As much as

The particle -만큼 is used to express that something is equivalent in quantity, degree, or extent to something else. It's the Korean equivalent of 'as much as' or 'to the extent that'.

Formation

With Nouns: Attach -만큼 directly to the end of a noun.

너 (you) + 만큼 → 너만큼 (as much as you)

하늘 (sky) + 만큼 → 하늘만큼 (as much as the sky)

With Verbs: Attach -만큼 to the descriptive form of a verb. The tense of the verb sets the standard for comparison.

Past: Verb stem + -(으)ㄴ 만큼

노력하다 → 노력한 만큼 (as much as one tried)

Present: Verb stem + -는 만큼

원하다 → 원하는 만큼 (as much as one wants)

Future: Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ 만큼

먹다 → 먹을 만큼 (as much as one will eat)

Usage

This pattern sets a benchmark. The main clause describes an action or state that is equal to the benchmark set by the -만큼 phrase.

너만큼 많이 먹어. / 노력한 만큼 나올 거야. / 원하는 만큼 가져가. / 먹을 만큼 접시에 담아.

While the basic meaning of -만큼 is consistent, its function shifts slightly depending on whether it's attached to a noun or a verb.

Nouns as a Benchmark

When -만큼 follows a noun, that noun becomes the direct standard of comparison. It answers the question, "as much as what/who?"

호리 씨만큼 많이 먹어요. (I eat as much as Hori.) - Hori's eating is the standard.

하늘만큼 땅만큼 사랑해. (I love you as much as the sky and the earth.) - The vastness of the sky and earth is the standard.

Verb Phrases as a Benchmark

When -만큼 follows a verb, the entire verb phrase sets the standard. It describes an action or state, and the main clause is equivalent to that degree or amount.

공부한 만큼 점수가 나올 거야. (You'll get a score equivalent to the amount you studied.) - The action of studying is the standard.

필요한 만큼 가져가세요. (Take an amount equivalent to what you need.) - The state of needing is the standard.