N + -만 해도 (Even just looking at... / Up until just...)
Meaning: 1) Just taking ... as an example. 2) (With time nouns) Even as recently as ... (contrasting past with present).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Representative example: Noun (N) + -만 해도
- Time contrast: Time noun + (전/까지)만 해도
Detailed Usage
Meaning 1: Cites a concrete example to support a preceding general statement. Meaning 2: Attaches to time expressions (어제, 지난달, 10년 전) to highlight a sharp change between then and now.
Example Sentences
- 1
요즘은 취직하기가 어렵다. 제 동생만 해도 2년째 직장을 못 구하고 있거든요.
Yojeumeun chwijikhagiga eoryeopda. je dongsaengman haedo 2nyeonjjae jikjangeul mot guhago itgeodeunyo.
Getting a job is hard these days. Just take my younger brother—he hasn't been able to find a job for two years.
- 2
지난달까지만 해도 이 옷이 맞았는데 지금은 작아서 입을 수가 없다.
Jinandalkkajiman haedo i osi majanneunde jigeumeun jagaseo ibeul suga eopda.
Up until just last month these clothes fit me, but now they're too small to wear.
- 3
10년 전만 해도 한국에 외국인이 이렇게 많지 않았다.
10nyeon jeonman haedo hanguge oegugini ireotge manji anatda.
Even just ten years ago, there were not this many foreigners in Korea.
Important Notes
Can be replaced with '-만 하더라도' for stronger emphasis.
