A2 Descriptive Adjectives 13 min read Easy

Comparisons: Better than (-boda)

Use Noun + 보다 to set the standard, meaning compared to Noun or than Noun.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the particle -보다 (boda) after the noun you are comparing against to say something is 'more' than that.

  • Place -보다 after the noun being compared: 사과보다 (than an apple).
  • The adjective follows the comparison: 사과보다 배가 더 커요 (Pears are bigger than apples).
  • Use '더' (more) to emphasize the comparison, though it is optional.
Noun + 보다 + (더) + Adjective

Overview

The Korean particle -보다 (romanization: -boda) is the primary mechanism for expressing comparative statements, analogous to "than" in English. Unlike English, where adjectives often inflect (e.g., "big" becomes "bigger"), Korean adjectives and verbs remain in their base form. The comparative nuance is conveyed entirely by attaching -보다 to the standard of comparison — the noun or pronoun against which the subject is being measured.

This linguistic approach simplifies comparative grammar significantly, as there are no irregular comparative adjective forms to memorize. For A2 learners, mastering -보다 unlocks the ability to express preferences, compare qualities, and quantify differences with fundamental clarity.

Consider the statement "This book is more interesting than that book." In Korean, you would literally structure this as "This book, than that book, is interesting." The standard (저 책 – that book) receives -보다, followed by the quality (재미있다 – to be interesting). Frequently, the adverb 더 (more) precedes the adjective or verb, enhancing the comparative degree, much like saying "more interesting" rather than just "interesting" when a comparison is implicit. This systematic approach makes comparative structures in Korean remarkably consistent once the core pattern is understood.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, the comparative structure using -보다 operates on the principle of specifying a reference point for a given quality or action. The particle -보다 directly appends to the noun or pronoun that serves as the basis of comparison, effectively marking it as the "inferior" or "lesser" entity in the comparison. This means the item marked with -보다 is the one being surpassed or outdone by the subject of the sentence.
The grammatical structure is typically:
[Subject] + [Subject Particle (은/는 or 이/가)] + [Standard of Comparison]-보다 + (더) + [Adjective/Verb] + [Sentence Ending]
For instance, in 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요 (I like tea more than coffee), 커피 (coffee) is the standard, marked by -보다, indicating that 차 (tea) is preferred over coffee. The subject, 저 (I), is often omitted in casual Korean if clear from context. The adverb 더 (more) is frequently, though not strictly, used to emphasize the comparative nature.
While 더 can sometimes be omitted, especially if the comparison is overtly clear from context, its inclusion generally makes the sentence sound more natural and unambiguous, reinforcing the idea of a heightened degree. Linguistically, 더 functions as a degree adverb, intensifying the adjective or verb that follows, thereby creating the "more X" effect rather than relying on a morphological change to the adjective itself.
  • 지하철이 버스보다 빨라요. (The subway is fast than the bus. / The subway is faster than the bus.)
  • 이 식당 음식이 저 식당보다 더 맛있어요. (This restaurant's food is more delicious than that restaurant's food.)
  • 저는 여름보다 겨울을 더 좋아해요. (I like winter more than summer.)
Notice how -보다 always attaches to the item being compared against (the standard), and 더 precedes the descriptor, adding emphasis. This elegant simplicity ensures that comparison is handled consistently across all adjectives and verbs.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming comparative sentences with -보다 involves a straightforward process. The critical step is to correctly identify the standard of comparison and apply the particle. No complex conjugations or stem changes are required for -보다 itself.
2
Identify the Standard: Determine the noun or pronoun that is the reference point for your comparison. This is the entity that is less or inferior to the subject in the quality being discussed.
3
Attach -보다: Simply append -보다 directly to the standard noun. There are no spacing rules to consider between the noun and -보다.
4
Place 더 (Optional but Recommended): Insert 더 immediately before the adjective or verb that expresses the quality or action being compared. While optional, 더 adds natural emphasis.
5
Conjugate Adjective/Verb: Conjugate the main adjective or verb according to the appropriate politeness level and tense (e.g., 해요체, 합니다체).
6
Here’s a breakdown:
7
| Component | Example | Explanation |
8
| :------------------------- | :---------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\
9
| Subject | 오늘 (Today) | The main entity whose quality/action is being described. |\
10
| Subject Particle | 은/는 or 이/가 | Marks the subject. (오늘 + 은 = 오늘은) |\
11
| Standard | 어제 (Yesterday) | The reference point for comparison. |\
12
| Comparison Particle | -보다 | Attached directly to the standard. (어제 + -보다 = 어제보다) |\
13
| Degree Adverb (Optional) | 더 (More) | Placed immediately before the adjective/verb to emphasize the comparative degree. |\
14
| Adjective/Verb | 덥다 (to be hot) | The quality or action being compared. |\
15
| Sentence Ending | –어요 / –습니다 | Conjugated ending based on politeness level and tense. (더워요, 덥습니다) |
16
Example 1: Comparing Temperature
17
Concept: Today is hotter than yesterday.
18
Subject: 오늘 (today)
19
Standard: 어제 (yesterday)
20
Adjective: 덥다 (to be hot)
21
Formal (합니다체): 오늘은 어제보다 더 덥습니다. (Romanization: Oneureun eojeboda deo deopseumnida.) – Today is hotter than yesterday.
22
Casual (해체): 오늘은 어제보다 더 더워요. (Romanization: Oneureun eojeboda deo deowoyo.) – Today is hotter than yesterday.
23
Example 2: Comparing Abilities
24
Concept: Jiyeon sings better than I do.
25
Subject: 지연 씨 (Jiyeon)
26
Standard: 저 (I)
27
Verb: 노래를 잘하다 (to sing well)
28
Formal: 지연 씨가 저보다 노래를 더 잘합니다. (Romanization: Jiyeon ssiga jeoboda noraereul deo jaramnida.) – Jiyeon sings better than me.
29
Casual: 지연 씨가 저보다 노래를 더 잘해요. (Romanization: Jiyeon ssiga jeoboda noraereul deo jaraeyo.) – Jiyeon sings better than me.
30
Example 3: Comparing Prices
31
Concept: This one is more expensive than that one.
32
Subject: 이거 (this one)
33
Standard: 저거 (that one)
34
Adjective: 비싸다 (to be expensive)
35
Formal: 이것이 저것보다 더 비쌉니다. (Romanization: Igeosi jeogeotboda deo bissamnida.) – This is more expensive than that.
36
Casual: 이게 저거보다 더 비싸요. (Romanization: Ige geugeo boda deo bissayo.) – This is more expensive than that.

When To Use It

The -보다 comparative structure is highly versatile and applies whenever you need to establish a quantitative or qualitative difference between two entities. It extends beyond simple adjectives to encompass verbs, quantities, and preferences. Understanding these categories will help you use -보다 accurately and naturally.
  • Qualitative Comparisons (Adjectives): This is the most direct application. Use -보다 to compare inherent qualities like size, appearance, speed, or difficulty.
  • 이 가방이 저 가방보다 더 커요. (This bag is bigger than that bag.)
  • 한국어가 프랑스어보다 문법이 더 쉬워요. (Korean grammar is easier than French grammar.)
  • 제 동생이 저보다 키가 더 커요. (My younger sibling is taller than me.)
  • Quantitative Comparisons (Quantifiers/Verbs of Amount): When comparing amounts, frequencies, or degrees of action, -보다 pairs naturally with adverbs like 더 많이 (more) or 더 적게 (less).
  • 저는 어제보다 오늘 물을 더 많이 마셨어요. (Today I drank more water than yesterday.)
  • 지난 학기보다 이번 학기에 숙제가 더 적어요. (This semester there is less homework than last semester.)
  • 영화를 보는 것보다 책을 읽는 것을 더 좋아해요. (I prefer reading books more than watching movies.)
  • Preference Statements (~을/를 더 좋아하다): This is a common and important usage for A2 learners. To express liking one thing more than another, you use the object particle 을/를 with the preferred item and 더 좋아하다 (to like more).
  • 저는 사과보다 바나나를 더 좋아해요. (I like bananas more than apples.)
  • 우리 엄마는 드라마보다 영화를 더 좋아하세요. (My mom likes movies more than dramas.)
  • 공부하는 것보다 노는 것을 더 좋아해요. (I like playing more than studying.)
  • Performance or Ability Comparisons (더 잘하다/못하다): When comparing how well someone performs an action, -보다 is essential with 잘하다 (to do well) or 못하다 (to do poorly).
  • 김 선생님이 이 선생님보다 한국어를 더 잘 가르치세요. (Teacher Kim teaches Korean better than Teacher Lee.)
  • 저는 컴퓨터 게임을 친구보다 더 못해요. (I'm worse at computer games than my friend.)
  • Changes Over Time: Use -보다 to indicate a comparison with a past state or time.
  • 작년보다 날씨가 훨씬 따뜻해요. (The weather is much warmer than last year.)
  • 옛날보다 요즘은 학생들이 더 바쁜 것 같아요. (It seems like students these days are busier than in the past.)

Common Mistakes

Even with its apparent simplicity, -보다 can lead to common errors for learners due to interference from English grammar or a lack of understanding of Korean's flexible word order nuances. Being aware of these pitfalls is crucial for accurate and natural communication.
  • The English Word Order Trap: The most frequent mistake is attempting to mirror English sentence structure directly. Learners might try to place -보다 after the adjective, like "Subject + Adjective + Standard-보다." This is grammatically incorrect in Korean.
  • Incorrect: 이 차는 빨라요 버스보다. (This car is fast than the bus.)
  • Correct: 이 차는 버스보다 더 빨라요. (This car is, than the bus, faster.)
  • Why it's wrong: In Korean, -보다 functions as a postposition marking the comparison standard, which typically precedes the descriptor. The adjective 빠르다 (to be fast) modifies the subject 이 차 (this car), and 버스보다 specifies the reference point for that speed.
  • Confusing Subject and Standard: Korean allows for flexible word order, and subject/object particles (은/는, 이/가, 을/를) can sometimes be omitted in casual speech. However, with comparisons, clearly marking the subject and the standard is vital to avoid ambiguity.
  • 수진이가 저보다 키가 커요. (Sujin is taller than me.) – Here, 수진이 (Sujin) is the subject (이/가), and 저 (me) is the standard (-보다).
  • If you say 수진 저보다 키가 커요 without particles, it's still generally understood, but for clarity and correctness, especially in writing, always include them.
  • Tip: Always ensure 은/는 or 이/가 marks the subject/topic, and -보다 marks the standard. This maintains clarity regardless of sentence arrangement.
  • Overusing 더 when the Comparison is Implicit: While 더 is generally recommended, it's not always strictly necessary. However, omitting it when the comparison isn't obvious can make the sentence sound incomplete or less emphatic.
  • 지하철이 버스보다 빨라요. (The subway is faster than the bus.) – This is perfectly correct; 더 is optional as the comparison is clear.
  • However, in 오늘은 어제보다 추워요, adding 더 (오늘은 어제보다 더 추워요.) makes the comparison stronger, emphasizing "more cold." It's rare for 더 to sound truly awkward unless the comparison is exceptionally obvious or the adverb 덜 (less) is used instead.
  • Mixing with Superlative Forms (가장/제일): -보다 is strictly for comparing two entities or one entity against a group. It should not be used in conjunction with 가장 or 제일 (both meaning "the most/best"), which are used for superlatives (one entity among three or more).
  • Incorrect: 저는 민수보다 가장 키가 커요. (I am the tallest than Minsu.) – This mixes comparative and superlative.
  • Correct: 저는 민수보다 키가 더 커요. (I am taller than Minsu.)
  • Correct Superlative: 저는 우리 반에서 가장 키가 커요. (I am the tallest in our class.)
  • Confusing -보다 with -만큼: These two particles are often confused. -보다 indicates inequality ("than"), while -만큼 (as much as/as…as) indicates equality or equivalence.
  • 이 가방은 저 가방보다 비싸요. (This bag is more expensive than that bag.) – Inequality.
  • 이 가방은 저 가방만큼 비싸요. (This bag is as expensive as that bag.) – Equality.
  • Understanding the distinction is crucial for conveying the correct relationship between items.

Real Conversations

In everyday Korean, the -보다 structure is incredibly common and can appear in various forms, from formal statements to very casual exchanges. Native speakers often use it with slight modifications or omissions, particularly in informal contexts, while still maintaining clarity.

- Casual Texting/Chat: In quick messages, particles like 은/는 or 이/가 are often dropped if the subject is inferable. The 더 adverb is still very common for emphasis.

- Scenario: Friends planning dinner.

- A: 치킨 먹을까? (Should we eat chicken?)

- B: 웅, 피자보다 치킨 더 좋아! (Yeah, I like chicken more than pizza!) (Here, 나는 (I) is omitted, and 을/를 for 치킨 is omitted, but 피자보다 and 더 좋아 clarify the preference.)

- Giving Opinions/Preferences: Expressing what you prefer is a cornerstone of daily conversation.

- Scenario: Discussing travel destinations.

- A: 유럽 여행 어땠어? (How was your Europe trip?)

- B: 좋았는데, 아시아가 유럽보다 음식이 훨씬 맛있어. (It was good, but Asian food is much more delicious than European food.) (Note 훨씬 for strong emphasis.)

- Making Observations/Comparisons: People frequently compare qualities or situations.

- Scenario: Coworkers observing a project's progress.

- A: 이번 프로젝트가 지난번보다 더 힘드네요. (This project is harder than the last one.)

- B: 네, 일정이 훨씬 짧아서 그래요. (Yes, that's because the schedule is much shorter.)

- Quantitative Comparisons: Even when discussing quantities or frequencies, -보다 remains the core.

- Scenario: Siblings talking about chores.

- A: 오빠가 나보다 설거지를 더 많이 해. (Oppa does dishes more often than I do.)

- B: 무슨 소리야! 내가 너보다 더 많이 하거든! (What are you talking about! I do it more than you!) (Casual 하다 + 거든 emphasizes the speaker's opposing view.)

Observations on Real Usage:

- Ellipsis: Subject or even the main verb/adjective can be omitted if the context is absolutely clear. 어제보다 따뜻해? (Warmer than yesterday?) implies 날씨가 (the weather) and 더 is optional.

- Emphatic Adverbs: Beyond 더, native speakers frequently use adverbs to intensify the comparison:

- 훨씬 (hwolssin): much more/less (훨씬 더 좋다 – much better)

- 좀 더 (jom deo): a little more (좀 더 비싸요 – it's a little more expensive)

- 훨 (hwol): a stronger, more emphatic version of 훨씬 (often used informally).

- Use with 덜 (less): The opposite of 더 is 덜 (deol), meaning "less." The structure remains identical.

- 이것은 저것보다 덜 비싸요. (Igeoseun jeogeotboda deol bissayo.) – This is less expensive than that.

- 오늘은 어제보다 덜 더워요. (Oneureun eojeboda deol deowoyo.) – Today is less hot than yesterday.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common questions that arise when learning to use -보다, clarifying nuances and reinforcing key concepts.
Q: Can I drop 더 completely from a comparative sentence?

Yes, absolutely. While 더 (more) is frequently used for emphasis and naturalness, it is grammatically optional if the comparison is clear from context. For instance, 지하철이 버스보다 빨라요 (The subway is faster than the bus) is perfectly correct and understood. The role of 더 is to highlight the degree of difference, but the -보다 particle already establishes the comparison itself. Think of it as adding a rhetorical flourish rather than a strict grammatical requirement.

Q: How flexible is the word order? Can I move the Standard-보다 phrase?

Korean's word order is quite flexible. While the canonical structure places Standard-보다 before the adjective/verb, it can often be moved to the beginning of the sentence or even after the subject, provided the meaning remains unambiguous due to the particles.

  • 오늘은 어제보다 더 더워요. (Today is hotter than yesterday.)
  • 어제보다 오늘은 더 더워요. (Than yesterday, today is hotter.)
  • 어제보다 더 더워요, 오늘은. (Hotter than yesterday, today is.)
In all these cases, 어제보다 clearly marks 어제 as the standard of comparison. The key is that -보다 must be attached to the standard. As long as that association is maintained, a certain degree of flexibility is permissible, especially in informal spoken Korean.
However, for clear, structured communication, adhering to the standard Subject + Standard-보다 + (더) + Adjective/Verb order is recommended for learners.
Q: How do I say "I like A more than B"? Do I use -보다 with 좋아하다?

Yes, you use -보다 with 좋아하다 (to like), but pay careful attention to the object particle. The item you prefer (the one you like more) takes the object particle 을/를, and it typically comes after the Standard-보다 phrase. The adverb 더 is almost always included here.

  • 저는 피자보다 치킨을 더 좋아해요. (I like chicken more than pizza.)
  • 피자 (pizza) is the standard, marked by -보다.
  • 치킨 (chicken) is the preferred object, marked by 을/를.
  • 더 좋아해요 expresses the preference for chicken over pizza.
Q: Can I use -보다 with past or future tenses?

Absolutely. The comparative structure with -보다 is fully compatible with all tenses. The tense is conveyed through the conjugation of the main adjective or verb at the end of the sentence.

  • Past: 어제보다 더 많이 먹었어요. (I ate more than yesterday.)
  • Future: 내일은 오늘보다 더 추울 거예요. (Tomorrow will be colder than today.)
  • Perfect: 작년보다 한국어를 더 잘하게 되었어요. (I have become better at Korean than last year.)
Q: How do I express "less than" instead of "more than"?

To express "less than," you use the adverb 덜 (deol) in place of 더. The rest of the sentence structure remains exactly the same.

  • 이것은 저것보다 덜 비싸요. (This is less expensive than that.)
  • 오늘은 어제보다 덜 더워요. (Today is less hot than yesterday.)
Q: Can I compare a characteristic that is not present or negative? (e.g., "not as good as")

Yes, you can use negative constructions with -보다. Simply place the negation (안 or 못) before the adjective or verb as usual.

  • 이 컴퓨터는 제 노트북보다 안 좋아요. (This computer is not as good as my laptop.)
  • 저는 언니보다 요리를 더 못해요. (I'm worse at cooking than my older sister. / I can't cook as well as my older sister.)
Using 안 좋다 (not good) effectively conveys "less good" or "not as good as," while 못하다 (cannot do / do poorly) conveys "worse at" or "cannot do as well as."

Comparative Structure

Noun Particle Adverb(Optional) Adjective
사과
보다
더
커요
어제
보다
더
추워요
나
보다
더
똑똑해요
이것
보다
더
좋아요
서울
보다
더
복잡해요
여름
보다
더
더워요

Meanings

The particle -보다 is used to indicate the standard of comparison. It translates to 'than' in English.

1

Comparative standard

Establishing a baseline for comparing two items.

“이것이 저것보다 좋아요.”

“오늘이 어제보다 따뜻해요.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Comparisons: Better than (-boda)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Noun + 보다 + Adjective
사과보다 커요
Negative
Noun + 보다 + 안/지 않아요
사과보다 안 커요
Question
Noun + 보다 + Adjective?
사과보다 커요?
Emphasis
Noun + 보다 + 더 + Adjective
사과보다 더 커요
Past
Noun + 보다 + Adjective + 았/었어요
사과보다 컸어요
Future
Noun + 보다 + Adjective + ㄹ 거예요
사과보다 클 거예요

Formality Spectrum

Formal
이것이 저것보다 더 큽니다.

이것이 저것보다 더 큽니다. (General comparison)

Neutral
이것이 저것보다 더 커요.

이것이 저것보다 더 커요. (General comparison)

Informal
이게 저것보다 더 커.

이게 저것보다 더 커. (General comparison)

Slang
이게 저거보다 훨씬 커.

이게 저거보다 훨씬 커. (General comparison)

Comparison Concept

보다 (Than)

Usage

  • 비교 comparison

Structure

  • 명사 + 보다 Noun + than
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Examples by Level

1

사과보다 배가 좋아요.

I like pears more than apples.

2

오늘이 어제보다 더워요.

Today is hotter than yesterday.

3

이것보다 저것이 커요.

That is bigger than this.

4

한국어가 영어보다 쉬워요.

Korean is easier than English.

1

제 차가 친구 차보다 빨라요.

My car is faster than my friend's car.

2

서울이 부산보다 더 커요.

Seoul is bigger than Busan.

3

이 영화가 저 영화보다 재미있어요.

This movie is more interesting than that movie.

4

그 식당이 여기보다 더 맛있어요.

That restaurant is tastier than this one.

1

그는 나보다 훨씬 더 똑똑해요.

He is much smarter than me.

2

이번 시험이 지난번보다 더 어려웠어요.

This exam was harder than the last one.

3

여름이 겨울보다 활동하기 좋아요.

Summer is better for activities than winter.

4

그 제품은 가격이 다른 것보다 비싸요.

That product is more expensive than the others.

1

그의 의견은 내 생각보다 훨씬 더 합리적이에요.

His opinion is much more reasonable than my thought.

2

이 도시는 다른 곳보다 교통이 편리해요.

This city has more convenient transportation than other places.

3

기대했던 것보다 결과가 좋게 나왔어요.

The result came out better than I expected.

4

그는 예상보다 더 빨리 도착했어요.

He arrived faster than expected.

1

이론적으로는 생각보다 훨씬 복잡한 문제입니다.

Theoretically, it is a much more complex problem than I thought.

2

그의 연설은 이전보다 훨씬 더 설득력이 있었습니다.

His speech was much more persuasive than before.

3

상황이 악화되기보다 개선되고 있는 것 같아요.

It seems the situation is improving rather than worsening.

4

그는 말하기보다 듣는 것을 더 선호합니다.

He prefers listening to speaking.

1

그의 문체는 과거의 작가들보다 훨씬 더 현대적입니다.

His writing style is much more modern than that of past writers.

2

이 정책은 기존의 방식보다 효율적인 대안을 제시합니다.

This policy presents a more efficient alternative than the existing method.

3

그는 타협하기보다 자신의 신념을 지키는 것을 택했습니다.

He chose to uphold his beliefs rather than compromise.

4

이 현상은 일반적인 통념보다 더 깊은 원인이 있습니다.

This phenomenon has deeper causes than common belief.

Easily Confused

Comparisons: Better than (-boda) vs 보다 (particle) vs 보다 (verb)

They look identical in writing.

Comparisons: Better than (-boda) vs 대신에 vs 보다

Both involve two items.

Comparisons: Better than (-boda) vs 처럼 vs 보다

Both relate two nouns.

Common Mistakes

✗

크다보다

✓

사과보다 커요

Particle must follow a noun, not an adjective.
✗

사과보다가

✓

사과보다

Do not add subject markers to the particle.
✗

더 사과보다

✓

사과보다 더

The adverb '더' comes before the adjective.
✗

사과보다 커

✓

사과보다 커요

Missing polite ending.
✗

사과보다 더 큰

✓

사과보다 커요

Incomplete sentence structure.
✗

사과보다 더 크다

✓

사과보다 커요

Using dictionary form instead of polite form.
✗

사과보다 더 크지

✓

사과보다 크지 않아요

Incorrect negative formation.
✗

사과보다 더 큰 것이에요

✓

사과보다 커요

Over-complicating the sentence.
✗

사과보다 더 크다 해요

✓

사과보다 크다고 해요

Incorrect reported speech.
✗

사과보다 더 크고

✓

사과보다 크고

Redundant '더' in certain contexts.
✗

사과보다 더 크기보다

✓

사과보다 크기보다는

Incorrect grammar for 'rather than'.
✗

사과보다 더 크는

✓

사과보다 큰

Incorrect adjective conjugation.
✗

사과보다 더 크다

✓

사과보다 크다

Redundant adverb in formal writing.

Sentence Patterns

___보다 ___가 더 ___요.

제 ___는 ___보다 더 ___요.

___하기보다 ___하는 것을 더 좋아해요.

생각보다 ___네요.

Real World Usage

Shopping very common

이게 저것보다 싸요.

Weather very common

오늘이 어제보다 추워요.

Social Media common

생각보다 예쁘다!

Job Interview common

이전 직장보다 더 도전적인 일을 하고 싶습니다.

Food Delivery common

다른 집보다 여기가 더 맛있어요.

Travel common

기차보다 비행기가 더 빨라요.

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💡

Thinking Backwards

It helps to think 'Compared to X...' whenever you see -보다. 'Compared to yesterday, it is hot.'
⚠️

Don't Translate 'More'

Don't try to translate 'more' as a separate word if you haven't established WHAT you are comparing to. Just saying '더 주세요' (Give me more) is fine, but for comparisons, you need the -보다 part for clarity in complex sentences.
💬

Age Comparisons

When comparing age, Koreans often use 'Subject + is + Standard + 보다 + [quantity] + age-unit + Up/Down'. Ex: 'I am 2 years older than him'.

Smart Tips

Always put -보다 on the item you are NOT focusing on.

사과가 배보다 커요. → 배가 사과보다 커요.

Add '훨씬' (much) before the adjective.

사과보다 커요. → 사과보다 훨씬 커요.

Use '덜' (less) instead of '더' (more).

사과보다 더 작아요. → 사과보다 덜 커요.

Use the nominalized form (verb + 기) before -보다.

먹다보다 자요. → 먹기보다 자요.

Pronunciation

bo-da

Linking

The 'b' sound in 보다 is clearly pronounced.

Rising

사과보다 커요? ↑

Questioning the comparison.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Boda' as 'Bo-da' (Better-than). If you want to say something is better, use 'Boda'.

Visual Association

Imagine a scale. On one side is a small apple, on the other is a giant watermelon. The watermelon is 'bigger than' the apple. The particle -보다 is the hook connecting the two.

Rhyme

To say 'than' in Korean, just add -보다, it's the best plan.

Story

Min-su is comparing his height to his brother's. He stands next to his brother and says, 'I am taller than you!' In Korean, he says '형보다 제가 더 커요!' He uses -보다 to make sure everyone knows he is the taller one.

Word Web

비교더보다차이기준상대

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, look at 3 objects around you and compare them using -보다 (e.g., 'This phone is smaller than my laptop').

Cultural Notes

Koreans often use comparisons to show modesty or to emphasize differences in social status or age.

The particle -보다 originates from the verb 보다 (to see).

Conversation Starters

“

오늘 날씨가 어제보다 어때요?

“

한국어가 영어보다 어려워요?

“

서울이 부산보다 더 복잡해요?

“

이 영화가 기대보다 어땠어요?

Journal Prompts

Compare your hometown with Seoul.
Compare your favorite food with another food.
Compare your life now with your life 5 years ago.
Compare two different career paths.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

사과___ 배가 더 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보다
The particle for comparison is -보다.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

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.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

사과 크다보다 배가 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct
The particle must attach to the noun.
Transform to a comparison. Sentence Transformation

오늘이 더워요. 어제가 덜 더웠어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오늘이 어제보다 더워요
Today is hotter than yesterday.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A
Matches 'Bigger than apple'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 이 옷 어때요? B: 저 옷보다 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 더 예뻐요
Adverb '더' comes before the adjective.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

한국어 / 영어 / 어렵다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All are possible
Depends on the speaker's opinion.
True or False? True False Rule

The particle -보다 changes based on the final consonant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It remains -보다 regardless of the noun.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

사과___ 배가 더 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보다
The particle for comparison is -보다.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

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.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

사과 크다보다 배가 커요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct
The particle must attach to the noun.
Transform to a comparison. Sentence Transformation

오늘이 더워요. 어제가 덜 더웠어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 오늘이 어제보다 더워요
Today is hotter than yesterday.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match the comparison.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A
Matches 'Bigger than apple'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: 이 옷 어때요? B: 저 옷보다 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 더 예뻐요
Adverb '더' comes before the adjective.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

한국어 / 영어 / 어렵다

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All are possible
Depends on the speaker's opinion.
True or False? True False Rule

The particle -보다 changes based on the final consonant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It remains -보다 regardless of the noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank: 'Summer is hotter than spring.' Fill in the Blank

여름이 봄___ 더 더워요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 보다
Arrange to say: 'My older brother is taller than me.' Sentence Reorder

저 / 형이 / 키가 / 보다 / 커요

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 형이 저보다 키가 커요
Translate 'I ate more than yesterday.' Translation

어제보다 더 많이 먹었어요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I ate more than yesterday.
Which sentence is natural? Multiple Choice

Select the best sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 한국어는 영어보다 어려워요.
Fix the particle usage. Error Correction

개는 고양이 더 충성스러워요. (Dogs are more loyal than cats)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 개는 고양이보다 더 충성스러워요.
Match the Korean to the English meaning. Match Pairs

Match parts

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 어제보다 :: Than yesterday
Add emphasis: 'This is MUCH better than that.' Fill in the Blank

이게 저것보다 ___ 좋아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 더
How do you say 'My friend is faster than me'? Multiple Choice

Identify the correct structure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 제 친구가 저보다 빨라요.
The speaker wants to say 'I like movies more than dramas.' Fix the error. Error Correction

드라마보다 영화가 더 좋아요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct as is.
What does '생각보다 비싸요' mean? Translation

생각보다 비싸요.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's more expensive than I thought.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it is always -보다.

Yes, you can use it with verb stems (e.g., 먹기보다).

No, but it makes the comparison clearer.

Use the negative form of the adjective (e.g., 사과보다 덜 커요).

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in all registers.

They are homonyms. Context distinguishes them.

Usually, -보다 is for two items. For more, use '가장' (superlative).

Just attach -보다 to the person's name (e.g., 철수보다).

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Japanese high

yori

None, the structure is nearly identical.

Chinese moderate

bi

Word order is the main difference.

Spanish low

que

Positioning relative to the adjective.

German low

als

Syntactic placement.

French low

que

Placement.

Arabic moderate

min

Adjective morphology changes in Arabic.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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

Learn These First

A2 Requires

Comparing with '보다' (than)

Overview In Korean, expressing a comparison – stating that one item possesses a certain quality or quantity to a greater...

Related Grammar Rules

A2

Comparing things: More and Less (더/덜)

Overview Comparing elements in Korean often involves understanding adverbs of degree. Two fundamental adverbs for expres...
A1

Korean Adjectives: Describing Things (is/am/are)

Overview Korean adjectives (`형용사`, `hyeong-yong-sa`) function fundamentally as **descriptive verbs**. Unlike in Engli...
A1

Descriptive Verbs vs Action Verbs: The 'Be' Trap

Overview In Korean, understanding the fundamental distinction between **Action Verbs** (`동사`, *dongsa*) and **Descript...
A2

Korean Superlatives: The Most (가장 / 제일)

Overview In any language, expressing the highest degree of a quality—the superlative—is a fundamental part of communica...
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