Comparing with '보다' (than)
보다 to the item you're comparing against to express 'more than' or 'less than.'
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the particle '보다' to compare two things by placing it after the noun you are comparing against.
- Place '보다' directly after the noun being compared: 'A보다 B가 더 크다' (B is bigger than A).
- Use '더' (more) or '덜' (less) before the adjective to clarify the degree of comparison.
- The particle '보다' does not change regardless of whether the noun ends in a vowel or consonant.
Overview
In Korean, expressing a comparison – stating that one item possesses a certain quality or quantity to a greater degree than another – is primarily achieved through the particle 보다 (boda). This particle functions as the direct equivalent of 'than' in English, establishing a clear baseline against which another element is measured. Understanding 보다 is fundamental for articulating preferences, describing differences, and engaging in any form of comparative discourse.
Its simplicity belies its critical role in conveying nuanced distinctions in both formal and casual settings.
보다 is an invariant particle, meaning its form does not change regardless of whether the preceding noun ends in a vowel or a consonant. This consistency makes it relatively easy to apply. Grammatically, 보다 attaches directly to the noun representing the standard of comparison—the item or concept that serves as the reference point for the comparison.
This structure positions the comparison in Korean differently from English, where 'than' precedes the comparative element. For instance, in 'A is better than B,' 보다 would attach to 'B' in Korean, effectively translating to 'compared to B, A is better.' This highlights 보다's role in marking the comparative origin.
From a linguistic perspective, 보다 acts as a postpositional particle, a common feature in agglutinative languages like Korean. It marks the noun it follows as the dative or ablative case in a comparative construction, indicating the source or point of departure for the comparison. This grammatical function establishes the relational aspect between the two entities being contrasted.
Mastery of 보다 is not just about translation; it's about internalizing how Korean frames hierarchical relationships between elements.
How This Grammar Works
보다 is to mark the element that serves as the standard or point of reference in a comparison. When you state that 'A is more [adjective/verb] than B,' the particle 보다 will always be affixed to 'B.' This designates 'B' as the benchmark against which 'A' is evaluated. The fundamental structure revolves around clearly identifying these two elements: the item being compared (A) and the item being compared against (B).보다 inherently indicates a comparison, you will frequently encounter it alongside adverbs that intensify or specify the degree of difference. The most common of these is 더 (deo), meaning 'more,' which explicitly highlights the greater degree of the quality or quantity. Although 더 is often optional, its inclusion makes the comparative statement unequivocally clear and is very common in everyday speech.훨씬 (hwolssin), which translates to 'much more' or 'far more,' emphasizing a significant difference. Conversely, 덜 (deol), meaning 'less,' can be used to express a lesser degree of a quality, although this construction is less common with 보다 than with direct negation or other comparative phrases.보다 can be flexible regarding word order. Both [Noun B]보다 [Noun A]이/가 더 [Adjective/Verb] and [Noun A]이/가 [Noun B]보다 더 [Adjective/Verb] are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning: 'A is more [Adjective/Verb] than B.' The key principle remains that 보다 directly follows the noun acting as the comparative standard. For example, to say 'Seoul is bigger than Busan,' you would state 부산보다 서울이 더 커요 (Busanboda Seour-i deo keoyo) or 서울이 부산보다 더 커요 (Seour-i Busana-boda deo keoyo).보다 to 부산 (Busan), marking it as the reference point. In informal spoken Korean, the subject particle 이/가 and topic particle 은/는 can sometimes be omitted when the context is clear, but they are crucial for grammatical clarity in written or formal contexts. The final verb or adjective must be conjugated appropriately for the sentence's formality level.한국 영화가 미국 영화보다 더 재미있어요.(Han-guk yeonghwa-ga Mi-guk yeonghwa-boda deo jaemiisseoyo.) – Korean movies are more interesting than American movies. (Formal해요체)이 책이 저 책보다 훨씬 좋아요.(I chaek-i jeo chaek-boda hwolssin joayo.) – This book is much better than that book. (Formal해요체)어제보다 오늘이 더 추워요.(Eoje-boda 오늘이 deo chuwoyo.) – Today is colder than yesterday. (Formal해요체)
Formation Pattern
보다 is remarkably straightforward, simplifying its application across various comparative statements. As an invariant particle, 보다 attaches directly to the end of a noun without any phonetic changes or specific considerations for the noun's final sound (i.e., whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant).
명사 + 보다 | myeongsa + boda | 커피보다 차 | tea than coffee |
명사 + 보다 + 더 | myeongsa + boda + deo | 커피보다 차가 더 | tea is more than coffee |
보다 always follows Noun B, the item serving as the benchmark.
합니다체) | Structure (Casual 해체) | English Equivalent |
[Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) [Adjective/Verb]ㅂ니다/습니다. | [Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) [Adjective/Verb]아요/어요. | Noun A is [Adj/Verb]er than Noun B. |
더 (more) | [Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) 더 [Adjective/Verb]ㅂ니다/습니다. | [Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) 더 [Adjective/Verb]아요/어요. | Noun A is more [Adj/Verb] than Noun B. |
훨씬 (much more) | [Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) 훨씬 [Adjective/Verb]ㅂ니다/습니다. | [Noun B]보다 [Noun A](이/가) 훨씬 [Adjective/Verb]아요/어요. | Noun A is much [Adj/Verb]er than Noun B. |
사과가 배보다 더 맛있습니다. (Formal 합니다체) / 사과가 배보다 더 맛있어요. (Casual 해체) – Apples are more delicious than pears.
배 (pear) is the standard, 사과 (apple) is the item being compared.
제 동생이 저보다 키가 큽니다. (Formal 합니다체) / 제 동생이 저보다 키가 커요. (Casual 해체) – My younger sibling is taller than me.
저 (me) is the standard of comparison.
작년보다 올해가 훨씬 덥습니다. (Formal 합니다체) / 작년보다 올해가 훨씬 더워요. (Casual 해체) – This year is much hotter than last year.
작년 (last year) serves as the reference point.
보다 into their Korean sentences without needing to memorize complex conjugation tables based on preceding phonemes. The choice between 합니다체 and 해체 for the final verb or adjective depends entirely on the formality of the situation and the speaker's relationship with the listener.
When To Use It
보다 is indispensable for any situation requiring a direct comparison between two entities based on a specific attribute, quantity, or degree. It is universally applicable across various contexts, from describing physical properties to expressing abstract preferences and comparing actions. Understanding its broad utility is key to fluent comparative expression.- 1Comparing Physical Attributes or Qualities: This is the most common application, used to describe differences in size, speed, beauty, difficulty, and many other characteristics.
제 차는 친구 차보다 작아요.(Je cha-neun chin-gu cha-boda jagayo.) – My car is smaller than my friend's car.이 문제가 저 문제보다 더 어려울 거예요.(I mun-je-ga jeo mun-je-boda deo eoryeoul geo-yeo-yo.) – This problem will be more difficult than that problem.
- 1Comparing Quantities or Amounts: When one item has 'more' or 'less' of something than another,
보다is the appropriate particle. This often involves numerical comparisons or general estimations.
저는 우유보다 물을 더 많이 마셔요.(Jeo-neun u-yu-boda mul-eul deo manhi masyeoyo.) – I drink more water than milk.이 도시는 서울보다 인구가 적어요.(I dosi-neun Seour-boda in-gu-ga jeogeoyo.) – This city has a smaller population than Seoul.
- 1Expressing Preferences:
보다is crucial when stating a preference for one thing over another. This is often paired with verbs like좋아하다(joahada - to like) or descriptive adjectives.
저는 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.(Jeo-neun keopi-boda cha-reul deo joahaeyo.) – I like tea more than coffee.여름보다 겨울을 선호합니다.(Yeoreum-boda gyeoul-eul seonhohamnida.) – I prefer winter over summer. (Formal합니다체)
- 1Comparing Abstract Concepts or Experiences:
보다extends to non-tangible comparisons, such as ideas, feelings, or past experiences.
생각보다 시험이 쉬웠어요.(Saenggak-boda siheom-i swi-weosseoyo.) – The exam was easier than I thought. (생각- thought, acts as a noun here.)어제보다 기분이 좋아요.(Eoje-boda gibun-i joayo.) – I feel better than yesterday.
- 1Comparing Actions (with nominalization): To compare verbs or actions, the verb must first be nominalized using the
~는 것(~neun geot) or~기(~gi) endings, effectively turning the verb phrase into a noun.보다then attaches to this nominalized form.
걷는 것보다 뛰는 것이 더 빨라요.(Geonneun geot-boda ttwi-neun geot-i deo ppallayo.) – Running is faster than walking.읽기보다 쓰기가 더 어려워요.(Ilk-gi-boda sseugi-ga deo eoryeowo-yo.) – Writing is more difficult than reading.
보다 is a versatile tool that allows for precise expression of comparative relationships across almost any domain. Its consistent application makes it a cornerstone of A2-level Korean grammar.When Not To Use It
보다 is a powerful and frequently used comparative particle, there are specific contexts where its use is either grammatically incorrect, unnatural, or less idiomatic than alternative expressions. Recognizing these limitations is crucial for developing accurate and natural-sounding Korean.- 1When Expressing Equivalence or Similarity:
보다is exclusively for denoting difference and superiority (or inferiority when combined with덜). It cannot be used to express that two things are equal or similar. For such comparisons, particles like만큼(man-keum – as much as/as…as) or처럼/같이(cheoreom/gati – like/as) are required. Using보다in a context aiming for equality would fundamentally alter the meaning to one of disparity.
- Incorrect:
저는 친구보다 키가 같아요.(Jeo-neun chin-gu-boda ki-ga gatayo.) – (Intended: I am as tall as my friend. Actual: I am the same height than my friend – grammatically awkward and wrong.) - Correct:
저는 친구만큼 키가 커요.(Jeo-neun chin-gu-man-keum ki-ga keoyo.) – I am as tall as my friend.
- 1With Superlative Expressions (without a specific baseline): While
보다can be used in sentences containing superlative ideas (e.g.,누구보다– more than anyone), it's generally not used directly with absolute superlative adverbs like가장(ga-jang – most) or제일(je-il – most/first) unless a specific comparison to every other item is implied. If you simply want to state that something is the 'most' overall,가장or제일are used independently.
- Unnatural/Redundant:
이것이 저것보다 가장 예뻐요.(Igeot-si jeogeot-boda ga-jang yeppeoyo.) – (This is most pretty than that – redundant if가장means 'most beautiful overall'.) - Correct:
이것이 가장 예뻐요.(Igeot-si ga-jang yeppeoyo.) – This is the prettiest. - Correct (but implies specific comparison):
이 반에서 철수보다 가장 키 큰 사람은 없습니다.(I ban-e-seo Cheolsu-boda ga-jang ki keun saram-eun eop-seumnida.) – In this class, there is no one taller than Cheolsu (implying Cheolsu is the tallest, but phrased comparatively).
- 1When Describing Substitution or Exchange:
보다is not used for concepts of 'instead of' or 'in place of.' For these meanings, particles like대신에(daesin-e) are used.
- Incorrect:
커피보다 물을 마실게요.(Keopi-boda mul-eul masil-ge-yo.) – (Intended: I'll drink water instead of coffee. Actual: I'll drink water more than coffee – implies preference, not substitution.) - Correct:
커피 대신에 물을 마실게요.(Keopi daesin-e mul-eul masil-ge-yo.) – I'll drink water instead of coffee.
- 1When Comparing a Verb (before nominalization): As mentioned,
보다attaches to nouns. Attempting to attach it directly to a verb stem without nominalization (e.g.,~는 것,~기) is grammatically incorrect.
- Incorrect:
먹다보다 요리하다가 더 힘들어요.(Meokda-boda yorihada-ga deo himdeureoyo.) – (Intended: Cooking is harder than eating. Actual: grammatically invalid verb + particle structure.) - Correct:
먹는 것보다 요리하는 것이 더 힘들어요.(Meok-neun geot-boda yori-ha-neun geot-i deo himdeureoyo.) – Cooking is harder than eating.
보다 is not only grammatically sound but also conveys your intended meaning accurately and naturally.Common Mistakes
보다. These mistakes often stem from a direct translation approach from English or a lack of understanding of 보다's precise role in Korean comparative structures. Addressing these pitfalls directly can significantly improve accuracy.- 1Attaching
보다to the Wrong Noun: This is arguably the most pervasive error. In English, 'than' precedes the noun that is lesser or the comparison subject. In Korean,보다attaches to the noun that serves as the standard or baseline of comparison—the item you are comparing against. If you swap these, your sentence's meaning will be inverted.
- Error: If you want to say 'Apples are more delicious than oranges,' but you say
사과보다 오렌지가 더 맛있어요.(Sa-gwa-boda o-ren-ji-ga deo masisseoyo.) - Why it's wrong: This literally translates to 'Compared to apples, oranges are more delicious,' meaning you are stating oranges are more delicious.
보다is incorrectly attached to사과(apple), which you intended to be the superior item. - Correction:
오렌지보다 사과가 더 맛있어요.(O-ren-ji-boda sa-gwa-ga deo masisseoyo.) – Compared to oranges, apples are more delicious.
- 1Confusing Particle
보다with the Verb보다(to see/look): Although identical in form, their grammatical functions are entirely distinct. The particle보다will always follow a noun (or a nominalized verb phrase) and never be conjugated. The verb보다will be found at the end of a clause or sentence and will always be conjugated according to tense, mood, and politeness level.
- Error: Interpreting
친구보다(chin-gu-boda) as 'see a friend' instead of 'than a friend' in a sentence like동생은 친구보다 키가 작아요.(Dongsaeng-eun chin-gu-boda ki-ga jagayo.) - Why it's wrong: Context is paramount. If
보다is attached directly to a noun within a comparative structure, it functions as a particle. If it's the main verb of a clause, it is conjugated. - Correction: Understand the grammatical role by its position and surrounding words.
친구보다as a particle is a single comparative unit.
- 1Forgetting to Nominalize Verbs for Comparison: As
보다is a noun-particle, it cannot attach directly to verb stems. Actions must first be converted into noun forms.
- Error:
먹다보다 자다가 더 좋아요.(Meokda-boda jada-ga deo joayo.) - Why it's wrong:
먹다(to eat) and자다(to sleep) are verb stems.보다cannot attach directly to them. - Correction:
먹는 것보다 자는 것이 더 좋아요.(Meok-neun geot-boda ja-neun geot-i deo joayo.) – Sleeping is better than eating.
- 1Omitting
더(more) when the comparison is not clear: While더is often optional, its absence can sometimes make the comparison less emphatic or even ambiguous if the context isn't perfectly clear.
- Error (potential ambiguity):
이 옷이 저 옷보다 비싸요.(I ot-i jeo ot-boda bissayo.) – This clothes are expensive than those clothes. (Could be interpreted as merely 'this one is expensive, that one is too, but I'm just noting a difference' rather than 'more expensive'.) - Why it's better with
더:더provides explicit emphasis on the greater degree. - Correction (for clarity):
이 옷이 저 옷보다 더 비싸요.(I ot-i jeo ot-boda deo bissayo.) – These clothes are more expensive than those clothes.
- 1Incorrect Spacing: While
보다attaches directly to the noun, any subsequent particles or adverbs (like더,훨씬, or even the subject particle이/가) require a space before them. This is a common orthographic error.
- Error:
책보다더 비싸요.(Chaek-boda-deo bissayo.) - Why it's wrong:
더should be separated by a space. - Correction:
책보다 더 비싸요.(Chaek-boda deo bissayo.) – It's more expensive than the book.
Common Collocations
보다, becoming idiomatic ways to express specific types of comparisons. Mastering these collocations not only enhances your fluency but also makes your Korean sound much more natural and native-like, moving beyond simple textbook examples.생각보다 (saenggak-boda) – 'than I thought,' 'more than expected'생각 (thought/idea) serves as the baseline.생각보다 사람이 많네요.(Saenggak-boda saram-i man-ne-yo.) – There are more people than I thought. (Polite요체)그 영화는 생각보다 재미있었어요.(Geu yeonghwa-neun saenggak-boda jaemiisseosseoyo.) – That movie was more interesting than I expected.
평소보다 (pyeongso-boda) – 'than usual,' 'more than ordinary'평소 (usual time/ordinariness) is the comparative standard.오늘은 평소보다 일찍 일어났어요.(Oneul-eun pyeongso-boda il-jjik il-eonat-sseoyo.) – Today, I woke up earlier than usual.평소보다 기분이 좋아요.(Pyeongso-boda gibun-i joayo.) – I feel better than usual.
어제보다 (eoje-boda) – 'than yesterday'어제 (yesterday) is the reference point.어제보다 날씨가 따뜻해요.(Eoje-boda nal-ssi-ga ttatteut-haeyo.) – The weather is warmer than yesterday.어제보다 일이 훨씬 많아요.(Eoje-boda il-i hwolssin manayo.) – There is much more work than yesterday.
누구보다 (nugu-boda) – 'than anyone,' 'more than anyone else'저는 누구보다 당신을 사랑합니다.(Jeo-neun nugu-boda dangsin-eul sarang-hamnida.) – I love you more than anyone else. (Formal합니다체)그는 누구보다 열심히 공부해요.(Geu-neun nugu-boda yeolsimhi gongbu-haeyo.) – He studies harder than anyone.
무엇보다 (mu-eot-boda) – 'above all,' 'more than anything'누구보다, this idiom elevates a concept or item above all other things, highlighting its supreme importance or priority. 무엇 (what/anything) serves as the broad standard.무엇보다 건강이 중요합니다.(Mu-eot-boda geon-gang-i jung-yo-hamnida.) – Above all, health is important. (Formal합니다체)안전이 무엇보다 우선이에요.(An-jeon-i mu-eot-boda u-seon-i-e-yo.) – Safety is the top priority above all else.
보다's ability to form nuanced, idiomatic expressions, enriching the comparative landscape of Korean. Incorporating them into your vocabulary will make your speech more natural and sophisticated.Contrast With Similar Patterns
보다 from these to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication. Learners, particularly at the A2 level, often conflate 보다 with expressions of similarity or substitution due to their shared conceptual field.- 1
보다(than) vs.만큼(as much as/as…as)
보다expresses inequality; it indicates that one item possesses a quality to a greater (or lesser, with덜) degree than another. It sets a baseline for difference.형보다 제가 키가 더 커요.(Hyeong-boda je-ga ki-ga deo keoyo.) – I am taller than my older brother.만큼expresses equality or proportionality; it signifies that something is 'as much as,' 'as...as,' or 'to the extent of' another. It establishes a baseline for similarity or equivalence.형만큼 제가 키가 커요.(Hyeong-man-keum je-ga ki-ga keoyo.) – I am as tall as my older brother.그는 부자만큼 돈이 많아요.(Geu-neun bu-ja-man-keum don-i manayo.) – He has as much money as a rich person.- The crucial distinction:
보다highlights difference,만큼highlights sameness in degree or quantity.
- 1
보다(than) vs.대신에(instead of/in place of)
보다is solely for comparison of degree or quality. It evaluates one thing against another.책보다 영화를 더 좋아해요.(Chaek-boda yeonghwa-reul deo joahaeyo.) – I like movies more than books.대신에expresses substitution or replacement. It implies choosing one option over another when both were possible, without necessarily implying one is 'better' in a comparative sense.책 대신에 영화를 봤어요.(Chaek daesin-e yeonghwa-reul bwasseoyo.) – I watched a movie instead of a book.- This pattern is often followed by a verb indicating the action of substitution, whereas
보다usually precedes a descriptive adjective or verb.
- 1
보다(than) vs.처럼/같이(like/as)
보다is for quantitative or qualitative comparison of degree.그는 나보다 똑똑해요.(Geu-neun na-boda ttok-ttok-haeyo.) – He is smarter than me.처럼/같이(cheoreom/gati) are particles used to express similarity in manner or appearance. They mean 'like' or 'as if.'그는 나처럼 똑똑해요.(Geu-neun na-cheoreom ttok-ttok-haeyo.) – He is smart like me.바보같이 행동하지 마세요.(Ba-bo-gati haeng-dong-ha-ji ma-se-yo.) – Don't act like a fool.- These particles indicate a resemblance, not a hierarchical comparison of degree.
- 1Particle
보다vs. Verb보다(to see/look)
- Particle
보다: Functions as 'than' and directly attaches to a noun, making it an inseparable part of the comparative phrase. It never conjugates. 나는 너보다 한국말을 잘해.(Na-neun neo-boda Han-gung-mal-eul jal-hae.) – I speak Korean better than you. (Casual해체)- Verb
보다: Means 'to see,' 'to look,' 'to watch,' 'to try,' 'to read,' etc. It is a main verb and will always be conjugated according to grammatical rules of tense, politeness, and mood. It can take an object marked by을/를. 영화를 보고 있어요.(Yeonghwa-reul bo-go isseoyo.) – I am watching a movie.책을 읽어 보세요.(Chaek-eul il-geo bo-se-yo.) – Try reading the book (here보다means 'to try').- Context is the only way to distinguish them. If it follows a noun and forms a comparative phrase, it's the particle. If it's a conjugated verb at the end of a clause, it's the verb.
Quick FAQ
보다.더 (deo) always necessary when using 보다?더 (meaning 'more') is not always strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended and very commonly used. The particle 보다 itself already signals a comparison of inequality. However, adding 더 makes the comparative nature of the sentence explicitly clear and often sounds more natural to native speakers.더, the sentence might still be grammatically correct but could occasionally sound slightly less emphatic or complete, especially in spoken Korean. For instance, 사과가 배보다 맛있어요. (Apples are delicious compared to pears) is acceptable, but 사과가 배보다 더 맛있어요. (Apples are more delicious than pears) is more common and unambiguous.보다?보다 cannot attach directly to a verb stem. Since 보다 is a noun particle, you must first transform the verb into a noun form. This is typically done by adding ~는 것 (~neun geot – 'the act of doing') or ~기 (~gi – gerund form) to the verb stem, thereby nominalizing the verb.보다 can then attach to this noun form.- Example:
수영하는 것보다 걷는 것이 더 좋아요.(Su-yeong-ha-neun geot-boda geon-neun geot-i deo joayo.) – Walking is better than swimming. - Example:
듣기보다 말하기가 더 어려워요.(Deut-gi-boda mal-ha-gi-ga deo eoryeowo-yo.) – Speaking is harder than listening.
보다 in formal writing, such as academic papers or official reports?보다 is a standard and grammatically correct particle for expressing comparison in all registers, including formal writing. You will find it commonly used in academic papers (논문, non-mun), news articles, and professional documents. The formality of the sentence is conveyed through the conjugation of the main verb or adjective, not by 보다 itself.~ㅂ니다/습니다 (bnida/seumnida) endings:데이터 분석에 따르면 A 방법이 B 방법보다 효율적입니다.(De-i-teo bun-seog-e tta-reu-myeon A bang-beop-i B bang-beop-boda hyu-yul-jeok-imnida.) – According to data analysis, method A is more efficient than method B.
보다 be used with negative comparisons, like 'less than'?보다 can be used to express 'less than,' typically by combining it with the adverb 덜 (deol – less) or by using an adjective with a negative connotation. While 덜 is grammatically correct, using a directly opposite adjective is often more natural for 'less' comparisons in Korean.- Using
덜: 이 책은 저 책보다 덜 재미있어요.(I chaek-eun jeo chaek-boda deol jaemiisseoyo.) – This book is less interesting than that book.- Using an opposite adjective (often more idiomatic):
이 책은 저 책보다 재미없어요.(I chaek-eun jeo chaek-boda jaemi-eop-sseoyo.) – This book is uninteresting/boring compared to that book (i.e., less interesting).
보다 itself is a neutral grammatical tool, comparative statements can sometimes touch upon cultural sensitivities, particularly regarding personal attributes or social standing. Direct comparisons that highlight one person's superiority over another, especially in areas like physical appearance, academic achievement, or wealth, can be considered impolite or boastful if not handled carefully. Korean culture generally values humility and indirect communication in certain social contexts.보다 is grammatically correct, always consider the social implications and choose your words and the tone of your comparison wisely. For example, comparing yourself to an elder or superior might require more careful phrasing to maintain politeness. Conversely, self-deprecating comparisons can be a sign of humility.보다 extends beyond its grammatical rules into the realm of socio-linguistic competency, which is crucial for advanced learners.Comparison Structure
| Reference | Particle | Subject | Modifier | Adjective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
사과
|
보다
|
배가
|
더
|
맛있어요
|
|
어제
|
보다
|
오늘이
|
더
|
추워요
|
|
저
|
보다
|
그가
|
더
|
커요
|
|
영어
|
보다
|
한국어가
|
더
|
어려워요
|
|
버스
|
보다
|
기차가
|
더
|
빨라요
|
|
이것
|
보다
|
저것이
|
더
|
좋아요
|
Meanings
The particle '보다' is used to indicate the standard of comparison, equivalent to 'than' in English.
Comparative standard
Used to mark the object or person being compared against.
“한국어가 영어보다 어려워요.”
“어제보다 오늘이 더 추워요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A보다 B가 더 [Adj]
|
사과보다 배가 더 커요
|
|
Negative
|
A보다 B가 덜 [Adj]
|
사과보다 배가 덜 맛있어요
|
|
Question
|
A보다 B가 더 [Adj]?
|
사과보다 배가 더 커요?
|
|
Comparison of Actions
|
A하는 것보다 B하는 게 더 [Adj]
|
걷는 것보다 뛰는 게 더 빨라요
|
|
Emphasis
|
A보다 훨씬 더 [Adj]
|
어제보다 훨씬 더 추워요
|
Formality Spectrum
이것이 저것보다 더 큽니다. (General comparison)
이게 저것보다 더 커요. (General comparison)
이게 저것보다 더 커. (General comparison)
이게 저것보다 훨씬 커. (General comparison)
Comparison Concept Map
Function
- 비교 Comparison
Usage
- 명사 뒤 After Noun
Examples by Level
이게 저것보다 커요.
This is bigger than that.
한국어가 영어보다 쉬워요.
Korean is easier than English.
사과가 배보다 맛있어요.
Apples are tastier than pears.
오늘이 어제보다 더워요.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
버스가 지하철보다 더 빨라요.
The bus is faster than the subway.
저보다 키가 커요?
Are you taller than me?
이 영화가 저 영화보다 더 재미있어요.
This movie is more fun than that movie.
커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.
I like tea more than coffee.
생각했던 것보다 훨씬 어려워요.
It is much harder than I thought.
말하는 것보다 듣는 게 더 중요해요.
Listening is more important than speaking.
기대했던 것보다 결과가 좋아요.
The result is better than expected.
혼자 하는 것보다 같이 하는 게 좋아요.
It is better to do it together than alone.
이 제품은 가격 대비 성능이 다른 것보다 월등합니다.
This product's performance-to-price ratio is superior to others.
그는 남들보다 두 배 더 열심히 노력했습니다.
He worked twice as hard as others.
이론보다 실무 경험이 더 중요하게 여겨집니다.
Practical experience is considered more important than theory.
예상보다 상황이 더 복잡하게 돌아가고 있습니다.
The situation is becoming more complex than anticipated.
단순한 지식 전달보다 비판적 사고를 기르는 것이 교육의 본질입니다.
Cultivating critical thinking is the essence of education, rather than simple knowledge transfer.
과거의 관습보다 미래의 가치를 우선시해야 합니다.
We must prioritize future values over past customs.
개인의 자유보다 공동체의 안녕이 강조되는 사회입니다.
It is a society where the well-being of the community is emphasized over individual freedom.
그의 연설은 그 어떤 화려한 수사보다 진정성이 느껴졌습니다.
His speech felt more sincere than any flowery rhetoric.
언어의 형식보다 그 이면에 담긴 문화적 맥락을 파악하는 것이 진정한 숙달입니다.
Grasping the cultural context behind the language is true mastery, rather than just the form.
역사적 사실보다 그 사실이 해석되는 방식이 더 중요한 논쟁거리가 되곤 합니다.
The way historical facts are interpreted often becomes a more significant debate than the facts themselves.
기술적 진보보다 인간의 윤리적 성찰이 앞서야 한다는 주장이 설득력을 얻고 있습니다.
The argument that human ethical reflection must precede technological progress is gaining traction.
그의 작품은 기존의 예술적 규범보다 파격적인 실험 정신을 앞세우고 있습니다.
His work prioritizes a radical experimental spirit over existing artistic norms.
Easily Confused
Both are spelled the same.
Both compare things.
Both are adverbs.
Common Mistakes
사과가 배 맛있어요
사과가 배보다 맛있어요
사과보다 배가 맛있어요
사과보다 배가 더 맛있어요
사과보다가 배가 커요
사과보다 배가 커요
사과보다 배가 더 커요
사과보다 배가 더 커요
저보다 키가 커요
저보다 키가 더 커요
어제보다 오늘이 춥다
어제보다 오늘이 더 추워요
커피보다 차를 좋아해요
커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요
걷는 것보다 뛰는 게 힘들다
걷는 것보다 뛰는 게 더 힘들어요
생각보다 어렵다
생각보다 더 어려워요
기대보다 결과가 좋다
기대보다 결과가 더 좋아요
이론보다 실무가 중요하다
이론보다 실무가 더 중요합니다
개인보다 공동체가 우선이다
개인보다 공동체가 우선입니다
과거보다 미래가 중요하다
과거보다 미래가 더 중요합니다
Sentence Patterns
___보다 ___가 더 좋아요.
___보다 ___가 더 [Adjective]해요.
___하는 것보다 ___하는 게 더 [Adjective]해요.
예상보다 ___가 더 [Adjective]합니다.
Real World Usage
이게 저것보다 더 예뻐요.
어제보다 오늘 더 춥다 ㅠㅠ
이론보다 실무 경험이 더 많습니다.
택시보다 지하철이 더 빨라요.
치킨보다 피자가 더 맛있어요.
생각보다 훨씬 좋음!
Don't forget '더'
Particle vs Verb
Use '훨씬' for emphasis
Politeness
Smart Tips
Always identify the reference point first.
Use '훨씬' for big differences.
Use '는 것' to turn the verb into a noun.
Use 'A와 B 중에 뭐가 더 [Adj]해요?'
Pronunciation
Linking
When '보다' is followed by a word starting with a vowel, the sound flows smoothly.
Rising
사과보다 배가 더 커요? ↑
Used for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '보다' as a 'Bridge' (Boda) that connects two things so you can see which one is bigger.
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side is a heavy apple, on the other is a light feather. The word '보다' is the pivot point in the middle.
Rhyme
To say 'more than', use '보다', it's the best way to make things clearer!
Story
Min-su is at a fruit stand. He holds an apple and a pear. He says, 'Apple-boda Pear-ga deo masisseoyo!' (The pear is tastier than the apple). The fruit seller smiles because his grammar is perfect.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, compare everything you see in your room using '보다'.
Cultural Notes
Koreans often use '보다' to compare social status or age, though it can be sensitive.
The particle '보다' originated from the verb '보다' (to see/look).
Conversation Starters
어떤 음식을 더 좋아해요?
한국어가 영어보다 어려워요?
버스보다 지하철이 더 빨라요?
혼자 공부하는 것보다 같이 하는 게 좋아요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
사과 ___ 배가 더 커요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과가 배 맛있어요.
사과가 커요. 배가 더 커요.
'보다' can be used after a verb.
A: 버스가 빨라요? B: 아니요, 지하철이 ___ 빨라요.
더 / 배가 / 사과보다 / 커요
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises사과 ___ 배가 더 커요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과가 배 맛있어요.
사과가 커요. 배가 더 커요.
'보다' can be used after a verb.
A: 버스가 빨라요? B: 아니요, 지하철이 ___ 빨라요.
더 / 배가 / 사과보다 / 커요
사과보다 배가 더 커요
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises고양이(____) 개가 더 좋아요.
지하철이 / 보다 / 버스 / 편해요 / 더
This coffee is sweeter than that one.
Choose the correct sentence:
사과가 오렌지보단 더 싸요.
Match the adverbs:
오늘은 평소(____) 더 바빠요.
I am shorter than you.
Choose correctly:
언니가 / 나보다 / 더 / 똑똑해요
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it attaches to any noun without changes.
It is highly recommended for natural speech.
Use '기' or '는 것' before '보다'.
Yes, e.g., '사과보다 배가 안 커요'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
It might sound incomplete but is usually understood.
They function almost identically.
Yes, e.g., '저보다 키가 커요'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
より (yori)
The word order is very similar.
que
It is a separate word, not a particle.
que
Placement is different.
als
It is not a particle.
比 (bǐ)
It comes before the reference noun.
min
It is a preposition.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
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