Korean grammar patterns › Level 2
-(으)면 되다
all you have to do is; it's enough to; you can just
Level 2 · TOPIK I · beginner
How to use it
Says that one simple condition is enough — a common way to give instructions or directions. The negative -(으)면 안 되다 means 'must not'.
Forming it
| 가다 | → 가면 돼요 |
| 먹다 | → 먹으면 돼요 |
| 만들다 | → 만들면 돼요 |
| 걷다 | → 걸으면 돼요 |
It doesn't mean 'must': it says this single action is enough.
Examples
여기에 이름하고 전화번호만 쓰시면 돼요.
You just need to write your name and phone number here.
역까지 10분만 걸으면 돼요.
It's only a ten-minute walk to the station.
Compared with similar patterns
-아/어야 하다 is obligation; -아/어도 되다 gives permission; -(으)려면 sets the goal ('if you want to …'), and -(으)면 되다 often answers it.