만 해도 ① — Just, Even just, Without having to consider

This expression is used when providing examples to explain a situation or statement made previously.

It is equivalent in meaning to the phrases 의 경우만 봐도 and 만 하더라도.

Details

This expression can also be used to express a situation that is opposite to what was the case in the past. In such cases, a time word is often followed by 전만 해도 an alternate form of this expression.

지난달까지만 해도 이 옷이 맞았었는데 지금은 작아서 입을 수가 없어요.

Only last month (without the need to go back further in time), these clothes fit me, but now they're so small I can't wear them.

10년 전만 해도 한국에 이렇게 외국 사람이 많지는 않았어요.

Only 10 years ago (without the need to go back further in time), there weren't this many foreigners in Korea.

가: 요즘 모임이 많은가 봐요. 나: 네, 연말이라서 좀 많네요. 오늘만 해도 모임이 세 개나 있어서 어떻게 해야 할지 모르겠어요.

A: These days, you seem to have a lot of meetings. B: Yes, there are a lot because it's the end of the year. Just today alone (without having to consider any other days) I have three meetings, so I really don't know what to do.

가: 여름 방학에 유럽으로 배낭여행을 가는 학생들이 많다고 들었어요. 나: 네, 맞아요. 제 친구들만 해도 벌써 여러 명이 다녀왔어요.

A: Regarding going backpacking to Europe during summer vacation, I heard a lot of students do that. B: Yes, you're right. Even just among my friends (without having to consider anyone else), many have done so.

민선 씨가 요즘 정말 열심히 공부하는 것 같아요. 어제만 해도 밤 10시까지 도서관에서 공부 더라고요.

It looks like Minseon is really studying hard these days. Yesterday alone (without having to consider any other days) she studied until 10 at night at the library.