Deserving: -ㄹ/을 만큼

This pattern functions as a connector. It attaches to the stem of a verb or an adjective. By doing this, you create a comparison of scale. You are saying that 'A' is true to the extent of 'B.' For example, "I am hungry enough to eat a horse." In Korean, the "eating a horse" part gets the -ㄹ/을 만큼 attachment. It sets the bar for how intense the main action is. It is not just about quantity; it is about the feeling of the limit. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It tells the listener exactly how far you are going with your statement.

1. 1Find the verb or adjective stem.
2. 2If the stem ends in a vowel, add -ㄹ 만큼. Example: 가다 becomes 갈 만큼.
3. 3If the stem ends in a consonant, add -을 만큼. Example: 먹다 becomes 먹을 만큼.
4. 4If the stem ends in ㄹ, just add 만큼. Example: 만들다 becomes 만들 만큼.
5. 5For nouns, you don't need the ㄹ/을 part. Just use 만큼. Example: 나만큼 (as much as me).
6. 6For past tense, use -은/ㄴ 만큼. Example: 공부한 만큼 (as much as I studied).

Use this when you want to emphasize intensity. It is perfect for emotional expressions. "I love you to death" becomes 죽을 만큼 사랑해요. Use it when discussing worth or value. If a movie is worth seeing twice, say 두 번 볼 만큼 재미있어요. It is also great for physical limits. If you ran until your legs hurt, this is your go-to pattern. Real-world scenario: Ordering food. You can tell the waiter, "Give me enough to share," using 나눠 먹을 만큼 주세요. In a job interview, you might say, "I have enough experience to lead," using 이끌 만큼 경험이 많아요.

Do not use this for simple, direct comparisons. If you just want to say "A is bigger than B," use -보다. -ㄹ/을 만큼 is about the *extent* or *threshold*. Avoid using it when the result is already 100% certain and boring. It is meant for descriptive flair. Also, don't confuse it with -려고. That expresses intention, not degree. If you say 먹을 만큼, you are talking about the amount. If you say 먹으려고, you are talking about your plan to eat. Keep them separate in your head to avoid sounding like a robot.

Many people forget the ㄹ or 을 and just use the stem. 먹 만큼 is a big no-no. Always check that bottom consonant! Another mistake is using the wrong tense. If you are talking about something you already did, use -은 만큼. If you use -을 만큼 for the past, it sounds like you are guessing the future. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired. Think of the ㄹ as a little hook reaching toward the future or a possibility. Don't let your hooks get tangled!

You might know -ㄹ 정도로. They are very similar! In many cases, they are interchangeable. However, -ㄹ 만큼 feels a bit more natural with nouns. -ㄹ 정도로 focuses more on the "degree" as a measurable point. -ㄹ 만큼 often carries a nuance of "as much as deserved" or "as much as expected." If you say 죽을 만큼, it sounds a bit more poetic. If you say 죽을 정도로, it sounds a bit more like a medical report. Both work, but -ㄹ 만큼 is your friend for daily, expressive speech.