Comparing Relative Values: (-에 비해)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -에 비해 to compare two things by setting one as the standard of reference.
- Attach -에 비해 directly to the noun you are comparing against: '서울에 비해' (compared to Seoul).
- It is often interchangeable with -에 비해서 for emphasis on the comparison process.
- Use it to highlight differences in size, cost, speed, or quality between two subjects.
Overview
In Korean, the grammatical pattern -에 비해(서) (pronounced: -e bihae(seo)) functions to establish a comparative baseline for evaluating a particular characteristic, quantity, or degree. It directly translates to "compared to [Noun]" or "in comparison with [Noun]". This pattern is derived from the verb 비하다 (비-하-다, bi-ha-da, to compare) and its hanja root 比 (비, bi, compare).
While beginner-level Korean often introduces -보다 (bo-da) for simple comparisons like "A is more than B," -에 비해(서) offers a more nuanced and sophisticated way to express relative value, proportion, or unexpectedness when judging something against a specific standard.
This pattern is crucial for B1 learners transitioning from basic sentence structures to expressing more complex thoughts and analyses. It allows you to articulate that something is relatively high, low, good, or bad, not in absolute terms, but when measured against a designated reference point. You will encounter -에 비해(서) frequently in formal contexts such as news reports, academic discussions, and business communications, but it is equally prevalent in everyday casual conversations, particularly when discussing observations, opinions, or judgments that require a clear point of reference.
The core linguistic function of -에 비해(서) is to transform the preceding noun into a standard of comparison. The 에 particle (e) marks the noun as the locative or dative case, here indicating the object to which the comparison is being made. The optional 서 (seo), stemming from the connective ending -아서/어서 (a-seo/eo-seo), implies a sequence or reason, effectively meaning "having compared to X, [result]".
While grammatically present, its functional contribution in this context is often a slight emphasis rather than a strict sequential meaning, and it can be omitted in most informal settings without altering the core meaning. Understanding this nuance elevates your comparative expressions beyond mere magnitude to a consideration of context and proportionality.
How This Grammar Works
-에 비해(서) involves taking a noun and using it as a yardstick. When you attach -에 비해(서) to a noun, that noun becomes the standard against which something else is measured or evaluated. The sentence then proceeds to describe the subject (which can be explicitly stated or implied) in relation to this standard.어제에 비해(서) (eo-je-e bi-hae-seo), you are setting "yesterday" as your reference point for evaluating something about the present.서 (seo) is grammatically optional. In informal speech or text, dropping it is common and natural, leading to Noun + 에 비해. The difference in meaning is negligible in most practical applications, with -에 비해서 carrying a slightly more complete or deliberative tone, while -에 비해 is more concise.-에 비해(서) to the verb stem. Korean grammar requires particles to attach to nouns. Therefore, you must first transform the verb or adjective into a nominalized form using -는 것 (neun geot) for verbs, or -은/ㄴ 것 (eun/n geot) for adjectives.것 (geot, thing/fact) acts as a placeholder noun, allowing the particle -에 비해(서) to attach correctly. For example, to say "compared to eating out," you would use 외식하는 것 (oe-sik-ha-neun geot) + 에 비해(서), resulting in 외식하는 것에 비해(서).이 핸드폰은 가격에 비해 성능이 아주 좋아요.(i haen-deu-pon-eun ga-gyeog-e bi-hae seong-neung-i a-ju jo-a-yo.) - Compared to its price, this phone's performance is very good. (Formal, 합니다체) Here,가격(ga-gyeok, price) is the standard.생각한 것에 비해 시험이 너무 쉬웠어.(saeng-gak-han geos-e bi-hae si-heom-i neo-mu swi-weoss-eo.) - Compared to what I thought, the exam was too easy. (Casual, 해체) The nominalized verb생각한 것(saeng-gak-han geot, what was thought) serves as the baseline.다른 도시에 비해서 서울은 물가가 비싼 편이에요.(da-reun do-si-e bi-hae-seo seoul-eun mul-kka-ga bi-ssan pyeon-i-e-yo.) - Compared to other cities, Seoul's cost of living is on the expensive side. (Formal, 합니다체)다른 도시(da-reun do-si, other cities) is the comparison point.
Formation Pattern
-에 비해(서) is systematic. The pattern consistently involves attaching the comparative phrase to a noun. When comparing actions or states, an additional nominalization step is required. Ensure there is no space between the noun/nominalized form and -에 비해(서).
가격 (price) | 가격에 비해서 | 가격에 비해 | Compared to the price |
지난주 (last week) | 지난주에 비해서 | 지난주에 비해 | Compared to last week |
기대 (expectation) | 기대에 비해서 | 기대에 비해 | Compared to expectations |
다른 사람 (other people) | 다른 사람에 비해서 | 다른 사람에 비해 | Compared to other people |
이 식당은 음식 맛에 비해 가격이 합리적이에요. (i sik-dang-eun eum-sik mas-e bi-hae ga-gyeog-i ham-ni-jeog-i-e-yo.) - Compared to the taste of the food, this restaurant's price is reasonable.
지난달에 비해 이번 달은 매출이 많이 줄었어요. (ji-nan-dar-e bi-hae i-beon dar-eun mae-chur-i man-i jur-eoss-eo-yo.) - Compared to last month, this month's sales decreased a lot.
-는 것 (neun geot) ending. This transforms the verb phrase into a noun clause that -에 비해(서) can then attach to.
-는 것) | Construction | Translation |
하다 (to do) | 하는 것 (doing) | 하는 것에 비해(서) | Compared to doing |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹는 것 (eating) | 먹는 것에 비해(서) | Compared to eating |
기다리다 (to wait) | 기다리는 것 (waiting) | 기다리는 것에 비해(서) | Compared to waiting |
배우다 (to learn) | 배우는 것 (learning) | 배우는 것에 비해(서) | Compared to learning |
생각보다 일찍 끝나는 것에 비해 수고했네요. (saeng-gak-bo-da il-jjik kkeut-na-neun geos-e bi-hae su-go-haess-ne-yo.) - Compared to finishing earlier than expected, you worked hard. (Here, 생각보다 일찍 끝나는 것 is the nominalized action).
매일 운동하는 것에 비해 살이 잘 안 빠져요. (mae-il un-dong-ha-neun geos-e bi-hae sar-i jal an ppa-jyeo-yo.) - Compared to exercising every day, I'm not losing weight well.
-은/ㄴ 것 (eun/n geot) for adjectives, transforming the descriptive clause into a noun clause.
-은/ㄴ 것) | Construction | Translation |
크다 (to be big) | 큰 것 (being big) | 큰 것에 비해(서) | Compared to being big |
작다 (to be small) | 작은 것 (being small) | 작은 것에 비해(서) | Compared to being small |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋은 것 (being good) | 좋은 것에 비해(서) | Compared to being good |
크기 (keu-gi, size) from 크다 (keu-da, to be big), or 아름다움 (a-reum-da-um, beauty) from 아름답다 (a-reum-dap-da, to be beautiful). In these cases, you attach -에 비해(서) directly to the noun form.
이 방은 크기에 비해 창문이 너무 작아요. (i bang-eun keu-gi-e bi-hae chang-mun-i neo-mu jag-a-yo.) - Compared to its size, this room's window is too small. (Here, 크기 is a noun, so no -은/ㄴ 것 is needed).
그녀는 나이에 비해 동안이에요. (geu-nyeo-neun na-i-e bi-hae dong-an-i-e-yo.) - Compared to her age, she looks young. (나이 (na-i, age) is a noun).
When To Use It
-에 비해(서) is employed when you need to make a precise, relative assessment, often highlighting a discrepancy or notable observation between a standard and the subject being evaluated. It is a more analytical and evaluative comparison than the simple magnitude comparison of -보다.- 1Statistical and Quantitative Comparisons: Use this pattern to present data, trends, or measurements relative to an average, a previous period, or another benchmark. It's common in news, reports, and academic discussions.
작년에 비해서 올해는 강수량이 현저히 적습니다.(jak-nyeon-e bi-hae-seo ol-hae-neun gang-su-ryang-i hyeon-jeo-hi jeog-seum-ni-da.) - Compared to last year, this year's precipitation is remarkably low. (Formal, 합니다체)예상했던 것에 비해 프로젝트 진행 속도가 빨라요.(ye-sang-haess-deon geos-e bi-hae peu-ro-jek-teu jin-haeng sok-do-ga ppal-la-yo.) - Compared to what was expected, the project's progress speed is fast. (Formal, 합니다체)
- 1Qualitative Assessment and Value Judgments: This is particularly useful for expressing value for money, quality relative to price, or a surprising attribute. It implies a degree of subjective evaluation.
이 제품은 가격에 비해 품질이 아주 뛰어나요.(i je-pum-eun ga-gyeog-e bi-hae pum-jil-i a-ju ttwi-eo-na-yo.) - Compared to its price, this product's quality is outstanding.솔직히 기대에 비해 영화가 좀 지루했어요.(sol-jik-hi gi-dae-e bi-hae yeong-hwa-ga jom ji-ru-haess-eo-yo.) - Honestly, compared to expectations, the movie was a bit boring.
- 1Expectation Versus Reality: When there is a notable difference between what was anticipated and what actually occurred,
-에 비해(서)perfectly captures this contrast.
광고에 비해 실물이 훨씬 별로네요.(gwang-go-e bi-hae sil-mur-i hwol-ssin byeol-lo-ne-yo.) - Compared to the advertisement, the actual item is much worse.처음 예상했던 것보다 결과가 좋았어요.(cheo-eum ye-sang-haess-deon geot-bo-da gyeol-gwa-ga joh-ass-eo-yo.) - Compared to what was initially expected, the result was better. (Note: This could also use-에 비해, though the example uses-보다in the initial part for emphasis, it’s still comparing expectation vs reality).
- 1Relative Attributes and Personal Comparisons: You can use it to describe an individual's trait in relation to a group, a standard, or their own past self. Care should be taken with potentially sensitive personal comparisons.
그 학생은 노력한 것에 비해 성적이 잘 나왔어요.(geu hak-saeng-eun no-ryeok-han geos-e bi-hae seong-jeog-i jal naw-ass-eo-yo.) - Compared to the effort he put in, that student got good grades. (Implies surprising positive outcome).나이에 비해 피부가 정말 좋으시네요.(na-i-e bi-hae pi-bu-ga jeong-mal joh-eu-si-ne-yo.) - Compared to your age, your skin is really good. (A common compliment).
- 1Technical Specifications and Modern Comparisons: In contemporary discourse, especially around technology or consumer goods,
-에 비해(서)is used to evaluate features or performance against competitors or previous models.
이 노트북은 다른 제품에 비해 배터리 수명이 길어요.(i no-teu-buk-eun da-reun je-pum-e bi-hae bae-teo-ri su-myeong-i gir-eo-yo.) - Compared to other products, this laptop has a long battery life.
Common Mistakes
-에 비해(서). Awareness of these common errors and their linguistic rationale is crucial for mastery.- 1Direct Attachment to Adjectives or Verb Stems: This is the most frequent error. Particles in Korean attach to nouns. You cannot say
크다에 비해(keu-da-e bi-hae,크다is 'to be big') or예쁘다에 비해(ye-ppeu-da-e bi-hae,예쁘다is 'to be pretty').
- Incorrect:
이 가방은 무겁다에 비해 편해요.(This bag is comfortable compared to being heavy.) - Correct:
이 가방은 무게에 비해 편해요.(i ga-bang-eun mu-ge-e bi-hae pyeon-hae-yo.) - Compared to its weight, this bag is comfortable. (무게(mu-ge) is the noun for 'weight'). - Correct:
이 가방은 무거운 것에 비해 편해요.(i ga-bang-eun mu-geo-un geos-e bi-hae pyeon-hae-yo.) - Compared to the fact that it is heavy, this bag is comfortable. (Nominalization of adjective).
- 1Forgetting Nominalization for Verbs/Adjective Clauses: When the comparison standard is an action or a descriptive clause, failing to use
-는 것or-은/ㄴ 것will result in ungrammatical sentences.
- Incorrect:
공부해 비해 성적이 안 좋아요.(Compared to studying, grades are not good.) - Correct:
공부하는 것에 비해 성적이 안 좋아요.(gong-bu-ha-neun geos-e bi-hae seong-jeog-i an joh-a-yo.) - Compared to the fact that I study, my grades aren't good.
- 1Confusing with
-보다(Nuance Misapplication): While sometimes interchangeable in casual settings,-에 비해(서)implies a more profound, often evaluative, comparison of relative value or proportion.-보다(bo-da) simply indicates one thing is more or less than another without necessarily implying a judgment of surprising degree.
철수는 영희보다 키가 커요.(cheol-su-neun yeong-hui-bo-da ki-ga keo-yo.) - Cheolsu is taller than Younghee. (Simple, factual comparison of height).철수는 나이에 비해 키가 커요.(cheol-su-neun na-i-e bi-hae ki-ga keo-yo.) - Compared to his age, Cheolsu is tall. (Implies that his height is notable for his age).
-보다 when the intent is to convey a relative assessment or a surprising attribute based on a standard, rather than just a linear comparison of magnitude.- 1Particle Stacking or Redundancy:
-에 비해(서)functions as a complete adverbial phrase. Do not attempt to attach additional case particles (like-가,-를,-이,-는) directly after비해(서). The에is already serving its grammatical purpose.
- Incorrect:
가격에 비해서가 싸요. - Correct:
가격에 비해서 싸요.(ga-gyeog-e bi-hae-seo ssa-yo.) - It's cheap compared to the price.
- 1Unclear Subject of Comparison: Ensure that what is being compared to the baseline noun is clear in the sentence, either explicitly stated or easily inferable from context.
- Ambiguous:
어제에 비해 피곤해요.(Compared to yesterday, I'm tired.) - Who is tired compared to yesterday? (Often clear from context, but can be ambiguous if not). - Clearer:
저는 어제에 비해 오늘 더 피곤해요.(jeo-neun eo-je-e bi-hae o-neul deo pi-gon-hae-yo.) - Compared to yesterday, I am more tired today.
Real Conversations
-에 비해(서) is a versatile expression used across various communication styles, from formal reports to casual chats. Its presence often signals a more thoughtful and analytical observation.
1. Work/Formal Context (Reports, Emails):
- A: 지난 분기 실적 보고서 분석해 봤는데, 예상했던 것에 비해 매출 성장률이 다소 둔화되었습니다.
(A: ji-nan bun-gi sil-jeok bo-go-seo bun-seok-hae bwass-neun-de, ye-sang-haess-deon geos-e bi-hae mae-chul seong-jang-nyul-i da-so dun-hwa-doe-eoss-seum-ni-da.)
Translation
- B: 네, 경쟁사에 비해서는 여전히 높은 수치이지만, 내부 목표치에는 미치지 못했습니다.
(B: ne, gyeong-jaeng-sa-e bi-hae-seo-neun yeo-jeon-hi nop-eun su-chi-i-ji-man, nae-bu mok-pyo-chi-e-neun mi-chi-ji mot-haess-seum-ni-da.)
Translation
2. Casual Chat / Social Media (Texting):
- A: 야, 이번 시험 진짜 어려웠지? ㅠㅠ (ya, i-beon si-heom jin-jja eo-ryeop-jji? t-t)
Translation
- B: ㅇㅇ… 공부한 거에 비해 점수 너무 낮게 나올 거 같아. (eung… gong-bu-han geo-e bi-hae jeom-su neo-mu nat-ge na-ol geo gat-a.)
Translation
- A: 나도. 지난 학기에 비해 이번 학기는 완전 망했어. (na-do. ji-nan hak-gi-e bi-hae i-beon hak-gi-neun wan-jeon mang-haess-eo.)
Translation
3. Reviews / Opinions:
- A: 새로 생긴 카페 가봤어? 분위기 어때? (sae-ro saeng-gin ka-pe ga-bwass-eo? bun-wi-gi eo-ttae?)
Translation
- B: 응, 생각보다 괜찮았어. 가격에 비해 커피 맛도 좋고, 인테리어도 예쁘더라. (eung, saeng-gak-bo-da gwaen-chan-ass-eo. ga-gyeog-e bi-hae keo-pi mat-tto joh-go, in-te-ri-eo-do ye-ppeu-deo-ra.)
Translation
These examples illustrate that the choice between -에 비해 and -에 비해서 often depends on the level of formality and the flow of the conversation, with -에 비해 being more common in rapid, informal exchanges. The key is its consistent function in setting a clear standard for relative evaluation.
Quick FAQ
-서 truly optional, and does its inclusion change formality?서 is largely optional in modern usage. Its inclusion does not significantly alter the level of formality, although -에 비해서 might sound slightly more complete or deliberate in very formal writing or speech. In casual conversation and texting, -에 비해 is often preferred for conciseness.날씨가 어제에 비해 추워요 and 날씨가 어제에 비해서 추워요 both mean "The weather is colder compared to yesterday," with virtually no difference in perceived formality or meaning.-에 비해(서) when comparing people directly?그는 나에 비해 수학을 잘해요. (geu-neun na-e bi-hae su-hag-eul jal-hae-yo. - Compared to me, he is good at math.) or 우리 엄마는 나이에 비해 젊어 보여요. (u-ri eom-ma-neun na-i-e bi-hae jeol-meo bo-yeo-yo.그녀는 다른 친구들에 비해 키가 작다. - Compared to her other friends, she is short.) can be impolite or cause discomfort. Focus on objective traits or accomplishments rather than potentially judgmental physical characteristics.-에 비해(서) inherently carry a positive or negative connotation?생각보다 돈을 적게 쓴 것에 비해 만족도가 높았어요. (saeng-gak-bo-da don-eul jeok-ge sseun geos-e bi-hae man-jok-do-ga nop-ass-eo-yo. - Compared to spending less money than expected, my satisfaction was high.) is positive. 노력에 비해 결과가 좋지 않았다. (no-ryeog-e bi-hae gyeol-gwa-ga joh-ji anh-ass-da.-에 비해(서)?-에 비하여 (e bi-ha-yeo). This is the connective 아/어서 form (-여서 after 하) of 비하다. For B1 learners, mastering -에 비해(서) is sufficient, as it is the overwhelmingly common form in contemporary spoken and written Korean, including most formal settings.~에 비추어 (볼 때) (e bi-chu-eo (bol ttae), "when viewed in comparison to") is another, more formal and evaluative phrase, often used for setting a standard for judgment, but it's a higher-level pattern.많이, 훨씬, or 더 with -에 비해(서)?작년에 비해 훨씬 더워요.(jak-nyeon-e bi-hae hwol-ssin deo-weo-yo.) - Compared to last year, it's much hotter.예상했던 것보다 더 많이 먹었어요.(ye-sang-haess-deon geot-bo-da deo man-i meog-eoss-eo-yo.) - Compared to what I expected, I ate even more.다른 차에 비해서 조금 더 비싸요.(da-reun cha-e bi-hae-seo jo-geum deo bi-ssa-yo.) - Compared to other cars, it's a little more expensive.
-에 비해(서), allowing for a finer degree of expression in your comparisons.Formation Pattern
| Noun | Particle | Comparison Word | Full Phrase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
작년
|
에
|
비해
|
작년에 비해
|
|
서울
|
에
|
비해
|
서울에 비해
|
|
어제
|
에
|
비해
|
어제에 비해
|
|
가격
|
에
|
비해
|
가격에 비해
|
|
기대
|
에
|
비해
|
기대에 비해
|
|
실력
|
에
|
비해
|
실력에 비해
|
Common Variations
| Full Form | Variation | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
|
-에 비해
|
-에 비해서
|
Slightly more emphatic
|
|
-에 비해
|
-에 비하면
|
Focuses on the condition of comparison
|
Meanings
This pattern establishes a standard of comparison. It indicates that the following statement is evaluated relative to the noun attached to the particle.
Standard of Comparison
Used to contrast two entities or states.
“이 집은 저 집에 비해 커요.”
“한국어는 영어에 비해 문법이 복잡해요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 에 비해
|
작년에 비해 더워요.
|
|
Negative
|
Noun + 에 비해 + 안/못
|
예상에 비해 안 좋아요.
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 에 비해 어때요?
|
서울에 비해 어때요?
|
|
Past
|
Noun + 에 비해 + Past
|
어제에 비해 많이 먹었어요.
|
|
Future
|
Noun + 에 비해 + Future
|
작년에 비해 더 좋아질 거예요.
|
Formality Spectrum
작년에 비해 매출이 증가했습니다. (Business report/Casual talk)
작년에 비해 매출이 증가했어요. (Business report/Casual talk)
작년에 비해 매출이 올랐어. (Business report/Casual talk)
작년보다 매출 떡상했어. (Business report/Casual talk)
Comparison Logic
Time
- 작년 Last year
- 어제 Yesterday
Space
- 서울 Seoul
- 여기 Here
Examples by Level
여름에 비해 겨울이 추워요.
Compared to summer, winter is cold.
어제에 비해 오늘이 좋아요.
Compared to yesterday, today is good.
이것에 비해 저것이 커요.
Compared to this, that is big.
한국어는 영어에 비해 어려워요.
Compared to English, Korean is difficult.
작년에 비해 올해는 바빠요.
Compared to last year, I am busy this year.
이 식당은 저 식당에 비해 싸요.
This restaurant is cheap compared to that one.
서울에 비해 부산은 따뜻해요.
Compared to Seoul, Busan is warm.
그 영화는 책에 비해 짧아요.
That movie is short compared to the book.
예상에 비해 결과가 좋아요.
Compared to expectations, the results are good.
다른 도시에 비해 물가가 비싸요.
Compared to other cities, the cost of living is high.
지난달에 비해 매출이 올랐어요.
Compared to last month, sales have increased.
이론에 비해 실습이 더 중요해요.
Compared to theory, practice is more important.
과거의 관습에 비해 현대의 문화는 자유로워요.
Compared to past customs, modern culture is free.
투입된 시간에 비해 성과가 미비해요.
Compared to the time invested, the results are minimal.
다른 후보들에 비해 경력이 화려해요.
Compared to other candidates, his career is impressive.
기존 모델에 비해 성능이 개선되었습니다.
Compared to the existing model, the performance has improved.
국가적 차원의 지원에 비해 지역적 관심은 저조합니다.
Compared to national-level support, local interest is low.
그의 명성에 비해 실력은 과대평가된 경향이 있어요.
Compared to his fame, his ability tends to be overrated.
급격한 경제 성장에 비해 복지 수준은 제자리걸음입니다.
Compared to rapid economic growth, the welfare level is stagnant.
작가의 초기 작품에 비해 후기 작품은 철학적 깊이가 더합니다.
Compared to the author's early works, the later works have more philosophical depth.
언어의 보편적 구조에 비해 개별 언어의 특수성은 간과되기 쉽습니다.
Compared to the universal structure of language, the specificity of individual languages is easily overlooked.
기대 수명의 연장에 비해 노후 준비는 턱없이 부족한 실정입니다.
Compared to the increase in life expectancy, preparation for old age is woefully insufficient.
역사적 맥락에 비해 현재의 사건은 단편적으로 해석되고 있습니다.
Compared to the historical context, current events are being interpreted fragmentarily.
제시된 예산에 비해 프로젝트의 규모가 지나치게 방대합니다.
Compared to the proposed budget, the scale of the project is excessively vast.
Easily Confused
Both are used for comparison.
They are nearly identical.
Used for hypothetical comparison.
Common Mistakes
서울보다에 비해
서울에 비해
서울에 비해서는
서울에 비해
서울에 비하다
서울에 비해
서울 비해서
서울에 비해
작년보다 비해
작년에 비해
비해 작년
작년에 비해
작년의 비해
작년에 비해
그것에 비해서는 더 커요
그것에 비해 더 커요
어제에 비하면은
어제에 비해
비해해서
비해
비해 볼 때
비해
비교하여서
비해
비해지면
비해
비해는
비해
Sentence Patterns
___에 비해 ___가 더 커요.
이것은 ___에 비해 가격이 ___.
___에 비해 ___는 장점이 많아요.
___에 비해 ___의 성과가 ___.
Real World Usage
작년에 비해 살이 좀 빠졌어요!
이전 회사에 비해 성장 가능성이 높습니다.
어제에 비해 오늘 날씨 짱 좋아.
가격에 비해 양이 많아요.
서울에 비해 물가가 저렴해서 좋았어요.
기존 연구에 비해 본 연구는 차별점이 있습니다.
Use it for trends
Don't over-particle
Mix it up
Be polite
Smart Tips
Use -에 비해 for a more analytical tone.
Always link the time period with -에 비해.
Use '가격에 비해' for value-for-money.
Use '예상에 비해' to highlight a surprise.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㅎ' in 비해 is often softened in fast speech.
Comparative stress
Noun-에 비해 (rise on noun)
Highlights the reference point.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '비해' as 'B-Hae' (Be-High). When you compare, you are looking at how high or low something is relative to the other.
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side is a heavy rock (the noun), and on the other is a feather. You are weighing them using the '비해' scale.
Rhyme
Compared to the sea, the cup is small, -에 비해 is used for them all.
Story
Min-su was looking at his test scores. 'Compared to last month (지난달에 비해), my score is much better!' He felt proud. He told his teacher, 'Compared to the first exam (첫 시험에 비해), I studied harder.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences comparing your current Korean level to your level last month using -에 비해.
Cultural Notes
Koreans often use this to express 'value for money' (가성비).
Derived from the verb 비하다 (to compare).
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨 어때요?
이 식당 음식 어때요?
한국 생활 어때요?
이번 프로젝트 성과가 어땠나요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
작년___ 비해 올해가 더워요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
어제보다에 비해 날씨가 좋아요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Compared to Seoul, Busan is cheap.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '기대' and '결과'.
___에 비해 성능이 좋습니다.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises작년___ 비해 올해가 더워요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
어제보다에 비해 날씨가 좋아요.
비해 / 작년에 / 매출이 / 올랐어요.
Compared to Seoul, Busan is cheap.
Match the noun to the context.
Use '기대' and '결과'.
___에 비해 성능이 좋습니다.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercises작년에 / 공부해요 / 더 / 비해 / 많이
Translate: 'Compared to my sister, I am small.'
Match the phrases
다른 ______ 저는 잠이 많아요.
일하에 비해 월급이 적어요.
Choose the formal comparison:
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
Yes, it works with any noun used as a reference point.
It is neutral and used in both speech and writing.
-보다 is a particle for direct comparison; -에 비해 is a phrase for relative comparison.
Yes, the tense is determined by the main verb of the sentence.
Extremely common.
It is a stylistic variation that emphasizes the comparison process.
Yes, e.g., 'Compared to him, I am slow.'
Yes, e.g., 'Compared to expectations, it wasn't good.'
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
〜に比べて (ni kurabete)
The usage is nearly 1:1.
相比 (xiāng bǐ)
Korean uses post-positional particles.
im Vergleich zu
German is prepositional; Korean is postpositional.
par rapport à
French is prepositional.
en comparación con
Spanish is prepositional.
بالمقارنة مع
Arabic is prepositional.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
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