Unit 27: To Be Worth Doing (-(으)ㄹ 만하다)

If you want to recommend something in Easy Korean by saying "it is worth doing" or "it is acceptable/bearable," you use -(으)ㄹ 만하다.

Structure

Verb Stem + -(으)ㄹ 만하다

1. Vowel: -ㄹ 만하다 (가다 -> 갈 만해요 - worth going)
2. Consonant: -을 만하다 (먹다 -> 먹을 만해요 - worth eating / edible)

Nuance

It doesn't always mean it is the absolute best thing ever. It often means "it has enough value to justify doing it" or "it is decent." - 이 책은 읽을 만해요. (This book is worth reading.) - 맵지만 참을 만해요. (It is spicy, but bearable / worth bearing.)

Examples

• 서울에 가 볼 만한 곳이 있어요? (Are there any places worth visiting in Seoul?)
• 그 영화는 돈을 내고 볼 만해요. (That movie is worth paying money to see.)