Compared To: Evaluation & Relative Judgement (-에 비해)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -에 비해 to compare two things by highlighting the difference in their qualities or quantities.
- Attach -에 비해 directly to nouns: '작년에 비해' (compared to last year).
- Use -에 비해서 for emphasis or slightly more formal contexts.
- Often followed by -는/은 or -가/이 to contrast specific attributes.
Overview
Korean, like any language, offers various ways to compare and contrast. While basic comparisons might use particles like -보다 (-boda, "than"), expressing a more nuanced, evaluative judgment requires a deeper grammatical tool. This is where -에 비해 (-e bihae) comes into play.
Meaning "compared to," "in comparison with," or "relative to," this pattern allows you to establish a baseline or standard against which you then make an observation or assessment.
At its core, -에 비해 is used when you want to articulate that something is either surprisingly good or bad, expected or unexpected, when measured against a particular criterion. You aren’t merely stating a difference, but rather offering a qualitative judgment. For instance, if you describe a small dog as 덩치에 비해 목소리가 크다 (deongchie bihae moksoriga keuda, "its voice is loud compared to its size"), you're not just comparing its voice to its size; you're highlighting a disproportionality – an expectation that a small dog would have a small voice – and commenting on how that expectation is defied.
This pattern is derived from the verb 비하다 (bihada), meaning "to compare" or "to liken." The particle -에 (-e) marks the preceding noun as the standard or object of comparison, acting as a reference point. The 비해 part is the –아/어 (-a/eo) form of 비하다, which functions adverbially, modifying the entire clause that follows. It effectively sets a contextual frame for the main statement, positioning the initial noun as the lens through which the rest of the sentence should be understood.
For learners at a B2 (Upper-Intermediate) CEFR level, mastering -에 비해 is crucial. It moves beyond simple factual statements to enable more sophisticated discussions involving critical analysis, justification of opinions, and the articulation of complex observations. It's a hallmark of an advanced speaker who can not only describe but also evaluate and interpret their surroundings.
이 책은 가격에 비해 내용이 정말 알차요. (I chaegeun gagyoge bihae naeyongi jeongmal alchayo.) - "This book's content is really substantial for its price." This sentence isn't just saying the book is cheaper than other books with similar content; it’s evaluating the quality of content as exceeding expectations given the price point.
How This Grammar Works
-보다 provides a direct, often objective, comparison between two entities (e.g., 나는 너보다 키가 크다. - "I am taller than you."), -에 비해 serves a distinct function: to introduce a subjective evaluation where the preceding noun acts as a benchmark or criterion against which the following statement is assessed. It's less about "A versus B" and more about "A, considering B."-에 비해 involves establishing an implicit expectation associated with the standard noun, and then evaluating the main clause's content against that expectation. When you hear 작년에 비해 날씨가 따뜻해요. (jangnyeone bihae nalssiga ttatteuthaeyo., "The weather is warm compared to last year"), there's an underlying assumption that the weather should be colder than it is, given that it’s 작년 (last year) as the comparison point. The warmth is then perceived as noteworthy or unexpected in that context.기대했던 것에 비해 실망이 컸어요. (gidaehaetdeon geose bihae silmangi keosseoyo., "My disappointment was great compared to what I had expected"), where the 실망 (disappointment) is judged relative to the 기대 (expectation).그 선수는 나이에 비해 경력이 화려해요.(Geu seonsuneun naie bihae gyeongnyeogi hwaryeohaeyo., "That athlete has an impressive career for their age.") Here, the화려한 경력(impressive career) is evaluated as remarkable because it’s happening at a젊은 나이(young age), implying a disproportionality between age and career achievements.
이 지역은 물가에 비해 생활비가 저렴한 편이에요.(I jiyeogeun mulgae bihae saenghwalbiga jeoryeomhan pyeonieyo., "Living expenses in this area are relatively cheap compared to the prices.") This isn't just saying living expenses are cheap; it's a judgment that they are cheap even when considering the general price level of goods and services, suggesting good value.
새로운 시스템은 광고에 비해 성능이 좋지 않아요.(Saeroun sistemeun gwanggoye bihae seongneungi jochi anayo., "The new system's performance isn't good compared to its advertisement.") This expresses disappointment. The성능이 좋지 않다(performance isn't good) is a negative evaluation directly contrasted with the positive광고(advertisement), implying the ads oversold the product.
-에 비해 enables you to add depth to your observations, allowing you to not just report facts but also to comment on their significance or unexpectedness within a given context.Formation Pattern
-에 비해 is its straightforward formation. It primarily attaches directly to nouns. Unlike many other particles or endings in Korean, it does not require different forms based on whether the preceding noun ends in a consonant or a vowel.
명사).
-에 비해.
가격 | (gagyok, price) | 가격에 비해 | gagyoge bihae | Compared to the price |
경험 | (gyeongheom, experience) | 경험에 비해 | gyeongheome bihae | Compared to the experience |
저번 | (jeobeon, last time) | 저번에 비해 | jeobone bihae | Compared to last time |
기대 | (gidae, expectation) | 기대에 비해 | gidae-e bihae | Compared to expectations |
-서 Variant: Noun + -에 비해서
-에 비해서 (-e bihaeseo).
-서 (-seo) carries a subtle nuance of "and so," "because of," or sequentially "having done X, then Y." In the context of -에 비해, it doesn't change the core meaning of comparison or evaluation. It can make the phrase sound slightly more complete or deliberate, and sometimes adds a more rhythmic flow, especially in longer sentences or formal speech.
-에 비해 and -에 비해서 are interchangeable in most contexts. In casual, rapid speech or texting, the shorter -에 비해 is often preferred for conciseness.
예상 | (yesang, prediction) | 예상에 비해서 | yesange bihaeseo | Compared to the prediction |
다른 팀 | (dareun tim, other team) | 다른 팀에 비해서 | dareun time bihaeseo | Compared to other teams |
-는 것 + -에 비해
-에 비해 requires a noun as its preceding element, you cannot directly attach it to verbs (동사) or adjectives (형용사).
-는 것 (-neun geot) pattern, which transforms a clause into a noun phrase meaning "the act of doing [verb]" or "the state of being [adjective]."
공부하다 | (gongbuhada, to study) | 공부하는 것 | + -에 비해 | 공부하는 것에 비해 | gongbuhaneun geose bihae | Compared to studying (the act of studying) |
힘들다 | (himdeulda, to be difficult) | 힘든 것 | + -에 비해 | 힘든 것에 비해 | himdeun geose bihae | Compared to being difficult (the state of being difficult) |
그는 노력하는 것에 비해 성과가 좋아요. (Geuneun noryeokhaneun geose bihae seonggwaga johayo.) - "Compared to the effort he puts in, his results are good." (합니다체)
어려운 것에 비해 빨리 배웠어. (Eoryeoun geose bihae ppalli baewosseo.) - "Considering how difficult it was, I learned it quickly." (해체)
When To Use It
-에 비해 is a versatile pattern that allows for nuanced expressions of judgment and observation. Here are the primary situations where you will find yourself using it:-에 비해 to judge the merit, performance, or intrinsic quality of something against a specific standard, often highlighting whether it meets, exceeds, or falls short of expectations.이 핸드폰은 가격에 비해 기능이 아주 뛰어나요.(I haendeupon-eun gagyoge bihae gineungi aju ttwieonayo.) - "This phone has excellent features for its price." (Implies great value for money.)새로 나온 책은 기대에 비해 내용이 부실했어요.(Saero naon chaegeun gidae-e bihae naeyongi busilhaesseoyo.) - "The new book's content was flimsy compared to expectations." (Expresses disappointment.)우리 회사 제품은 경쟁사 제품에 비해 내구성이 좋아요.(Uri hoesa jejumeun gyeongjaengsa jejume bihae naeguseongi johayo.) - "Our company's products have good durability compared to competitors' products." (Highlighting a competitive advantage.)
그 아이는 나이에 비해 키가 커요.(Geu aineun naie bihae kiga keoyo.) - "That child is tall for their age." (Implies they are unusually tall for a child of that age.)이 작은 도시는 규모에 비해 문화시설이 잘 되어 있어요.(I jageun dosineun gyumoye bihae munhwasiseori jal doeeo isseoyo.) - "This small city has good cultural facilities for its size." (An unexpected positive trait for a small city.)그는 외모에 비해 성격이 소극적이에요.(Geuneun oemoe bihae seonggyeogi sogeukjeogieyo.) - "His personality is introverted compared to his appearance." (Implies his looks might suggest a more outgoing personality, creating an unexpected contrast.)
-에 비해 is employed to establish a historical or comparative baseline.지난달에 비해 이번 달 매출이 20% 증가했습니다.(Jinandare bihae ibeon dal maechuri 20% jeunggahetseumnida.) - "This month's sales increased by 20% compared to last month." (Factual, yet still an evaluative statement in a business context.)작년에 비해 올해 여행객 수가 많이 늘었어요.(Jangnyeone bihae olhae yeohaenggaek suga mani neureosseoyo.) - "The number of tourists significantly increased this year compared to last year." (Observing a trend.)예상보다 물가 상승률이 빠르게 오르는 것에 비해 임금은 그대로예요.(Yesangboda mulga sangseungnyuri ppareuge oreuneun geose bihae imgeumeun geudaeroyeyo.) - "Wages are stagnant compared to the faster-than-expected rise in inflation." (A critical economic observation.)
-에 비해 to offer broader evaluative comments or insights, reflecting on differences between categories or general patterns.한국의 겨울은 북유럽에 비해 건조한 편이에요.(Hangukui gyeoureun bungnyureop-e bihae geonjohan pyeonieyo.) - "Korean winters are relatively dry compared to Northern Europe." (A geographical observation.)대도시는 시골에 비해 편의시설은 많지만 공기가 안 좋아요.(Daedosineun sigore bihae pyeonuiseoseoreun manchiman gonggiga an johayo.) - "Big cities have more amenities compared to the countryside, but the air quality is bad." (A comparative insight into urban vs. rural living.)
-에 비해 to enrich your Korean expressions with depth and analytical power.Common Mistakes
-에 비해 can lead to unnatural or incorrect usage. Recognizing and understanding why these are mistakes is key to fluent and accurate expression.-보다 (Simple vs. Evaluative Comparison):- The Error: Using
-에 비해for straightforward, objective comparisons where-보다(-boda) would be more appropriate and natural. - Incorrect:
나는 내 동생에 비해 키가 더 커요.(Naneun nae dongsaenge bihae kiga deo keoyo.) – "Compared to my younger sibling, I am taller." - The Correction:
나는 내 동생보다 키가 더 커요.(Naneun nae dongsaengboda kiga deo keoyo.) – "I am taller than my younger sibling." - Why it's wrong:
-보다simply states a factual difference in degree or quantity between two items (A > B or A < B).-에 비해, however, carries an inherent nuance of evaluation or judgment, often implying an element of unexpectedness or disproportionality. If you use-에 비해for a simple height comparison, it sounds unnecessarily wordy and implies there's something surprising or noteworthy about your height relative to your sibling's, which is typically not the intended meaning. Reserve-에 비해for situations where the comparison is being used to make a qualitative assessment, not just a quantitative one.
- The Error: Attempting to use
-에 비해directly after a verb or adjective stem. - Incorrect:
매일 운동하다에 비해 몸이 약한 편이에요.(Maeil undonghada-e bihae momi yakhan pyeonieyo.) – "Compared to exercising every day, my body is weak." - The Correction:
매일 운동하는 것에 비해 몸이 약한 편이에요.(Maeil undonghaneun geose bihae momi yakhan pyeonieyo.) – "Compared to the act of exercising every day, my body is weak." - Why it's wrong: The particle
-에(-e) fundamentally attaches to nouns or nominalized phrases. Verbs and adjectives describe actions or states, and thus cannot directly precede-에 비해. To bridge this, you must nominalize the verb or adjective clause using-는 것(-neun geot). This transforms the action or state into a conceptual noun (e.g., "the act of studying," "the state of being difficult"), which can then correctly take-에 비해.
-에 비하면 vs. -에 비해:- The Difference: While extremely similar,
-에 비하면(-e bihamyeon) introduces a conditional aspect ("if you compare it to..."). It can imply a hypothetical comparison or a slightly softer, more inviting tone for the listener to consider the comparison.-에 비해is a more direct, declarative statement of comparison and evaluation. -에 비해(Direct Evaluation):이 컴퓨터는 성능에 비해 가격이 비싸요.(I keompyuteoneun seongneunge bihae gagyogi bissayo.) – "This computer is expensive compared to its performance."-에 비하면(Conditional/Softer):다른 컴퓨터에 비하면 이 컴퓨터가 더 좋아요.(Dareun keompyuteoe bihamyeon i keompyuteoga deo johayo.) – "If you compare it to other computers, this one is better."- Mistake: Using them interchangeably without acknowledging the subtle conditional or rhetorical difference of
-(으)면. While often acceptable in casual conversation, for precise and impactful writing, consider if you want to state a direct evaluation (-에 비해) or invite a comparative consideration (-에 비하면).-(으)면often signals that the speaker is presenting a perspective or inviting agreement, rather than just stating a conclusion.
-에 비해서 in Informal Contexts:- The Mistake: Consistently using the longer
-에 비해서even in very casual conversations or texting. - Why it's wrong: While grammatically correct, the
-서can add a minor degree of formality or completeness that feels slightly unnatural in highly informal settings. Native speakers often drop the-서for brevity and a more fluid, casual sound when talking to friends or in quick exchanges. For example, in a text,지난주에 비해 많이 바빠.(Jinanju-e bihae mani bappa.) ("I'm much busier compared to last week.") sounds more natural than지난주에 비해서 많이 바빠.
-에 비해 to sound more natural and accurate, moving closer to native-like proficiency.Real Conversations
Understanding how a grammar point functions in theory is one thing; observing its use in authentic, varied contexts is another. Here’s how -에 비해 appears in everyday Korean communication, from casual texts to formal reports.
1. Casual Chat (Texting, Talking with Friends):
In informal settings, conciseness is often prioritized, and the -서 in -에 비해서 is frequently dropped. You'll see a blend of standard and slang vocabulary.
- Scenario: Discussing a new restaurant
- A: 여기 음식 가격에 비해 양 개혜자임. (Yeogi eumshik gagyoge bihae yang gaehyejaim.)
(Here, the food portion is super generous for the price.)
Comment
개혜자 is slang for something that offers incredibly good value.*- B: ㅇㅈ. 분위기는 별론데 맛은 넘사벽. (Injjeong. Bunwigineun byeollonde maseun neomsabyeok.)
(Agree. The atmosphere isn't great, but the taste is out of this world.)
- Scenario: Commenting on a celebrity
- A: 걔 나이에 비해 진짜 동안 아님? (Gya naie bihae jinjja dongan anim?)
(Isn't that person really youthful-looking for their age?)
- B: ㅇㅇ 부럽다. 관리 엄청 하나봐. (Eung. Bureopda. Gwalli eomcheong hanabwa.)
(Yeah, I'm jealous. Looks like they take great care of themselves.)
2. Workplace Communication (Emails, Meetings, Presentations):
In professional environments, language tends to be more formal. You'll often see 합니다체 (-습니다/-ㅂ니다) and complete sentences. Both -에 비해 and -에 비해서 are used, with the latter perhaps slightly more common due to its slightly more deliberate feel.
- Scenario: Performance review in a meeting
- 김 팀장님, 이번 프로젝트는 짧은 기간에 비해 매우 성공적이었습니다. (Gim timjangnim, ibeon peurojekteuneun jjalbeun gigane bihae maeu seonggongjeogieotseumnida.)
(Team Leader Kim, this project was very successful compared to its short duration.)
- 특히, 투입된 예산에 비해서 높은 수익을 창출했습니다. (Teukhi, tuipdoen yesane bihaeseo nopeun suigeul changchulhaetseumnida.)
(Specifically, we generated high profits compared to the budget invested.)
- Scenario: Email update to a client
- 안녕하세요, 고객님. 지난주에 비해 문의량이 증가하여 답변이 지연될 수 있습니다. (Annyeonghaseyo, gogaeknim. Jinanju-e bihae munuiryang-i jeunggahayeo dapbyeoni jiyeondoeol su itseumnida.)
(Hello, customer. Due to an increase in inquiries compared to last week, responses may be delayed.)
3. Online Reviews / Public Commentary:
Here, the tone can vary but is often direct and evaluative, as people express their opinions about products, services, or experiences.
- 이 영화는 평점에 비해 몰입도가 떨어지네요. 실망입니다. (I yeonghwaneun pyeongjeome bihae moripdoga tteoreojineyo. Silmangimnida.)
(This movie's immersion factor is low compared to its rating. I'm disappointed.)
- 새로 산 이어폰, 광고에 비해서 음질이 별로예요. 돈 아까워요. (Saero san ieopon, gwanggoye bihaeseo eumjiri byeolloyeyo. Don akkawoyo.)
(The new earphones I bought, the sound quality is bad compared to the advertisement. What a waste of money.)
Cultural Insight
가성비 (Cost-Effectiveness)The concept of 가성비 (gaseongbi, an abbreviation of 가격 대비 성능비, "price-to-performance ratio") is deeply ingrained in Korean consumer culture. Koreans are highly attuned to whether a product or service offers good value for its price. -에 비해 is the quintessential grammatical tool for articulating 가성비 judgments. When someone says 이 카페는 분위기에 비해 커피 맛이 좋다 (I kape-neun bunwigie bihae keopi masi johda., "This cafe's coffee tastes good compared to its atmosphere"), they are often indirectly praising its 가성비 for coffee quality, even if the ambiance isn't top-notch. This reflects a pragmatic and discerning approach to value.
These examples illustrate that -에 비해 is a pervasive and essential part of everyday and formal Korean, enabling speakers to make sophisticated judgments and comparisons.
Quick FAQ
-에 비해:-에 비해 and -에 비해서?-서 (-seo) simply connects the comparative phrase to the main clause, subtly implying a sequence ("having compared X, then Y") or a reason ("because of comparing X"). However, in practical usage, it primarily affects the rhythm and formality.-에 비해 is generally more concise and often preferred in casual conversation, texting, or when the speaker wants to be direct. -에 비해서 can sound slightly more complete, deliberate, or even a touch more formal. You can use them interchangeably in most contexts without causing misunderstanding.- Example (Casual):
어제에 비해 오늘 날씨 진짜 좋다!(Eoje-e bihae oneul nalssi jinjja johda!) - "Compared to yesterday, today's weather is really good!" - Example (Slightly more deliberate/formal):
지난달에 비해서 이번 달 실적이 훨씬 나아졌습니다.(Jinandare bihaeseo ibeon dal siljeogi hwolssin naajyeotseumnida.) - "Compared to last month, this month's performance has significantly improved."
-에 비해 be used with abstract concepts, emotions, or hypothetical situations?-에 비해 is highly versatile and can be used to compare and evaluate a wide range of abstract nouns and nominalized concepts, including feelings, ideas, and even hypothetical scenarios (when nominalized).기대에 비해 실망이 컸어요.(Gidae-e bihae silmangi keosseoyo.) - "My disappointment was great compared to my expectations." (Comparing an emotion/outcome to an abstract concept.)노력하는 것에 비해 결과가 만족스럽지 않아요.(Noryeokhaneun geose bihae gyeolgwaga manjokseureopji anayo.) - "The results aren't satisfying compared to the effort." (Comparing an outcome to a nominalized action.)예상했던 어려움에 비해 해결이 빨랐어요.(Yesanghaetdeon eoryeoume bihae haegyeori ppallatseoyo.) - "The solution was fast compared to the difficulties we had anticipated." (Comparing a process to an abstract challenge.)
-에 비해 relate to other proportional or comparative grammar points like -(으)ㄹ수록 ("The More... The More")?-(으)ㄹ수록(-(eu)lsurok) expresses a direct proportional relationship or a trend where one variable changes in conjunction with another. For example,공부할수록 어려워져요.(gongbuhalsurok eoryeowojyeoyo.) ("The more you study, the more difficult it becomes.") It describes how things evolve together.-에 비해sets a baseline for an evaluation, often highlighting an unexpected outcome, disproportionality, or judgment against a standard. For example,공부한 양에 비해 성적이 좋았어요.(gongbuhan yang-e bihae seongjeogi johasseoyo.) ("Your grades were good compared to the amount you studied.") – implying the grades were surprisingly good given the study effort.
-(으)ㄹ수록 describes how things change along with something, while -에 비해 evaluates something against a reference point.-에 비해 would sound explicitly awkward or unnatural?-보다 is superior), it can sound awkward if the comparison or judgment it implies is too obvious, trivial, or universally accepted. The strength of -에 비해 lies in highlighting observations that are not immediately self-evident or that defy a general expectation.- Awkward:
새는 물고기에 비해 날 수 있어요.(Sae-neun mulgogie bihae nal su isseoyo.) - "A bird can fly compared to a fish." - Why: It's universally known that birds fly and fish swim. The comparison provides no new or evaluative insight, making the complex structure feel redundant and unnatural. The purpose of
-에 비해is to offer a meaningful perspective, not state a banality. If the comparison lacks an evaluative element or surprising twist, it's best to avoid-에 비해.
-보다.Formation Table
| Noun | Particle | Combined Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
작년
|
-에 비해
|
작년에 비해
|
Compared to last year
|
|
가격
|
-에 비해
|
가격에 비해
|
Compared to price
|
|
기대
|
-에 비해
|
기대에 비해
|
Compared to expectations
|
|
나이
|
-에 비해
|
나이에 비해
|
Compared to age
|
|
성능
|
-에 비해
|
성능에 비해
|
Compared to performance
|
|
어제
|
-에 비해
|
어제에 비해
|
Compared to yesterday
|
Variations
| Form | Nuance |
|---|---|
|
-에 비해
|
Standard
|
|
-에 비해서
|
Slightly more emphatic
|
Meanings
This structure is used to establish a standard of comparison. It indicates that the following statement is relative to the noun mentioned before the particle.
Standard Comparison
Comparing two entities based on a specific trait.
“우리 회사 매출은 작년에 비해 20% 성장했다.”
“도시 생활은 시골에 비해 물가가 비싸다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 에 비해
|
작년에 비해 좋다
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + 에 비해 + 안/못
|
기대에 비해 못 미친다
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 에 비해 + 어때요?
|
가격에 비해 어때요?
|
|
Emphasis
|
Noun + 에 비해서
|
어제에 비해서 춥다
|
Formality Spectrum
가격에 비해 품질이 좋습니다. (Shopping)
가격에 비해 품질이 좋아요. (Shopping)
가격에 비해 품질이 좋아. (Shopping)
가성비 짱이야. (Shopping)
Comparison Logic
Usage
- Trends Data changes
- Expectations Reality vs Plan
Examples by Level
어제에 비해 오늘이 덥다.
Compared to yesterday, today is hot.
여기에 비해 저기가 좋다.
Compared to here, there is better.
작년에 비해 키가 컸다.
Compared to last year, I grew taller.
가격에 비해 맛있다.
It is tasty compared to the price.
기대에 비해 결과가 나쁘다.
Compared to expectations, the result is bad.
도시에 비해 시골은 조용하다.
Compared to the city, the countryside is quiet.
예상에 비해 사람이 많다.
Compared to the estimate, there are many people.
노력에 비해 성적이 낮다.
Compared to the effort, the grades are low.
작년 매출에 비해 올해는 많이 올랐다.
Compared to last year's sales, this year it increased a lot.
그의 나이에 비해 매우 똑똑하다.
He is very smart compared to his age.
이 제품은 성능에 비해 가격이 저렴하다.
This product is cheap compared to its performance.
지난달에 비해 업무량이 줄었다.
Compared to last month, the workload decreased.
한국의 경제 규모에 비해 문화적 영향력은 크다.
Compared to Korea's economic size, its cultural influence is large.
이론에 비해 실습 시간이 부족하다.
Compared to theory, practice time is insufficient.
다른 지역에 비해 이곳은 범죄율이 낮다.
Compared to other regions, this place has a low crime rate.
준비한 시간에 비해 발표가 잘 끝났다.
Compared to the time prepared, the presentation ended well.
과거의 관습에 비해 현대의 가치관은 많이 변했다.
Compared to past customs, modern values have changed a lot.
국가 예산에 비해 복지 지출은 여전히 미미한 수준이다.
Compared to the national budget, welfare spending is still at a trivial level.
그의 명성에 비해 실력은 다소 과대평가된 감이 있다.
Compared to his reputation, his ability feels somewhat overrated.
지리적 이점에 비해 교통 인프라가 낙후되어 있다.
Compared to its geographical advantage, the transport infrastructure is underdeveloped.
전통적인 문법 체계에 비해 현대 한국어는 유연한 구조를 지닌다.
Compared to the traditional grammatical system, modern Korean has a flexible structure.
그의 방대한 저술에 비해 대중적 인지도는 낮다.
Compared to his vast body of work, his public recognition is low.
급격한 산업화에 비해 사회적 의식은 더디게 변화했다.
Compared to rapid industrialization, social consciousness changed slowly.
기존의 연구 결과에 비해 본 연구는 새로운 시각을 제시한다.
Compared to existing research results, this study presents a new perspective.
Easily Confused
Both are used for comparison.
Both start with -에.
Very similar to -에 비해.
Common Mistakes
먹다에 비해
식사량에 비해
작년보다에 비해
작년에 비해
그것은 비해서 작다
그것에 비해 작다
비교하면 작다
그것에 비해 작다
Sentence Patterns
___에 비해 ___가 더/덜 해요.
___에 비해 ___는/은 ___네요.
___에 비해 ___가 훨씬 ___.
___에 비해 ___의 ___가 높아요.
Real World Usage
전 분기에 비해 매출이 10% 증가했습니다.
가격에 비해 성능이 아주 좋습니다.
어제에 비해 오늘 날씨가 너무 좋네!
기존 이론에 비해 본 연구는 새로운 관점을 제시한다.
작년에 비해 물가가 크게 올랐습니다.
지난 경험에 비해 더 많은 책임을 맡고 싶습니다.
Noun Only
Don't use with -보다
Use -에 비해서
Professionalism
Smart Tips
Use -에 비해 to sound more analytical.
Use -에 비해 to show surprise or contrast.
Use -에 비해 to highlight value.
Use -에 비해 to frame the reality.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The '에' and '비' are pronounced clearly. No special sound changes.
Rising-Falling
작년에 비해↗, 매출이↘...
Sets the context before the main point.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '비해' as 'Be-high'—you are holding one thing 'high' to compare it to another.
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side is a heavy rock (the noun), and on the other is your subject. You are measuring the weight of your subject against that rock.
Rhyme
Compared to the past, it's a new blast, use -에 비해 to make it last.
Story
Min-su looked at his small apartment. 'Compared to my old house (옛날 집에 비해), this is tiny!' he sighed. But then he looked at the rent. 'Compared to the rent (월세에 비해), it's a bargain!' he smiled.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences comparing your current Korean level to your level one month ago.
Cultural Notes
Koreans use this frequently in meetings to justify decisions based on data.
Used in reviews for products.
Used in papers to compare theories.
Derived from the verb '비하다' (to compare), which has roots in Sino-Korean '比' (비).
Conversation Starters
작년에 비해 한국어 실력이 어때요?
요즘 날씨가 어제에 비해 어때요?
이 식당은 가격에 비해 맛이 어때요?
도시 생활은 시골에 비해 뭐가 좋아요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
작년 ___ 비해 올해는 더 바빠요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
작년보다에 비해 매출이 올랐어요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Compared to yesterday, today is cold.
Answer starts with: 어제에...
Use '기대' and '결과' to make a comparison.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 이 옷 어때요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises작년 ___ 비해 올해는 더 바빠요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
작년보다에 비해 매출이 올랐어요.
비해 / 가격 / 이 / 좋아요 / 에 / 품질이
Compared to yesterday, today is cold.
Use '기대' and '결과' to make a comparison.
Match the noun.
A: 이 옷 어때요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesCompared to the photo, the room is small. 사진___ ___ 방이 작아요.
What particle connects the noun to '비해'?
expensive / to / Compared / taste / is / it / the
기대___ ___
저는 형에 비해 키가 커요. (I am tall compared to my brother - simple comparison)
Match the phrases.
Compared to working... = 일하는 ___에 비해
Context: This phone is cheap but very fast.
작년의 비해 올해가 더 좋아요.
is / Compared / heavy / to / it / size
________에 비해
Which sentence implies 'Considering he is a student'?
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, you must turn the verb into a noun first (e.g., '먹다' -> '식사').
They are mostly interchangeable, but -에 비해서 is slightly more emphatic.
Use -보다 for direct comparisons (A is bigger than B). Use -에 비해 for contextual comparisons.
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Yes, it is excellent for describing growth or experience.
The sentence will likely be grammatically incorrect and hard to understand.
Yes, it is very common in reports and essays.
No, it is standard Korean used across all regions.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Compared to
None.
～に比べて
None.
En comparación con
Korean uses a particle.
Par rapport à
Korean uses a particle.
Im Vergleich zu
Korean uses a particle.
相比之下
Chinese is more rigid in word order.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
Comparing with '보다' (than)
Overview In Korean, expressing a comparison – stating that one item possesses a certain quality or quantity to a greater...
Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)
Overview Comparing elements in Korean often involves understanding adverbs of degree. Two fundamental adverbs for expres...
Related Grammar Rules
Formal 'By' Agent (-에 의해)
Overview In Korean, expressing agency – the 'by' in 'done by' – isn't a one-size-fits-all matter as it often is in Engli...
Based On: -을/를 바탕으로
Overview In Korean, expressing that an action, creation, or judgment is **based on** a particular source is crucial for...
The 'Double Passive' Vibe (Advanced Causative Passive)
Overview Korean, like many languages, employs grammatical mechanisms to shift focus within a sentence. The **Double Pass...
The Inference Ending: It looks like... (-나/는가 보다)
Overview As you navigate the complexities of B2-level Korean, you encounter grammar that allows for more nuanced express...
Expressing Shock: -다니 (How Could...)
Overview **-다니** (romanized: -dani) is an upper-intermediate (B2) Korean grammar pattern used to express strong surpr...
