Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 만하다 [eul/l manhada] (Worth doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 만하다 [eul/l manhada] (Worth doing)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~을/ㄹ 만하다 is used in Korean to express that something is worth doing or deserves to be done. It's a versatile expression that helps you recommend actions or evaluate experiences.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• Express Worthiness or Merit: Indicates that an action is worth undertaking.
• Imply Recommendation: Softly suggests that someone should try or experience something.

Structure

To form ~을/ㄹ 만하다, attach it to the verb stem according to the following rules:

1. Verb stem ending with a consonant: ~을 만하다
2. Verb stem ending with a vowel: ~ㄹ 만하다

Formation Diagram

Verb Infinitive	Verb Stem	Ending Type	Suffix	Result
먹다 (to eat)	먹	Consonant	을 만하다	먹을 만하다
보다 (to see)	보	Vowel	ㄹ 만하다	볼 만하다
읽다 (to read)	읽	Consonant	을 만하다	읽을 만하다
가다 (to go)	가	Vowel	ㄹ 만하다	갈 만하다

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~을/ㄹ 만하다 vs. ~을/ㄹ 만에
   • ~을/ㄹ 만하다: Indicates that something is worth doing.
     • 예: 이 영화는 볼 만해요. (This movie is worth watching.)
   • ~을/ㄹ 만에: Expresses the lapse of time after an action.
     • 예: 한 달 만에 만났어요. (We met after a month.)
2. ~을/ㄹ 만하다 vs. ~을/ㄹ 수 있다
   • ~을/ㄹ 만하다: Emphasizes the value or merit of doing something.
     • 예: 그 책은 읽을 만해요. (That book is worth reading.)
   • ~을/ㄹ 수 있다: Indicates the ability or possibility to do something.
     • 예: 나는 수영을 할 수 있어요. (I can swim.)

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Informal Spoken
   • 이 식당은 정말 먹을 만해.
     • This restaurant is really worth eating at.
2. Formal Spoken
   • 그 전시회는 볼 만합니다.
     • That exhibition is worth seeing.
3. Written
   • 이 영화는 감동적이어서 추천할 만하다.
     • This movie is touching, so it's worth recommending.
4. Casual Conversation
   • A: 부산 여행 어때?
   • B: 갈 만해. 재미있었어.
     • A: How's the trip to Busan?
     • B: It's worth going. It was fun.
5. Polite Conversation
   • 이 책은 학생들이 읽을 만해요.
     • This book is worth students reading.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, modesty and humility are valued. Using ~을/ㄹ 만하다 allows speakers to make recommendations or positive evaluations without sounding boastful or overly assertive.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 살 만하다
  • Meaning: Life is bearable; things are okay.
  • Usage: Expressing that, despite difficulties, one can manage.
  • Example: 요즘 바쁘지만 그래도 살 만해요.
    • I'm busy these days, but life is still manageable.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Suffix Attachment
   • Mistake: 읽다 + ㄹ 만하다 → 읽ㄹ 만하다 ❌
   • Correction: 읽다 (verb stem 읽) ends with a consonant, so add 을 만하다 → 읽을 만하다 ✔️
2. Misusing Tense
   • Mistake: 미래 시제에서 할 만하다를 그대로 사용
   • Correction: Adjust 하다 for tense:
     • Past: 할 만했다
     • Present: 할 만하다
     • Future: 할 만할 것이다

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that 만하다 sounds like "man had a" reason to do something. So, ~을/ㄹ 만하다 indicates there's a reason or worth in doing something.
• Practice with Common Verbs

  Verb	Verb Stem	Ending Type	Formed Expression
  듣다 (to listen)	듣	Consonant	들을 만하다
  쓰다 (to write)	쓰	Vowel	쓸 만하다
  배우다 (to learn)	배우	Vowel	배울 만하다

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ 만하다 is used to express that an action is worth doing.
• Attach 을 만하다 after consonant-ending verb stems and ㄹ 만하다 after vowel-ending verb stems.
• It conveys modest recommendations and positive evaluations.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 이 노래는 들___ 만해요.
   • Answer: 을 → 들을 만해요.
2. Translate to Korean: "It's worth trying."
   • Answer: 시도할 만해요.
3. True or False: ~을/ㄹ 만하다 can be used to express ability.
   • Answer: False. It expresses worthiness, not ability.
4. Correct the mistake: "그 책은 읽ㄹ 만했어요."
   • Answer: "그 책은 읽을 만했어요."

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By mastering ~을/ㄹ 만하다, you enhance your ability to make recommendations and express value judgments in Korean, enriching your conversational skills.

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