만큼 | Korean comparison particle guide | How to use 만큼 correctly

만큼 is a Korean particle meaning “as much as,” used to compare degree or amount. This guide explains how to attach 만큼 to nouns and verbs to express comparisons of extent. It includes example sentences with translations and highlights common mistakes to avoid when using 만큼.

Meaning of 만큼

만큼 is a Korean postposition (particle) that translates to “as much as” or “to the extent of.” It attaches directly to nouns to indicate a comparable degree or amount. In other words, the noun before 만큼 serves as a standard of comparison. For example, 나만큼 means “as much as me,” and 시간만큼 means “as much as time” (e.g., 시간만큼 소중한 것은 없다 meaning “Nothing is as precious as time”). Unlike some particles, 만큼 does not change form based on whether the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel – it is always used as 만큼. Also, when writing Korean, remember that particles like 만큼 are attached to the preceding word without a space.

How to Use 만큼 in Sentences

만큼 can be used after nouns and even after verb clauses to convey different meanings related to extent or comparison. The usage depends on whether you are comparing nouns or describing the extent of an action or state.

Using 만큼 with Nouns

When attached to a noun, 만큼 expresses that something has an equal degree or amount as that noun. For example:

• 저는 친구만큼 키가 큽니다. – “I am as tall as my friend.”
• 그는 저만큼 빨리 달리지 못합니다. – “He cannot run as fast as I can.”
• 올해 겨울은 작년 겨울만큼 춥습니다. – “This winter is as cold as last winter.”

In these sentences, the phrases 친구만큼, 저만큼, and 작년 겨울만큼 set a comparison standard. The statements assert that the subject has the same degree of the quality (height, speed, coldness) as that standard.

Using 만큼 with Verbs and Adjectives

만큼 can also follow a verb or adjective clause to indicate “to the extent that…” or “so… that….” For example:

• 그는 배가 터질 만큼 많이 먹었습니다. – “He ate so much that his stomach might burst.”
• 바람이 날아갈 만큼 세게 붑니다. – “The wind is blowing so strong that one could be blown away.”

Using -(으)ㄹ 만큼 before 만큼 allows learners to express these high degrees of intensity or extent clearly and naturally.

Differences from Similar Particles

Learners sometimes confuse 만큼 with other particles such as 처럼 and 만.

만큼 vs 처럼

Both indicate comparison, but:

• 처럼: “like,” emphasizing similarity in manner or appearance
• 만큼: “as much as,” emphasizing similarity in degree or quantity

Example:

• 그는 저처럼 달립니다. – “He runs like me.” (style)
• 그는 저만큼 달립니다. – “He runs as much as I do.” (degree)

만큼 vs 만 (h3)

만 means “only,” while 만큼 is comparative.

• 영수는 철수만큼 축구를 잘합니다. – “Youngsu plays soccer as well as Cheolsu.”
• 철수만 축구를 잘합니다. – “Only Cheolsu plays soccer well.”

Common Mistakes with 만큼 

• Do not add particles like 은/는 or 이/가 before 만큼. Use 나만큼, not 나는만큼.
• Do not replace object markers with 만큼. 빵을 먹었습니다 is not the same as 빵만큼 먹었습니다.
• Use the correct verb form: 공부한 만큼 (not 공부 만큼), 먹을 만큼 (not 먹는 만큼).

Conclusion

만큼 is essential for making comparative expressions in Korean. Use it with nouns for equality in amount or with verbs to describe an action’s intensity. Avoid mixing it with unrelated particles or incorrect forms. With practice, learners will gain confidence using 만큼 in both writing and speech.