The More... The More... (-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록)
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 to describe how one situation changes in direct proportion to another.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 to express that as one thing increases or changes, another thing follows suit proportionally.
- Attach -면 to the first verb/adjective stem.
- Attach -ㄹ수록 to the same stem for the second part.
- If the stem ends in a consonant, use -으면 and -을수록.
Overview
Korean grammar offers precise ways to articulate complex relationships, and -(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 (pronounced -(eu)myeon -(eu)lsurok) is a cornerstone for expressing direct proportionality. This advanced pattern, suitable for B2-level learners, allows you to convey that “the more X happens or is true, the more Y happens or is true.” It establishes a continuous, escalating relationship between two clauses, where the intensity, frequency, or degree of the first directly influences the second.
This structure moves beyond simple cause-and-effect by highlighting a gradient of change. It is not merely stating that one event leads to another, but rather that the degree of the initial condition dictates the degree of the subsequent outcome. Mastering -(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 enables you to articulate nuanced observations, give sophisticated advice, and describe dynamic situations with native-like fluency, enhancing your ability to discuss complex topics in Korean.
How This Grammar Works
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 combines two grammatical elements: the conditional suffix -(으)면 and the intensifying particle -(으)ㄹ수록. The first part, -(으)면, functions as a general conditional clause, setting up a premise akin to “if” or “when.” The second part, -(으)ㄹ수록, derived from -(으)ㄹ (a future or speculative modifier) and 수록 (a noun meaning “extent” or “degree”), indicates that “as the degree or extent of the preceding action/state increases.”공부하면 공부할수록 (gongbuhamyeon gongbuhalsurok) literally means “if one studies, to the extent one studies more,” effectively conveying “the more one studies.” This grammatical doubling underscores the linearity of the proportional relationship.-(으)면 clause can sometimes be omitted in highly casual conversation or when the context is unmistakably clear. For instance, instead of 하면 할수록 좋다 (hamyeon halsurok jota, “the more one does it, the better it is”), one might simply say 할수록 좋다 (halsurok jota). This abbreviated form is more common with common verbs or adjectives where the initial action is easily inferred.이다 (to be). It is frequently employed to describe personal development, general truths, and ongoing processes. A common fixed expression utilizing this structure is 갈수록 (galsurok), derived from 가다 (to go).갈수록 translates to “as time goes by,” “more and more,” or “increasingly,” implying a progressive change over time, regardless of the initial action. For example, 갈수록 어려워져요. (galsurok eoryeowojyeoyo.) means “It gets more and more difficult as time passes.”한국어가 좋아져요. (Hangugeoga johajyeoyo., “My Korean is getting better”), the -(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 pattern specifically highlights the effort or condition that causes and scales the improvement: 한국어는 공부하면 공부할수록 좋아져요. (Hangugeoneun gongbuhamyeon gongbuhalsurok johajyeoyo., “My Korean gets better in proportion to how much I study.”). This emphasis on the dynamic relationship is what makes the pattern invaluable for expressing nuanced observations.Formation Pattern
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 involves identifying the verb or adjective stem and applying the appropriate ending based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant (batchim). It also requires careful handling of irregular verbs.
-다).
-(으)면).
-면. (e.g., 가다 (to go) → 가- → 가면)
-으면. (e.g., 먹다 (to eat) → 먹- → 먹으면)
-(으)ㄹ수록).
ㄹ batchim, add -ㄹ수록. (e.g., 가- → 갈수록; 살다 (to live) → 살- → 살수록)
-을수록. (e.g., 먹- → 먹을수록)
ㅂ irregulars (e.g., 맵다 (to be spicy), 춥다 (to be cold)): The ㅂ changes to 우 (u) when followed by a vowel. This applies to -(으)면 and -(으)ㄹ수록.
맵다 (maepda) → 매우면 매울수록 (maeumyeon maeulsurok)
ㄷ irregulars (e.g., 듣다 (to listen), 걷다 (to walk)): The ㄷ changes to ㄹ (l) when followed by a vowel.
듣다 (deutda) → 들으면 들을수록 (deureumyeon deureulsurok)
ㅅ irregulars (e.g., 낫다 (to be better/recover)): The ㅅ drops when followed by a vowel.
낫다 (natda) → 나으면 나을수록 (naeumyeon naeulsurok)
ㄹ batchim verbs/adjectives (e.g., 살다 (to live), 만들다 (to make), 멀다 (to be far)): These stems are treated as ending in a vowel for -(으)면 (because the ㄹ drops before -(으)면), but retain the ㄹ for -ㄹ수록.
살다 (salda) → 살면 살수록 (salmyeon salsurok)
만들다 (mandeulda) → 만들면 만들수록 (mandeulmyeon mandeulsurok)
-(으)면) | Second Part (-(으)ㄹ수록) | Full Pattern (Romanization) |
가다 (gada) | 가 | Vowel | 가면 | 갈수록 | 가면 갈수록 (gamyeon galsurok) |
읽다 (ikda) | 읽 | Consonant | 읽으면 | 읽을수록 | 읽으면 읽을수록 (ilgeumyeon ilgeulsurok) |
하다 (hada) | 하 | Vowel | 하면 | 할수록 | 하면 할수록 (hamyeon halsurok) |
맵다 (maepda) | 맵 | ㅂ-irregular | 매우면 | 매울수록 | 매우면 매울수록 (maeumyeon maeulsurok) |
듣다 (deutda) | 듣 | ㄷ-irregular | 들으면 | 들을수록 | 들으면 들을수록 (deureumyeon deureulsurok) |
살다 (salda) | 살 | ㄹ-batchim | 살면 | 살수록 | 살면 살수록 (salmyeon salsurok) |
재미있다 (jaemiitda)| 재미있| Consonant | 재미있으면 | 재미있을수록 | 재미있으면 재미있을수록 (jaemiisseumyeon jaemiisseulsurok) |
When To Use It
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 is used whenever you need to express a gradual and proportional relationship between two changing states or actions. It signifies that as the intensity, frequency, or degree of the first clause increases, the second clause also changes in a directly corresponding manner.- 1Describing General Truths or Maxims: This pattern is ideal for conveying universally applicable observations or advice. It suggests that a certain outcome is consistently linked to a progressing condition.
운동은 하면 할수록 건강에 좋아요.(Undongeun hamyeon halsurok geongange johayo.) - “The more you exercise, the better it is for your health.”질문이 많으면 많을수록 더 많이 배울 수 있어요.(Jilmun-i maneumyeon maneulsurok deo mani baeul su isseoyo.) - “The more questions you have, the more you can learn.”
- 1Expressing Personal Experience or Opinion: Use this pattern to articulate how your feelings, perceptions, or skills evolve with increasing exposure or effort. This is common in reviews or personal reflections.
이 책은 읽으면 읽을수록 새로운 의미를 발견하게 돼요.(I chaeg-eun ilgeumyeon ilgeulsurok saeroun uimireul balgyeonhage dwaeyo.) - “The more I read this book, the more new meanings I discover.”그 사람을 알면 알수록 매력적이에요.(Geu saram-eul almyeon alsurok maeryeokjeogiyeyo.) - “The more I get to know that person, the more charming they become.”
- 1Indicating Progressive Change Over Time: Especially when combined with verbs related to duration or movement, this pattern naturally describes how situations develop or intensify over time. The fixed expression
갈수록is a common variant for this usage.
경제가 어려워지면 어려워질수록 사람들의 불안감도 커져요.(Gyeongjega eoryeowojimyeon eoryeowojilsurok saramdeurui burangamdo keojyeoyo.) - “The more the economy worsens, the greater people's anxiety becomes.”날씨가 추워지면 추워질수록 따뜻한 음식이 생각나요.(Nalssiga chuwojimyeon chuwojilsurok ttatteuthan eumsigi saenggangnayo.) - “The colder the weather gets, the more I crave warm food.”
- 1Describing Both Positive and Negative Proportionality: The pattern itself is neutral; the connotation depends on the verbs/adjectives used. It can convey an increase in desirable qualities or an escalation of problematic situations.
피곤하면 피곤할수록 집중하기 힘들어요.(Pigonhamyeon pigonhalsurok jipjunghagi himdeureoyo.) - “The more tired I am, the harder it is to concentrate.” (Negative outcome)
Common Mistakes
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록. Being aware of these common errors will help you use the pattern accurately and naturally.- 1Omitting the Repeated Verb/Adjective Stem: The most frequent mistake is failing to repeat the verb or adjective stem in the first clause. The structure requires repetition to function correctly.
- Incorrect:
한국어는 공부하면 수록 좋아져요.(Hangugeoneun gongbuhamyeon surok johajyeoyo.) - Correct:
한국어는 공부하면 공부할수록 좋아져요.(Hangugeoneun gongbuhamyeon gongbuhalsurok johajyeoyo.) - “The more you study Korean, the better it gets.”
- 1Incorrect Irregular Verb Conjugation: Irregular verbs (ㅂ, ㄷ, ㅅ, ㄹ) must be conjugated correctly in both parts of the pattern. Errors with
ㅂirregulars are particularly common.
- Incorrect
ㅂirregular:맵으면 맵을수록(mapeumyeon mapeulsurok) for맵다(to be spicy). - Correct
ㅂirregular:매우면 매울수록(maeumyeon maeulsurok). - Incorrect
ㄹbatchim:만들으면 만들을수록(mandeureumyeon mandeureulsurok) for만들다(to make). - Correct
ㄹbatchim:만들면 만들수록(mandeulmyeon mandeulsurok).
- 1Using Past Tense in the First Clause: The
-(으)면clause functions as a general conditional, implying an ongoing or potential action, not a completed one. Therefore, it should never be in the past tense.
- Incorrect:
공부했으면 공부할수록 좋겠어요.(Gongbuhaesseumyeon gongbuhalsurok jokkesseoyo.) - This attempts to mix a hypothetical past with a proportional future, which is ungrammatical here. - Correct:
공부하면 공부할수록 좋겠어요.(Gongbuhamyeon gongbuhalsurok jokkesseoyo.) - “The more you study, the better it would be.”
- 1Using Different Verbs/Adjectives in Each Clause: While there might be highly idiomatic exceptions, the core function of
-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록relies on comparing the increasing degree of the same action or state. Using different words fundamentally changes or breaks the proportional logic.
- Incorrect:
읽으면 들을수록 이해가 돼요.(Ilgeumyeon deureulsurok ihaega dwaeyo.) - “The more I read, the more I understand as I listen.” This phrasing mixes concepts, requiring a different structure to convey. - Correct:
읽으면 읽을수록 이해가 돼요.(Ilgeumyeon ilgeulsurok ihaega dwaeyo.) - “The more I read, the more I understand.”
- 1Applying to Non-Gradual or Single-Event Changes: This pattern describes gradual, continuous, and scalable proportional changes. It is inappropriate for singular, instantaneous events or states that do not intensify incrementally.
- Incorrect:
책을 읽으면 읽을수록 끝났어요.(Chaeg-eul ilgeumyeon ilgeulsurok kkeutnasseoyo.) -
Formation Table
| Type | Stem | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vowel
|
가다
|
-면 -ㄹ수록
|
가면 갈수록
|
|
Consonant
|
먹다
|
-으면 -을수록
|
먹으면 먹을수록
|
|
ㄹ-irregular
|
만들다
|
-면 -ㄹ수록
|
만들면 만들수록
|
|
ㄷ-irregular
|
듣다
|
-으면 -을수록
|
들으면 들을수록
|
|
ㅂ-irregular
|
덥다
|
-으면 -을수록
|
더우면 더울수록
|
|
ㅎ-irregular
|
빨갛다
|
-면 -ㄹ수록
|
빨가면 빨갈수록
|
Meanings
This pattern indicates that the degree of one action or state increases in proportion to the increase of another action or state.
Proportional Increase
As A increases, B increases.
“시간이 지나면 지날수록 더 보고 싶어요.”
“책을 읽으면 읽을수록 지식이 늘어요.”
Proportional Decrease
As A increases, B decreases.
“가까이 가면 갈수록 작아 보여요.”
“나이가 들면 들수록 기억력이 나빠져요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + (으)면 + Stem + (으)ㄹ수록
|
하면 할수록
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + (으)면 + 안 + Stem + (으)ㄹ수록
|
안 하면 안 할수록
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj + (으)면 + Adj + (으)ㄹ수록
|
예쁘면 예쁠수록
|
|
Different Verbs
|
V1 + (으)면 + V2 + (으)ㄹ수록
|
비가 오면 올수록 추워요
|
Formality Spectrum
공부하면 할수록 좋습니다. (Education)
공부하면 할수록 좋아요. (Education)
공부하면 할수록 좋아. (Education)
공부할수록 개꿀. (Education)
Proportional Growth
Growth
- 많으면 많을수록 the more, the better
Time
- 지나면 지날수록 as time passes
Examples by Level
많으면 많을수록 좋아요.
The more, the better.
먹으면 먹을수록 맛있어요.
The more I eat, the tastier it is.
보면 볼수록 예뻐요.
The more I look at it, the prettier it is.
하면 할수록 재미있어요.
The more I do it, the more fun it is.
시간이 지나면 지날수록 그리워요.
The more time passes, the more I miss it.
비싸면 비쌀수록 품질이 좋아요.
The more expensive it is, the better the quality.
어려우면 어려울수록 도전하고 싶어요.
The harder it is, the more I want to challenge it.
가까이 가면 갈수록 잘 보여요.
The closer you go, the better you can see.
연습하면 연습할수록 실력이 늘어요.
The more you practice, the more your skills improve.
나이가 들면 들수록 건강이 중요해요.
The older you get, the more important health becomes.
알면 알수록 신기한 언어예요.
The more I know, the more fascinating the language is.
생각하면 생각할수록 화가 나요.
The more I think about it, the angrier I get.
이 문제는 풀면 풀수록 복잡해집니다.
The more I solve this problem, the more complex it becomes.
경험이 쌓이면 쌓일수록 판단력이 좋아져요.
The more experience you accumulate, the better your judgment becomes.
갈등이 깊어지면 깊어질수록 대화가 필요해요.
The deeper the conflict, the more dialogue is needed.
수요가 많으면 많을수록 가격은 오릅니다.
The higher the demand, the higher the price rises.
그를 알면 알수록 그의 진심을 이해하게 됩니다.
The more I know him, the more I come to understand his sincerity.
기술이 발전하면 발전할수록 인간의 역할은 변화합니다.
The more technology advances, the more the human role changes.
위험하면 위험할수록 더 신중해야 합니다.
The more dangerous it is, the more cautious one must be.
기대가 크면 클수록 실망도 큰 법입니다.
The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.
역사를 배우면 배울수록 인간의 본성을 통찰하게 됩니다.
The more one studies history, the more one gains insight into human nature.
예술적 감각은 연마하면 연마할수록 정교해집니다.
Artistic sense becomes more refined the more it is honed.
권력이 강하면 강할수록 책임도 막중해집니다.
The stronger the power, the heavier the responsibility becomes.
고통이 크면 클수록 성숙의 깊이도 더해집니다.
The greater the pain, the deeper the maturity becomes.
Easily Confused
Both show change.
Common Mistakes
먹으면 먹을수록
먹으면 먹을수록
많으면 많으면
많으면 많을수록
가면 갈수록
가면 갈수록
많을수록 많으면
많으면 많을수록
Sentence Patterns
___하면 ___할수록 좋아요.
Real World Usage
알면 알수록 매력적인 한국!
Repetition
Smart Tips
Use the same verb twice.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The ㄹ in ㄹ수록 is pronounced clearly.
Rising-Falling
하면↗ 할수록↘
Emphasis on the progression.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'If' (면) leads to 'More' (ㄹ수록).
Visual Association
Imagine a staircase where every step you take (면) makes the next step higher (ㄹ수록).
Rhyme
면, ㄹ수록, the more you do, the more it grew.
Story
Min-su loves coffee. He drinks one cup, then two. The more he drinks (마시면), the more awake he gets (마실수록). Soon, he is dancing all night!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your hobby using this pattern today.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in proverbs and daily life to show wisdom.
Derived from the conditional '-(으)면' and the suffix '-ㄹ수록' indicating degree.
Conversation Starters
한국어를 공부하면 할수록 어때요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
공부를 (하다) ___ ___ ___ 실력이 늘어요.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises공부를 (하다) ___ ___ ___ 실력이 늘어요.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercises비싸면 ___ 좋아요.
책은 읽으면 읽을수록 지식이 쌓여요.
[볼수록 / 이 / 마음에 / 선물은 / 들어요 / 보면]
The earlier, the better.
Choose the sentence where things get worse:
Match the pairs:
거리가 ___ 멀수록 시간이 오래 걸려요.
날씨가 추우면 추울수록 따뜻한 커피가 생각나요.
협력하면 협력할수록...
[보고 / 갈수록 / 싶어요 / 당신이]
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
Yes, but it's less common.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Cuanto más... más...
Spanish uses 'cuanto' while Korean uses a conditional verb.
Plus... plus...
French is more concise.
Je... desto...
German word order changes.
ba... hodo...
Particles differ.
越... 越...
Chinese does not conjugate.
كلما... كلما...
Arabic uses 'kullama'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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