Learn Korean: 얼마 안 + Verb

Let's take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 얼마 안 + Verb. We often use 얼마 in questions to ask how many, how much, how long, etc. For example, we say 얼마예요 (how much is it) and 얼마나 멀어 (how far is it). In here, it is used in a plain statement with the negative form of the verb in its past tense form. We use this when someone stops doing something when he only does little or when someone does something that cuts whatever we are doing. We have done a little or performed less than 50% of it. The point or intention is to do more or give more time. For example, I am having dinner with my daughter. She seems have no appetite and stands up after just three bites. I say Why are you leaving? You haven’t eaten much. The main verb is 먹다 (to eat). Its negative form in past tense is 안 먹었다. 얼마 is placed before it. The actual sentence is 어디 가? 얼마 안 먹었잖아!

얼마 안 봤어요!

Why did you turn the TV off? I watched just a little.

얼마 안 읽었어요.

I haven’t read much. (please give me more time to read it)

얼마 안 마셨는데 왜 벌써 가?

You haven’t drunk much and you’re leaving already?