비밀번호를 ____ 문이 열려요.
[bi-mil-beon-ho-reul ____ mu-ni yeol-lyeo-yo]
The door opens only if you know the password. 🔐
Answer
알아야만 [a-ra-ya-man].
B. 신분증을 ____ 들어갈 수 있어요.
[sin-bun-jeung-eul ____ deu-reo-gal su i-sseo-yo]
You can enter only if you show your ID. 🪪
Answer
보여 줘야만 [bo-yeo jwo-ya-man].
C. 회원가입을 ____ 서비스를 이용할 수 있어요.
[hoe-won-ga-i-beul ____ seo-bi-seu-reul i-yong-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can use the service only if you sign up. 📱
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 회원가입을 해야만.
D. 표를 ____ 입장할 수 있어요.
[pyo-reul ____ ip-jang-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can enter only if you buy a ticket. 🎟️
Answer
사야만 [sa-ya-man].
E. 예약을 ____ 앉을 수 있어요.
[ye-ya-geul ____ an-jeul su i-sseo-yo]
You can sit only if you make a reservation. 🍽️
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man].
F. 허락을 ____ 사진을 찍을 수 있어요.
[heo-ra-geul ____ sa-ji-neul jji-geul su i-sseo-yo]
You can take photos only if you receive permission. 📷
Answer
받아야만 [ba-da-ya-man].
G. 결제를 ____ 다운로드할 수 있어요.
[gyeol-je-reul ____ da-un-ro-deu-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can download only if you pay. 💳
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 결제를 하다 → 결제를 해야만.
H. 초대장을 ____ 행사에 참석할 수 있어요.
[cho-dae-jang-eul ____ haeng-sa-e cham-seok-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can attend the event only if you have/receive an invitation. 💌
Answer
받아야만 [ba-da-ya-man].
I. 조건을 ____ 신청이 가능해요.
[jo-geo-neul ____ sin-cheong-i ga-neung-hae-yo]
Application is possible only if you meet the conditions. 📋
Answer
맞춰야만 [mat-chwo-ya-man].
J. 서명을 ____ 계약이 완료돼요.
[seo-myeong-eul ____ gye-ya-gi wan-ryo-dwae-yo]
The contract is completed only if you sign. ✍️
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 서명하다 → 서명해야만.
🔑
Vocabulary Box
  • 비밀번호 → password
  • 신분증 → ID card
  • 회원가입 → sign-up
  • 입장하다 → to enter
  • 예약 → reservation
  • 허락 → permission
  • 결제 → payment
  • 초대장 → invitation
  • 조건 → condition
  • 서명 → signature
Tip 💡 Access rules love -아/어야만.
 

Exercise 3 — Success and Result Conditions 📈

A. 열심히 ____ 시험에 합격할 수 있어요.
[yeol-sim-hi ____ si-heo-me hap-gyeok-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can pass the exam only if you study hard. 📚
Answer
공부해야만 [gong-bu-hae-ya-man].
B. 매일 ____ 발음이 좋아져요.
[mae-il ____ ba-reu-mi jo-a-jyeo-yo]
Your pronunciation improves only if you practice every day. 🗣️
Answer
연습해야만 [yeon-seu-pae-ya-man].
C. 충분히 ____ 집중할 수 있어요.
[chung-bun-hi ____ jip-jung-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can focus only if you sleep enough. 😴
Answer
자야만 [ja-ya-man].
D. 물을 많이 ____ 건강을 지킬 수 있어요.
[mu-reul ma-ni ____ geon-gang-eul ji-kil su i-sseo-yo]
You can protect your health only if you drink a lot of water. 💧
Answer
마셔야만 [ma-syeo-ya-man].
E. 계획을 ____ 시간을 아낄 수 있어요.
[gye-hoe-geul ____ si-ga-neul a-kkil su i-sseo-yo]
You can save time only if you make a plan. 🗓️
Answer
세워야만 [se-wo-ya-man] — 계획을 세우다 = to make a plan.
F. 문제를 정확히 ____ 해결할 수 있어요.
[mun-je-reul jeong-hwa-ki ____ hae-gyeol-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can solve it only if you understand the problem accurately. 🧩
Answer
이해해야만 [i-hae-hae-ya-man].
G. 꾸준히 ____ 실력이 늘어요.
[kku-jun-hi ____ sil-lyeo-gi neu-reo-yo]
Your skill improves only if you do it consistently. 🌱
Answer
해야만 [hae-ya-man] — 꾸준히 하다 = to do consistently.
H. 사실을 ____ 올바른 결정을 할 수 있어요.
[sa-shi-reul ____ ol-ba-reun gyeol-jeong-eul hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can make the right decision only if you know the facts. 📌
Answer
알아야만 [a-ra-ya-man].
I. 피드백을 ____ 더 나아질 수 있어요.
[pi-deu-bae-geul ____ deo na-a-jil su i-sseo-yo]
You can improve only if you receive feedback. 📝
Answer
받아야만 [ba-da-ya-man].
J. 실수를 ____ 같은 문제를 피할 수 있어요.
[sil-su-reul ____ ga-teun mun-je-reul pi-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can avoid the same problem only if you admit the mistake. 🛠️
Answer
인정해야만 [in-jeong-hae-ya-man].
📈
Vocabulary Box
  • 합격하다 → to pass
  • 발음 → pronunciation
  • 집중하다 → to focus
  • 건강 → health
  • 계획을 세우다 → to make a plan
  • 해결하다 → to solve
  • 꾸준히 → consistently
  • 결정 → decision
  • 피드백 → feedback
  • 인정하다 → to admit
Tip 💡 Results like “can pass / can improve / can solve” often pair naturally with -아/어야만.
 

Exercise 4 — Choose the Right Condition Grammar 🧭

A. “If it rains, I’ll stay home.”
비가 오면 / ② 비가 와야만
Answer
비가 오면 — this is a general condition, not an “only if” requirement.
B. “Only if you know the password can you enter.”
비밀번호를 알면 / ② 비밀번호를 알아야만
Answer
비밀번호를 알아야만 — access is locked behind a required condition.
C. “If you want to pass, study every day.”
합격하려면 / ② 합격해야만
Answer
합격하려면 — “if you want to pass” is intention/goal condition.
D. “Only if you study every day can you pass.”
매일 공부해야만 / ② 매일 공부하려면
Answer
매일 공부해야만 — studying is the necessary condition.
E. “In the event that a problem occurs, contact us.”
문제가 생길 경우에 / ② 문제가 생겨야만
Answer
문제가 생길 경우에 — formal event condition.
F. “You can apply only if you meet the conditions.”
조건을 맞춰야만 / ② 조건을 맞추면
Answer
조건을 맞춰야만 — emphasizes that the condition is required.
G. “If you have time, call me.”
시간이 있으면 / ② 시간이 있어야만
Answer
시간이 있으면 — ordinary “if.”
H. “You can recover only if you take medicine.”
약을 먹어야만 / ② 약을 먹으려면
Answer
약을 먹어야만 — taking medicine is required for recovery.
I. “If you want to use the app, sign up first.”
앱을 사용하려면 / ② 앱을 사용해야만
Answer
앱을 사용하려면 — goal/intention: if you want to use the app.
J. “Only if you sign can the contract be completed.”
서명해야만 / ② 서명하면
Answer
서명해야만 — signature is a required condition.
🧭
Decision Box
  • General if/when → -(으)면
  • If you want to / in order to → -(으)려면
  • In the event that → -(으)ㄹ 경우에
  • Only if / provided that → -아/어야만
Tip 💡 Ask: “Is this a required condition for the result?” If yes, -아/어야만 may fit.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A.가다야만 → ✅ ____
Answer
가야만 — remove dictionary .
B.먹야만 → ✅ ____
Answer
먹어야만 — use the 아/어 form.
C.공부하야만 → ✅ ____
Answer
공부해야만하다 → 해야.
D.듣어야만 → ✅ ____
Answer
들어야만듣다 → 들어야만.
E.쓰어야만 → ✅ ____
Answer
써야만쓰다 → 써야만.
F. 조건을 맞춰야만 신청할 수 있어요. means:
Answer
You can apply only if you meet the conditions.
G. 비밀번호를 알아야만 들어갈 수 있어요. means:
Answer
You can enter only if you know the password.
H. Choose the stronger “only if” sentence:
공부해야 합격해요. / ② 공부해야만 합격해요.
Answer
공부해야만 합격해요. adds stronger exclusivity.
I. Choose the sentence that means “If you want to enter, buy a ticket”:
입장하려면 표를 사세요. / ② 입장해야만 표를 사세요.
Answer
입장하려면 표를 사세요. — goal/intention condition uses -(으)려면.
J. Choose the sentence that means “You can enter only if you buy a ticket”:
표를 사야만 입장할 수 있어요. / ② 표를 사려면 입장할 수 있어요.
Answer
표를 사야만 입장할 수 있어요. — ticket purchase is the required condition.
🛡️
Final Check
  • 가다 → 가야만
  • 오다 → 와야만
  • 먹다 → 먹어야만
  • 듣다 → 들어야만
  • 쓰다 → 써야만
  • 공부하다 → 공부해야만
Tip 💡 -아/어야만 is not just “if.” It means the condition is necessary.
 
🎉 You finished the -아/어야만 workout. Now you can express strict conditions clearly: 알아야만 들어갈 수 있어요, 연습해야만 늘어요, and 조건을 맞춰야만 신청할 수 있어요. 🔐✨