A2 · Elementary Chapter 2

Making Comparisons

3 Total Rules
30 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of comparison to express your opinions and preferences with confidence.

  • Construct sentences comparing two distinct items using ~보다 (boda).
  • Adjust the intensity of your descriptions using 더 (deo) and 덜 (deol).
  • Identify the ultimate choice among many using 가장 (gajang) and 제일 (jeil).
Compare, evaluate, and describe the world around you!

What You'll Learn

Alright, superstar! You've mastered the Korean basics, and now it's time to add a powerful new layer to your conversations: comparisons! Ever wanted to say

This is better than that,
or
This one is more delicious
? This chapter is your ticket to expressing preferences, making choices, and describing the world around you with newfound precision. We'll kick things off by mastering '~보다' (boda), the key to saying compared to Noun or than Noun. This fundamental structure will let you pit two things against each other, whether you're comparing prices at a market or sharing your opinion on two different dishes. Next, we'll supercharge your adjectives with '더' (deo) for more and '덜' (deol) for less. You'll learn how to place these simple words right before your descriptive terms to dial up or down their intensity, making your descriptions much more nuanced. And for the grand finale, get ready to talk about the absolute best! We'll introduce '가장' (gajang) or '제일' (jeil), your go-to words for expressing the most. Imagine finding the most beautiful temple or tasting the most delicious street food – these words will help you convey that ultimate experience. By the time you finish this chapter, you won't just be describing things; you'll be *evaluating* them. You'll be able to confidently express what you like most, what's better than something else, and generally communicate your nuanced opinions in Korean. Get ready to compare and conquer!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Compare two objects using the ~보다 particle correctly.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Use intensity modifiers to describe nuanced preferences.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Express superlatives to pick the best or most extreme option.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Alright, superstar! You've mastered the Korean basics, and now it's time to add a powerful new layer to your conversations: Korean comparisons! This chapter is your ticket to expressing preferences, making choices, and describing the world around you with newfound precision. For A2 Korean learners, mastering comparisons like "better than," "more," and "the most" is crucial for engaging in more complex and natural conversations. You'll move beyond simple descriptions to nuanced evaluations, significantly boosting your communicative ability.
In this essential Korean grammar chapter, we'll equip you with three core structures. We'll start with ~보다 (boda), the fundamental particle for "compared to Noun" or "than Noun," allowing you to pit two things against each other. Next, we'll supercharge your adjectives and verbs with 더 (deo) for "more" and 덜 (deol) for "less," adding intensity and nuance to your descriptions. Finally, for the grand finale, you'll learn 가장 (gajang) or 제일 (jeil), your go-to words for expressing "the most," letting you identify the absolute best of anything. By the end, you'll be able to confidently express your opinions and preferences in Korean.

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core Korean grammar A2 structures for making comparisons.
1. Comparisons: Better than (~보다)
The particle ~보다 (boda) is attached to the noun you are comparing *against*. It means "compared to [Noun]" or "than [Noun]". The structure typically looks like:
[Noun 1]이/가 [Noun 2]보다 [Adjective/Verb].
Example

사과가 바나나보다 더 맛있어요. (Apples are more delicious than bananas.)

Example

저는 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요. (I like tea more than coffee.)

You can also place the ~보다 phrase at the beginning for emphasis:
차보다 커피가 더 비싸요. (Compared to tea, coffee is more expensive.)
2. Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)
These adverbs are placed directly *before* adjectives or verbs to indicate "more" or "less."
더 (deo) means "more."
Example

이 옷이 저 옷보다 더 예뻐요. (These clothes are more pretty than those clothes.)

Example

저는 한국어를 더 공부하고 싶어요. (I want to study Korean more.)

덜 (deol) means "less." It's less common than 더 but very useful.
Example

오늘은 어제보다 덜 추워요. (Today is less cold than yesterday.)

Example

그 영화는 제가 생각했던 것보다 덜 재미있었어요. (That movie was less interesting than I thought.)

3. Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)
When you want to express the absolute "most" or "best," you use 가장 (gajang) or 제일 (jeil). Both mean "the most" and are largely interchangeable for A2 Korean learners. They are placed directly *before* the adjective or verb.
Example

김치찌개는 제가 좋아하는 음식 가장 맛있어요. (Kimchi jjigae is the most delicious food I like.)

Example

우리 학교에서 제일 키가 큰 학생은 누구예요? (Who is the most tallest student in our school?)

You can also use them to say "the best":
이 가방이 가장 좋아요. (This bag is the best.)
서울에서 제일 좋은 식당은 어디예요? (Where is the best restaurant in Seoul?)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 이 식당은 저 식당 싸요.
✓ Correct: 이 식당은 저 식당보다 더 싸요. (This restaurant is cheaper than that restaurant.)
*Explanation:* When comparing two specific items, you need ~보다 attached to the item you're comparing *against* to explicitly state "than [that item]." The word 더 (more) also typically accompanies ~보다 for "more [adjective]."
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 저는 숙제를 덜 해요. (I do less homework.) - *If the intention is "I do less homework than others."*
✓ Correct: 저는 숙제를 더 많이 해요. (I do more homework.) OR 저는 다른 사람보다 숙제를 덜 해요. (I do less homework than others.)
*Explanation:* While 덜 means "less," it often needs a comparative context like ~보다. Without it, "덜 해요" can sound a bit incomplete or simply mean "I don't do it much." For a direct comparison of quantity, 더 많이 (more quantity) is often used, or 덜 needs its comparative partner.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 이 책이 저 책보다 가장 좋아요. (This book is the best compared to that book.)
✓ Correct: 이 책이 가장 좋아요. (This book is the best.) OR 이 책이 저 책보다 더 좋아요. (This book is better than that book.)
*Explanation:* 가장 (or 제일) already implies the absolute superlative ("the best"). Combining it with ~보다 ("than") is redundant and grammatically awkward. Use 가장/제일 for "the most" out of a group, and ~보다 더 for "more than" between two items.

Real Conversations

A

A

이 커피가 저 커피보다 더 맛있네요! (This coffee is more delicious than that coffee!)
B

B

맞아요. 여기가 제가 가장 좋아하는 카페예요. (That's right. This is my most favorite cafe.)
A

A

한국어 공부가 영어 공부보다 더 어려워요? (Is studying Korean more difficult than studying English?)
B

B

아니요, 저는 한국어가 영어보다 덜 어려워요. 제일 재미있어요! (No, for me, Korean is less difficult than English. It's the most interesting!)
A

A

어떤 계절을 가장 좋아하세요? (Which season do you like the most?)
B

B

저는 여름보다 겨울을 더 좋아해요. (I like winter more than summer.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do you say "not as... as..." in Korean grammar?

You can use "Noun 1-은/는 Noun 2-보다 덜 [adjective]" or "Noun 1-은/는 Noun 2-만큼 [adjective]지 않다." (e.g., "커피는 차보다 덜 비싸요" - Coffee is less expensive than tea. Or "커피는 차만큼 비싸지 않아요" - Coffee is not as expensive as tea.)

Q

Are 가장 and 제일 interchangeable for all A2 Korean contexts?

Yes, for most everyday conversations and at the A2 level, 가장 and 제일 are interchangeable and mean "the most." You can choose whichever you prefer.

Q

Can I use 더 without ~보다?

Yes! 더 can simply mean "more" or "additionally" without a direct comparison. For example, "더 주세요" (Please give me more) or "더 공부할 거예요" (I will study more).

Q

Where should ~보다 be placed in a sentence?

~보다 attaches directly to the noun you are comparing *against*. It usually comes right after that noun, but the entire [Noun]보다 phrase can be moved around in the sentence for emphasis, as long as 보다 stays with its noun.

Cultural Context

In Korean conversation, direct comparisons using ~보다 더 are very common. Koreans frequently express preferences and opinions, and these structures are essential for polite and clear communication. While 더 is often used, sometimes in very casual speech, it can be omitted if the comparative meaning is clear from context (e.g., "이게 저것보다 비싸" instead of "이게 저것보다 더 비싸"). However, for clarity and good Korean grammar, especially at the A2 level, it's best to include 더. 가장 and 제일 are used constantly to highlight favorites, from food to K-pop idols, making them indispensable for anyone learning Korean.

Key Examples (6)

1

오늘은 어제보다 더 더워요.

Today is hotter than yesterday.

Comparisons: Better than (-boda)
2

지하철이 버스보다 빨라요.

The subway is faster than the bus.

Comparisons: Better than (-boda)
3

이게 더 비싸요.

This is more expensive.

Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)
4

오늘은 어제보다 덜 추워요.

Today is less cold than yesterday.

Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)
5

이 영화가 제일 재미있어요.

This movie is the most fun.

Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)
6

우리 반에서 지수가 가장 키가 커요.

Jisoo is the tallest in our class.

Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Tips & Tricks (3)

💡

Thinking Backwards

It helps to think 'Compared to X...' whenever you see -보다. 'Compared to yesterday, it is hot.'
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons: Better than (-boda)
💡

Use -보다 for clarity

Always use -보다 when you need to specify the comparison target. It makes your sentence much clearer.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)
💡

Context Matters

Use '가장' for writing and '제일' for speaking to sound more natural.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Key Vocabulary (6)

크다 (keuda) to be big 작다 (jakda) to be small 맛있다 (masitda) to be delicious 비싸다 (bissada) to be expensive 아름답다 (areumdapda) to be beautiful 좋다 (jota) to be good

Real-World Preview

utensils

Choosing a Meal

Review Summary

  • Noun + 보다
  • 더/덜 + Adjective
  • 가장/제일 + Adjective

Common Mistakes

You don't need a subject particle after ~보다 because ~보다 is already a particle itself.

Wrong: 서울보다가 커요 (Seoul-boda-ga is big)
Correct: 서울보다 커요 (Seoul-boda is big)

Intensity modifiers like 더 must come BEFORE the adjective, not after the comparison.

Wrong: 더 비싸요보다 (It is more expensive than)
Correct: 보다 더 비싸요 (It is more expensive than)

Do not use both 가장 and 제일 in the same phrase; they mean the same thing and it sounds redundant.

Wrong: 가장 큰 것 제일 (The most big thing the most)
Correct: 가장 큰 것 (The most big thing)

Next Steps

You are doing great! Keep comparing the world around you and watch how quickly your Korean improves.

Write 5 sentences comparing your favorite fruits.

Continue to: Giving Reasons and Background

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가장 예뻐요
Adverb + Adjective.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Fill in the blank.

사과___ 배가 더 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보다
The particle for comparison is -보다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons: Better than (-boda)

Fill in the blank with 더 or 덜.

이 사과가 저 사과보다 ___ 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 더
We are comparing size, and 'more' is appropriate.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)

Choose the correct adverb.

이 영화는 생각보다 ___ 재미있었어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 더
We are saying it was more interesting than expected.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

이게 저것 커요 더.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 이게 저것보다 더 커요
The particle -보다 is missing.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

사과 크다보다 배가 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct
The particle must attach to the noun.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons: Better than (-boda)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 사과보다 더 커요
The correct order is Noun + 보다 + 더 + Adjective.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

제일이 좋아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제일 좋아요
Remove the particle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Fill in the blank with the correct superlative.

이 사과가 ___ 맛있어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 가장
가장 is the superlative adverb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All are correct
The word order can change as long as -보다 is attached to the comparison noun.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons: Better than (-boda)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, it is always -보다.
Yes, you can use it with verb stems (e.g., 먹기보다).
Yes, they work with almost all descriptive adjectives.
No, they are adverbs and do not change.
No, that is redundant. Use one or the other.
No, it can also modify verbs, like '가장 빨리 달리다'.
Previous Chapter
Linking Ideas: And & But
Next Chapter
Giving Reasons and Background
Back to Roadmap