-(으)려면 in Korean: “if you want to, to (do)”
-(으)려면
-(eu)ryeomyeon
if you want to, to (do)
Intermediate · Linking ideas
-(으)려면 (-(eu)ryeomyeon) means "if you want to" or "in order to". It names a goal, and the second half says what is needed to reach it: "To get to City Hall, how should I go?"
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Stem ending in a vowel | + 려면 | 가다 → 가려면, 하다 → 하려면 |
| Stem ending in a consonant | + 으려면 | 먹다 → 먹으려면 |
| Stem ending in ㄹ | + 려면 | 만들다 → 만들려면 |
| ㄷ irregular stems | ㄷ → ㄹ + 으려면 | 듣다 → 들으려면 |
How to use it
-(으)려면 is short for -(으)려고 하면 ("if you intend to"). The first half is a goal, and the second half is usually a requirement or advice: -아/어야 해요 (have to), 필요해요 (you need), 좋아요 (it's good to).
It is very useful for asking directions and how-to questions: 이거 사려면 어디로 가야 돼요? (Where do I go to buy this?).
The pattern is neutral. Use a polite ending like 해요 with strangers and a casual one like 해 with friends.
Examples
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Asking for directions
Talking about health
At a concert venue
Hurrying a friend
Don’t mix it up with
-(으)려고: -(으)려고 states your purpose (I came here to study). -(으)려면 sets up a condition and is followed by what is needed (if you want to study, you need ...).
-(으)면: -(으)면 is a plain "if." -(으)려면 is specifically "if you want to (do)."
Common mistakes
Spelling it 할려면 or 갈려면 as it is often pronounced. The standard spelling is 하려면 and 가려면.
Want the basics first? Read In order to (-(으)려고).
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 려면 and 려고?
-(으)려고 explains why you do something (I'm saving money to travel). -(으)려면 says what it takes to do something (to travel, you need money).
What usually comes after -(으)려면?
Usually a need or advice: -아/어야 해요/돼요 (have to), 필요해요 (you need), or -는 게 좋아요 (it's best to).