Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ 수록 [eul/l surok] (The more)
Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ 수록 [eul/l surok] (The more)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing comparative degrees, such as "the more you study, the better you become," involves specific grammatical structures. One such structure is ~을/ㄹ수록, which is used to indicate that as one action or state increases, another action or state also increases. This lesson will delve into the usage of ~을/ㄹ수록, how to form it, and how to use it naturally in various contexts.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
Meaning: The grammar point ~을/ㄹ수록 translates to "the more... the more..." in English. It expresses a proportional relationship between two clauses, indicating that as the degree or extent of one action or state increases, so does another.
Structure
- Verb Stem + 을수록 / ㄹ수록
- 받침 (Batchim) O: Verb stems ending with a consonant use 을수록.
- Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹을수록
- 받침 (Batchim) X: Verb stems ending with a vowel use ㄹ수록.
- Example: 가다 (to go) → 가ㄹ수록
- 받침 (Batchim) O: Verb stems ending with a consonant use 을수록.
- Adjective Stem + 을수록 / ㄹ수록
- Follows the same rule as verbs.
- Noun + 일수록
- When using nouns, attach 일수록.
- Example: 학생 (student) → 학생일수록
- When using nouns, attach 일수록.
Formation Diagram
Type | Ending | Example |
---|---|---|
Verb/Adj with batchim | 을수록 | 먹다 → 먹을수록 |
Verb/Adj without batchim | ㄹ수록 | 크다 → 클수록 |
Noun | 일수록 | 친구 → 친구일수록 |
3. Comparative Analysis
~을/ㄹ수록 vs ~면 ~수록
- ~면 ~수록: Another form that combines the conditional ~면 with ~수록. It emphasizes the condition leading to an increasing degree.
- Example: 보면 볼수록 → "The more I see, the more..." ~더욱 ~아/어지다: Used to indicate that something becomes more so over time.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 공부를 하면 할수록 재미있어요.
- The more I study, the more interesting it gets.
- 한국어를 배울수록 문화에 대해 더 알고 싶어요.
- The more I learn Korean, the more I want to know about the culture.
- 생각할수록 화가 난다.
- The more I think about it, the angrier I get.
- 친구가 많을수록 좋아요.
- The more friends you have, the better.
- 가격이 쌀수록 품질이 낮아요.
- The cheaper the price, the lower the quality.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- In Korean society, expressing relationships between actions is essential for storytelling and explanations.
- Politeness levels can affect the verb endings but ~을/ㄹ수록 remains the same.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 볼수록 매력적이다.
- The more I see, the more attractive it is.
- 갈수록 태산이다.
- It gets harder the further you go. (Literally, "As you go, it's mount Taesan.")
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Forgetting Batchim Rules
- Incorrect: 가다 → 가을수록 ❌
- Correct: 가다 → 갈수록 ✔️
- Using with Past Tense
- ~을/ㄹ수록 is not used with past tense verbs.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of "수록" as "so rock," implying that "as you rock more, so does something else."
- Practice forming the structure by identifying if the verb/adjective has batchim.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~을/ㄹ수록 is used to express "the more... the more..." relationships.
- Attach 을수록 if there's a batchim; ㄹ수록 if there's none.
- Can be used with verbs, adjectives, and nouns (using 일수록).
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach ~을/ㄹ수록 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
- Answer: 읽을수록
- Translate: "The more delicious the food is, the more people come."
- Answer: 음식이 맛있을수록 사람들이 많이 와요.
- True or False: You can use past tense before ~을/ㄹ수록.
- Answer: False
Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~을/ㄹ수록!