V/A + -아/어야(지/만)V/A + -a/eoya(ji/man)
Intermediate 4 · #13Lesson 5: 집안일 – Housework

V/A + -아/어야(지/만) – Only If / Must First... in Order to...

Meaning: Only if; only when; must first... to...

Conjugation & Pattern

  • V/A stem ending in ㅏ, ㅗ: + -아야(지/만) (가다 -> 가야, 좋다 -> 좋아야)
  • V/A stem ending in other vowels: + -어야(지/만) (먹다 -> 먹어야, 읽다 -> 읽어야)
  • V/A stem ending in 하다: -> 해야(지/만) | Noun: N + 이어야/여야 (or (이)라야)

Detailed Usage

Indicates that the first clause is an essential prerequisite for the result or possibility in the second clause ('only if A, then B'). Can add '지' ('-아/어야지' in speech) or '만' ('-아/어야만' for strong emphasis).

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    시청역에서 1호선으로 갈아타야 빨리 갈 수 있어요.

    Sicheongyeogeseo 1hoseoneuro garataya ppalli gal su isseoyo.

    You can get there quickly only if you transfer to Line 1 at City Hall Station.

  2. 2

    몸이 건강해야 무슨 일이든지 잘할 수 있습니다.

    Momi geonganghaeya museun irideunji jalhal su itseumnida.

    Only when you are healthy can you do anything well.

  3. 3

    우리 학교 학생이어야 이 도서관을 이용할 수 있어요.

    Uri hakgyo haksaengieoya i doseogwaneul iyonghal su isseoyo.

    You must be a student of our university to use this library.

Important Notes

The main clause following '-아/어야' cannot be an imperative or propositive sentence.

Grammar Topics