Lesson 27
In this lesson, let us take a look at how to say “as long as” in Korean. This is not the literal comparison of two things as in, “A is as long as B”, but a fixed expression “as long as + Subject + Verb” as in, “As long as you stay here, you are safe.” Let us find out how to say this in Korean!
How to Say “As Long As” in Korean
1. Verb stem + -기만 하면
(Original literal translation = “if + Subject + only + Verb”)
Ex)
여기에 있기만 하면 괜찮아요.
= As long as you are here, you are fine.
You could also say, “여기에 있기만 하면 돼요.”
재미있게 공부하기만 하면, 한국어 잘할 수 있어요.
= As long as you study Korean in a fun way, you can become good at Korean.
2. Verb stem + -(느)ㄴ 한
(Original literal translation = “within the boundaries where Subject + Verb”)
* This form is a little more formal than the other forms, so you would not really use it in spoken language. You will see it more in written language.
Ex)
제가 열쇠를 가지고 있는 한, 아무도 못 들어가요.
= As long as I have the keys, no one can go in.
How to Say “As Long As... Not…” in Korean
1. Verb stem + -지만 않으면
(Original literal translation = “only if + Subject + does not + Verb”)
-지 않다 is the negative form of a neutral Korean sentence.
Ex)
너무 춥지만 않으면 갈게요.
= As long as it is not too cold, I will go/come.
2. Verb stem + -지 않는 한
(Original literal translation = “within the boundaries where Subject + does not + Verb“)
* This form is a combination of -지 않다 and -(느)ㄴ 한.
Ex)
너무 덥지 않는 한 갈게요.
= As long as it is not too hot, I will go/come.
Sample Sentences
비밀을 지키기만 하면 안전해요.
= As long as you keep the secret, you are safe.
사람들이 너무 많이 오지만 않으면 괜찮아요.
= As long as not too many people come here, it is okay.
깨지지만 않으면, 계속 쓸 수 있어요.
= As long as it is not broken, you can keep using it.
살아 있는 한, 저는 계속 공부를 할 거예요.
= As long as I am alive, I will keep studying.
음식이 맛있고 직원이 친절하기만 하면, 식당은 언젠가 유명해져요.
= As long as the food is good and the staff are kind, the restaurant will become famous one day.
* Note that there are two verbs being used here, but we only add -기만 하면 to the
second verb.