Grammar
-(으)ㄹ 경우
Meaning
Intermediate-(eu)l gyeongu
Introduces a hypothetical condition in formal written Korean, where speech would use -(으)면. 경우 is the noun 'case', so the form literally frames the clause as 'in the case where …'. It suits rules, forecasts and risk statements, and the following clause usually states a consequence or a judgement rather than a wish or a request.
Form
경우 is a noun, so the verb in front of it takes a modifier ending. -(으)ㄹ 경우 is the usual one and covers anything not yet settled: vowel-ending stems take -ㄹ 경우 (오다 → 올 경우, 신청하다 → 신청할 경우), consonant-ending stems take -을 경우 (받다 → 받을 경우, 늦다 → 늦을 경우), and ㄹ-final stems keep a single ㄹ (살다 → 살 경우). For something already done, -(으)ㄴ 경우 is used instead (신청한 경우), and for a general or ongoing situation, -는 경우 (신청하는 경우). It also follows a noun with 의 — 사고의 경우, 미성년자의 경우 — and 에 or 에는 can be added for emphasis: -(으)ㄹ 경우에는.
Examples
비가 계속 올 경우 행사는 연기됩니다.
In the event that the rain continues, the event will be postponed.
서류가 늦을 경우 신청이 취소될 수 있습니다.
If the documents are late, the application may be cancelled.
카드를 잃어버렸을 경우 바로 신고해야 합니다.
If you have lost your card, you must report it immediately.
회원이 아닐 경우 요금이 더 비쌉니다.
If you are not a member, the fee is higher.
Common mistakes & nuance
경우 is a separate word, so leave a space in front of it: 올 경우, not 올경우. And remember the register — this is the Korean of rules and notices, so 배가 고플 경우 sounds like a regulation rather than a person talking. In everyday speech use -(으)면.
Similar grammar
- -(으)면
-(으)면 is the everyday 'if' and attaches straight to the stem. -(으)ㄹ 경우 says the same thing through the noun 경우 and belongs to written Korean — rules, forecasts, notices — so the two are not freely swappable in casual speech.
- -(으)ㄹ 때
-(으)ㄹ 때 marks the time at which something happens ('when'), and takes for granted that it does. -(으)ㄹ 경우 treats the same clause as a condition that may or may not come about.