많은
maneun[ˈma̠(ː)nɯn]
The Korean word for 'many' is 많은 (maneun).
많은 is used as an adjective to describe an indefinite large number of things. It acts as a modifier that directly precedes the noun it describes.
Meaning: an indefinite large number of (det)
Which one should you use?
In Korean, the way you express 'many' depends on its role in the sentence. Use 많은 when the word directly modifies a noun (e.g., 'many books'). If you want to use 'many' as the main predicate of a sentence to say that something 'is many' or 'is much', you should use the dictionary form 많다 instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
많은 is the conjugated adjective form used to modify a noun directly. The base dictionary form is 많다, which functions as a predicate in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
maneun
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the dictionary form 많다 directly before a noun to modify it. Instead, you must use the conjugated form 많은.
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'many' is often expressed through 'counting words' that change based on whether you are counting animals, bottles, or people, making the use of 많은 part of a complex system of classifiers.
- While English uses 'many' for countable items and 'much' for uncountable ones, Korean often uses the same word 많다 for both, such as 'many people' and 'much water'.
- The word 많다 can also be used to describe a person's character or a certain 'depth' of feeling, implying a sense of abundance that goes beyond simple counting.
Examples in context
- 가능한 한 많은 책을 읽으렴.Read as many books as you can.This sentence shows how to use 많은 to modify a noun.Tatoeba #13250263 by qiwiwi, translation #39506 by CK
- 톰은 많은 언어를 할 줄 알아.Tom speaks many languages.This sentence demonstrates 많은 modifying a noun.Tatoeba #8365131 by Eunhee, translation #6531565 by CK
- 얼마나 더 많은 시간이 걸릴까?How many more hours will this take?This sentence uses 많은 to modify a noun within a question.Tatoeba #8417351 by Eunhee, translation #8416887 by CK
- 이 소설은 상당히 많이 팔렸어요.This novel sold a lot.
- 그 나라에는 수많은 문화 유산들이 있어요.That country has many cultural heritages.
- 오늘은 수많은 사람들이 도서관에 왔어요.Many people came to the library today.
- 오늘은 상당히 많이 먹었어.I ate a lot today.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are talking about a popular cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 카페에 사람이 많은가요?geu ka-pe-e sa-ram-i man-eun-ga-yo?Are there many people in that cafe?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 많은 사람들이 있어요.ne, man-eun sa-ram-deul-i it-eo-yo.Yes, there are many people.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨는 거기 자주 가요?Min-ji ssi-neun geo-gi ja-ju ga-yo?Minji, do you go there often?
- 민지 Min-ji아니요, 너무 북적여서 잘 안 가요.a-ni-yo, neo-mu buk-jeok-yeo-seo jal an ga-yo.No, it is too crowded, so I don't go often.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 많은, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
