Processing keyword: ~만큼 [mankeum] (As much as, as many as)

Korean Grammar Point: ~만큼 [mankeum] (As much as, as many as)

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1. Introduction

The grammar point ~만큼 [mankeum] is a versatile particle in Korean used to compare quantities, qualities, or degrees. It translates to "as much as" or "as many as" in English and helps express comparisons between two entities or actions.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~만큼 is used to indicate that the degree or extent of one thing is the same as another.
• It can be attached to nouns, verbs, and adjectives to make comparisons.

Structure

1. Noun + 만큼

• [Noun1]만큼 [Noun2]이다
  "It is [Noun2] as much as [Noun1]."

2. Verb/Adjective + -(으)ㄹ 만큼

• Verb/Adjectiveㄹ 만큼
  "To the extent that [Verb/Adjective]."

Formation Diagram

For Nouns

[Noun] + 만큼

For Verbs/Adjectives

[Verb stem/Adjective stem] + -(으)ㄹ 만큼

• If the stem ends with a consonant:
  -을 만큼
• If the stem ends with a vowel:
  -ㄹ 만큼

Examples of Formation

• 학생만큼
  "As much as a student."
• 먹을 만큼
  "As much as one eats."

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3. Comparative Analysis

만큼 vs. ~처럼/같이

• 처럼/같이 both mean "like" or "as" but are used to express similarity rather than equality in degree or quantity.
• ~만큼 emphasizes equality in quantity, degree, or extent. Example:
• 그녀는 천사처럼 착해요.
  "She is kind like an angel."
• 그녀는 천사만큼 착해요.
  "She is as kind as an angel." In the first sentence, she's being compared to an angel in kindness (similarity). In the second, her kindness is equal to that of an angel (equality in degree).

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 학생들이 예상한 만큼 시험이 어렵지 않았습니다.
   The exam was not as difficult as the students expected.
2. 그 프로젝트는 우리가 노력한 만큼 성공했습니다.
   The project succeeded as much as we put in effort.

Informal Context

1. 네가 먹은 만큼 나도 먹었어.
   I ate as much as you did.
2. 그 영화는 사람들이 말한 만큼 재미있진 않았어.
   The movie wasn't as interesting as people said.

Spoken Language

1. 필요한 만큼만 가져가세요.
   Just take as much as you need.
2. 너만큼 노래 잘하는 사람 못 봤어.
   I haven't seen anyone who sings as well as you.

Written Language

1. 그는 기대했던 만큼의 성과를 얻지 못했다.
   He didn't achieve as much as he expected.
2. 시간이 흐른 만큼 그녀의 상처도 아물었다.
   As much as time has passed, her wounds have healed.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, modesty is valued. Using ~만큼 allows speakers to make comparisons without appearing boastful.
• Politeness levels can be adjusted by using formal or informal speech, but the use of ~만큼 remains the same.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 눈만큼 입도 크다
   Literal: Eyes are as big as the mouth.
   Meaning: Someone talks as much as they observe.
2. 하늘만큼 땅만큼 사랑해
   I love you as much as the sky and the earth.
   (An expression to convey immense love.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Wrong: 학생한테 만큼 공부했어요.
   • Correct: 학생만큼 공부했어요.
     "I studied as much as a student."
2. Mixing with 처럼/같이
   • Wrong: 그는 나처럼 만큼 빨리 달린다.
   • Correct: 그는 나만큼 빨리 달린다.
     "He runs as fast as I do."

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 만큼 as "matching measurement" — matching the "amount" or "degree" of something.
• Practice: Create sentences comparing familiar things in your life to reinforce how to use ~만큼 correctly.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~만큼 is used to express equality in quantity, degree, or extent.
• Attach ~만큼 directly to nouns, and use -(으)ㄹ 만큼 after verb/adjective stems.
• It differs from 처럼/같이 by emphasizing equal degree rather than similarity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~만큼 to a verb stem ending with a vowel? Answer: Add -ㄹ 만큼 to the verb stem.
2. Translate to Korean: "I have as many books as you." Answer: 나는 너만큼 책이 많아.
3. What is the difference between ~만큼 and ~처럼? Answer: ~만큼 indicates equality in degree or quantity ("as much as"), while ~처럼 indicates similarity ("like" or "as").

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Practice creating your own sentences using ~만큼 to solidify your understanding!

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