Processing keyword: ~(으)ㄹ 수록 [(eu)l surok] (The more)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)ㄹ 수록 [(eu)l surok] (The more)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~(으)ㄹ수록, which translates to "the more..." in English. This structure is essential for expressing increasing degrees or intensities in various situations, allowing you to make more nuanced and expressive sentences in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar structure ~(으)ㄹ수록 is used to indicate that as one action or state progresses or intensifies, another action or state also changes correspondingly. It's similar to saying "the more [A], the more [B]" in English.

Formation

To form sentences using ~(으)ㄹ수록, attach it to the verb or adjective stem according to the following rules:

1. For verb/adjective stems ending with a consonant (except 'ㄹ'):
   • Add ~을수록
2. For verb/adjective stems ending with a vowel or 'ㄹ':
   • Add ~ㄹ수록

Formation Diagram

Stem Ending	Addition	Example Verb/Adjective	Result
Consonant (except 'ㄹ')	~을수록	먹다 (to eat)	먹을수록
Vowel or 'ㄹ'	~ㄹ수록	갈다 (to grind)	갈수록
		크다 (to be big)	클수록

Structure of the Sentence

The typical sentence structure is:

[Verb/Adjective Stem + ~(으)ㄹ수록], [Resulting Action/State].

Sometimes, the second clause also uses ~(으)ㄹ수록 for emphasis:

[Verb/Adjective Stem + ~(으)ㄹ수록], [Verb/Adjective Stem + ~(으)ㄹ수록].

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~면 ~(으)ㄹ수록

• ~면 ~(으)ㄹ수록 combines ~면 ("if") with ~(으)ㄹ수록 to express "the more... if..."
• While ~(으)ㄹ수록 alone emphasizes the correlation between two increasing actions or states, adding ~면 can sometimes make the sentence sound redundant or overly conditional.

Similar Grammar Point: ~자 ("as soon as")

• ~자 is used to indicate immediate succession ("as soon as") but does not convey the progressive intensification that ~(으)ㄹ수록 does.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 한국어를 공부할수록 재미있어요.
   • Hangug-eoreul gongbuhalsurok jaemiisseoyo.
   • Translation: "The more I study Korean, the more interesting it becomes."
2. 생각할수록 화가 난다. (Informal)
   • Saenggakhalsurok hwaga nanda.
   • Translation: "The more I think about it, the angrier I get."
3. 음식은 신선할수록 맛있습니다. (Formal)
   • Eumsigeun sinseonhalsurok masitseumnida.
   • Translation: "The fresher the food, the more delicious it is."
4. 사람은 많을수록 좋아요.
   • Sarameun maneulsurok joayo.
   • Translation: "The more people there are, the better."
5. 갈수록 날씨가 추워져요.
   • Galsurok nalssiga chuwojyeoyo.
   • Translation: "As time goes by, the weather gets colder."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, being able to express nuances and degrees is important for effective communication.
• ~(으)ㄹ수록 is often used in proverbs and traditional sayings, reflecting wisdom and observations about life.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 갈수록 태산
   • Galsurok taesan
   • Literal Translation: "The more you go, the bigger the mountain."
   • Meaning: "Things get worse the further you go."
2. 볼수록 매력적이다
   • Bolsurok maeryeokjeogida
   • Translation: "The more you look, the more charming it is."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Using ~을수록 after a vowel-ending stem.
     • Incorrect: 가다 ➔ 가을수록
     • Correct: 가다 ➔ 갈수록
2. Confusion with Other Grammar Points
   • Mixing up ~(으)면서 ("while") with ~(으)ㄹ수록.

Tips to Remember

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "수록" as escalating or accumulating over time.
• Remember that ~을수록 is for consonant endings (except 'ㄹ'), and ~ㄹ수록 is for vowel and 'ㄹ' endings.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~(으)ㄹ수록 expresses "the more... the more..." relationships.
• Attach ~을수록 to consonant-ending stems (except 'ㄹ') and ~ㄹ수록 to vowel or 'ㄹ' ending stems.
• Useful for creating complex sentences that show correlation between two increasing actions or states.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~(으)ㄹ수록 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽을수록
2. Translate the following sentence: "The more you eat spicy food, the more you get used to it."
   • Answer: 매운 음식을 먹을수록 익숙해져요.
3. Identify the mistake in the sentence: "친구를 만날수록 기뻐요."
   • Answer: No mistake; the sentence is correct.

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Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~(으)ㄹ수록!

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