Meaning and Usage
The adverb '이만큼' means 'this much' or 'to this extent.' It is used to indicate a specific amount, degree, or distance that is relatively close or tangible. It often appears in everyday conversation to express quantity, effort, or proximity.
Common Contexts
- Expressing quantity or amount: "이만큼 일했어요" (I worked this much).
- Indicating physical distance: "이만큼 가까이 와도 돼요?" (Is it okay to come this close?).
- Describing effort or degree: "이만큼 노력했어요" (I tried this much).
Collocations and Patterns
- 이만큼 + verb (일했어요, 노력했어요): to express the extent of an action.
- 이만큼 + distance-related verbs (가까이 오다): to indicate physical closeness.
- 이만큼 + quantity nouns (양, 크기): to specify amount or size.
Register and Politeness
'이만큼' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is common in spoken and written Korean.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '이만큼' with '이만' or '이만큼의.' Remember that '이만큼' specifically emphasizes the amount or degree, while '이만' often means 'this much' in a more abstract or numerical sense without the nuance of physical closeness or tangible extent.