Processing keyword: ~할 만하다 [hal manhada] (Worth to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~할 만하다 [hal manhada] (Worth to)

1. Introduction

The Korean expression ~할 만하다 is used to indicate that something is worth doing, deserves to be done, or is good enough to merit an action. It's a versatile grammar point that helps speakers evaluate and recommend experiences, objects, or actions based on their worthiness.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~할 만하다 expresses that an action is:

• Worth doing
• Deserving of an attempt
• Sufficiently good or satisfactory It's commonly used to:
• Recommend something
• Acknowledge that something meets a certain standard
• Suggest an action is reasonable or acceptable

Structure

To form ~할 만하다, attach ~ㄹ/을 만하다 to the verb stem of an action verb.

Formation:

1. Identify the Verb Stem:
   • Remove ~다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Attach the Appropriate Ending:
   • If the verb stem ends with a vowel, add ~ㄹ 만하다.
   • If the verb stem ends with a consonant, add ~을 만하다.

Diagram:

[Verb Stem] + ~ㄹ 만하다 (if vowel-ending verb stem)
[Verb Stem] + ~을 만하다 (if consonant-ending verb stem)

Conjugation Examples

Verb	Verb Stem	Ends With	Attach	Resulting Form	Translation
가다 (to go)	가	Vowel	~ㄹ 만하다	갈 만하다	Worth going
먹다 (to eat)	먹	Consonant	~을 만하다	먹을 만하다	Worth eating
보다 (to see)	보	Vowel	~ㄹ 만하다	볼 만하다	Worth seeing
읽다 (to read)	읽	Consonant	~을 만하다	읽을 만하다	Worth reading

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3. Comparative Analysis

~할 만하다 vs. ~할 가치가 있다

~할 만하다

• Implies something meets expectations or standards.
• Used in everyday conversation.
• Suggests that while it may not be outstanding, it's acceptable. ~할 가치가 있다
• Literally means "has the value to do."
• Emphasizes inherent value or merit.
• Sounds more formal and strong in recommendation. Example:
• 영화가 볼 만해요.
  • The movie is worth watching (it's okay).
• 영화가 볼 가치가 있어요.
  • The movie is worth watching (it's valuable).

~할 만하다 vs. ~해 볼 만하다

~할 만하다

• General recommendation or assessment.
• Indicates something is satisfactory. ~해 볼 만하다
• Includes 보다 (to try), emphasizing the act of trying.
• Suggests that attempting the action itself is worthwhile. Example:
• 이 음식은 먹을 만해요.
  • This food is worth eating.
• 이 음식은 먹어 볼 만해요.
  • This food is worth trying (even if you're not sure you'll like it).

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Informal Spoken

1. 그 가게는 한 번 갈 만해.
   • That shop is worth going to once.
2. 새로 나온 게임이 할 만하더라.
   • The new game was worth playing.

Formal Spoken

1. 이 책은 충분히 읽을 만합니다.
   • This book is quite worth reading.
2. 전시회가 방문할 만한 가치가 있어요.
   • The exhibition is worth visiting.

Informal Written

1. 영화가 생각보다 볼 만했어.
   • The movie was better than I thought; worth watching.
2. 그 식당은 분위기가 좋아서 데이트하기에 갈 만해.
   • That restaurant has a nice atmosphere, so it's worth going for a date.

Formal Written

1. 이 연구는 주목할 만한 성과를 거두었다.
   • This research achieved noteworthy results.
2. 그 프로젝트는 투자할 만합니다.
   • That project is worth investing in.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirect Communication: Koreans often communicate recommendations or criticisms indirectly to maintain harmony. Using ~할 만하다 allows the speaker to express that something is acceptable or decent without overstating.
• Modesty: This expression aligns with the cultural value of humility, offering praise without exaggeration.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Informal Polite: ~할 만해요
  • Used among acquaintances, peers, or in casual settings.
• Formal Polite: ~할 만합니다
  • Used in formal situations, with elders, superiors, or in professional contexts.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 볼 만한 그림
  • A painting worth seeing.
• 들어 볼 만한 이야기
  • A story worth listening to.
• These phrases are commonly used to modestly promote or recommend something.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Mistake: 가을 만하다 (incorrectly adding ~을 after a vowel-ending verb stem)
   • Correction: 갈 만하다
2. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Mistake: 먹어요 만하다
   • Correction: 먹을 만하다
   • Explanation: Attach ~ㄹ/을 만하다 directly to the verb stem, not to conjugated forms.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 만하다 as "man, it's worth it!" This can help you remember that ~할 만하다 means something is worth doing.
• Practice with Common Verbs:

  Base Verb	Meaning	~할 만하다 Form	Translation
  마시다	To drink	마실 만하다	Worth drinking
  듣다	To listen	들을 만하다	Worth listening to
  배우다	To learn	배울 만하다	Worth learning
  사다	To buy	살 만하다	Worth buying

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~할 만하다 is used to express that something is worth doing.
• Attach ~ㄹ 만하다 after verb stems ending with a vowel, and ~을 만하다 after those ending with a consonant.
• Adjust the level of politeness based on the context by changing the sentence endings.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~할 만하다:
   • 이 영화는 정말 ___.
   • Answer: 볼 만해요.
     • This movie is really worth watching.
2. Choose the correct conjugation for the verb "to walk (걷다)" with ~할 만하다: a) 걸을 만하다
   b) 걷을 만하다
   c) 걸 만하다
   • Answer: a) 걸을 만하다
     • It's worth walking.
3. Translate into Korean using ~할 만하다:
   • "The problem is difficult, but it's worth solving."
   • Answer: 문제가 어렵지만 해결할 만해요.

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Practice Challenge

• Create sentences using ~할 만하다 with the following verbs:
  1. 배우다 (to learn)
  2. 시도하다 (to attempt)
  3. 기억하다 (to remember)
• Answers:
  1. 이 언어는 배울 만해요.
     • This language is worth learning.
  2. 새로운 방법을 시도할 만합니다.
     • It's worth attempting the new method.
  3. 그날의 경험은 기억할 만해요.
     • The experience of that day is worth remembering.

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Feel free to use ~할 만하다 in your daily conversations to confidently express the worthiness of actions and experiences!

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