Mathematical Proportions (-에 비례하여)
-에 비례하여 to describe things that increase or decrease at the same rate as a specific noun.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -에 비례하여 to express that one action or state increases or changes in direct proportion to another.
- Attach -에 비례하여 to a noun representing the base factor.
- Ensure the following clause describes a corresponding change or result.
- Use it to show mathematical or logical correlation between two variables.
Overview
Does your bank account grow exactly as fast as your overtime hours, or is the math a bit fuzzy? If you've ever felt that life should be a simple equation where more input equals more output, you're already thinking in the logic of -에 비례하여. This grammar point is the ultimate tool for talking about fairness, logic, and the way the world balances itself out.
It comes from the Hanja 비례, where 비 (比) means to compare and 례 (例) means an example or rule. Essentially, you're saying that one thing changes at the same rate as another. It’s like a digital slider: as you move Noun A to the right, Noun B follows it perfectly.
While it sounds a bit like a math textbook, Koreans use it all the time to discuss salaries, workout results, or even how much salt you need for a bigger pot of soup. It’s formal, yes, but it makes you sound incredibly precise and intelligent. In a world of "it depends," -에 비례하여 is your way of saying "it scales perfectly."
Think of -에 비례하여 as the mathematical "equal sign" of relationships. When you use this pattern, you are describing a linear relationship between two things. If Noun A goes up, Noun B goes up by the same degree.
If Noun A goes down, Noun B drops right along with it. It’s most commonly found in news reports, business meetings, and scientific explanations, but it’s also the backbone of any "fair" system. For example, if you're a freelance designer, your stress level usually rises 업무량에 비례하여 (in proportion to the amount of work).
It’s a bit more "serious" than just saying "A changes because of B." It implies a calculated, measured connection. If you've been using Duolingo and wondering why your Korean isn't perfect yet, you might tell yourself that your fluency will increase 연습 시간에 비례하여 (in proportion to your practice time). It’s an encouraging, logical way to view progress.
Just don't use it to describe your love life unless you want to sound like a robot on a first date—unless, of course, your date is into data science! A little humor goes a long way when discussing rigid grammar.
How This Grammar Works
-에 비례하여 to it. The noun you choose must be something that can be measured or quantified—think "time," "amount," "distance," or "effort." You can't really use it with vague concepts that don't scale.[Noun A]에 비례하여 [Noun B]이/가 [Verb]. This tells the listener that Noun B is the variable that changes based on the scale of Noun A. You’ll often see it paired with verbs of change, like 증가하다 (to increase), 감소하다 (to decrease), 상승하다 (to rise), or 변하다 (to change).-하여 ending for -해서, making it -에 비례해서.Formation Pattern
노력 - effort).
에 directly to the noun (노력에).
비례하여 (written/formal) or 비례해서 (spoken/softer).
노력 (Effort) + 에 비례하여 = 노력에 비례하여 (In proportion to effort).
반 (反 - opposite). This creates 반비례, or 에 반비례하여 (in inverse proportion to). It’s a great way to describe those annoying life trade-offs, like how the tastiness of food is often 칼로리에 반비례하지 않아요 (actually, that's a lie, it's usually directly proportional!). Use this pattern when you want to show that you understand the underlying mechanics of a situation. It’s the difference between saying "I'm tired because I worked a lot" and "My fatigue is proportional to my workload."
When To Use It
좋아요 수에 비례하여 (proportional to the number of likes).인터넷 속도에 비례하여 (in proportion to internet speed). It’s a very modern way to describe tech behavior.-에 비례하여 is the right tool for the job. Just remember, it’s about a steady ratio. If the relationship is chaotic or unpredictable, this isn't the grammar for you.Common Mistakes
공부하기에 비례하여 (X). You must turn that verb into a noun first, usually by using the -기 or -음 nominalizers, or simply using a related noun like 학습량 (amount of study). Another mistake is using it for things that aren't actually proportional. If you say "My happiness is proportional to the number of cats I have," that might be true, but if you only have one cat and you're already at 100% happiness, the math doesn't check out! Avoid using it for simple cause-and-effect where the scale doesn't matter. For example, "I'm hungry in proportion to not eating" sounds very strange. Just say "I'm hungry because I didn't eat." Also, be careful with the particle. It is always 에, never 이/가 or 를 before 비례하여. Finally, don't confuse it with -에 따라. While -에 따라 means "depending on," it doesn't necessarily imply a 1:1 ratio. -에 비례하여 is much more specific about the rate of change. If you use it too casually, you might sound like you're reading a whiteboard in a calculus class, so gauge your audience! If you're at a BBQ with friends, maybe stick to simpler terms unless you're debating the perfect ratio of meat to garlic.Contrast With Similar Patterns
-에 따라 (depending on / according to).-에 따라.-에 비례하여 is the stricter, nerdier cousin. It says if one goes up 10%, the other goes up 10%.-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 (the more... the more...). This is the most common "daily life" version.공부하면 할수록 더 잘해요 (The more I study, the better I get). This is great for general trends. However, it lacks the "scientific precision" of -에 비례하여.-(으)면 -(으)ㄹ수록 feels a bit too colloquial. Use -에 비례하여 when you want to sound like an authority or when the math actually matters. It’s like the difference between saying "The more I run, the more I sweat" and "Sweat production is proportional to physical exertion." One is for the gym; the other is for a biology paper.Quick FAQ
Is this used in texting?
Rarely, unless you're joking about logic or talking about something like a split bill. Use -에 비례해서 to sound more natural.
Can I use it with people?
Usually only in terms of their attributes (height, weight, age). "His height is proportional to his age" is fine. "He is proportional to me" makes no sense.
Is it only for increasing things?
Nope! It works for decreasing too. If Noun A drops and Noun B drops at the same rate, they are still proportional.
What’s the opposite?
반비례 (Inverse proportion). As one goes up, the other goes down at a steady rate.
Does it sound too formal for a beginner?
A little bit, but using it correctly will seriously impress your Korean teacher or boss. It shows you've moved beyond "I like apples" into "My apple consumption is proportional to my hunger."
Can I use it with adjectives?
You need to turn the adjective into a noun first (e.g., 밝기 for brightness, 크기 for size).
Formation Table
| Noun | Particle | Adverbial | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
노력
|
에
|
비례하여
|
결과가 좋다
|
|
거리
|
에
|
비례하여
|
요금이 비싸다
|
|
투자
|
에
|
비례하여
|
수익이 난다
|
|
시간
|
에
|
비례하여
|
피로가 쌓인다
|
|
크기
|
에
|
비례하여
|
무게가 나간다
|
|
수요
|
에
|
비례하여
|
공급이 변한다
|
Meanings
This grammar structure indicates that the degree or quantity of the second clause is proportional to the noun in the first clause.
Mathematical/Economic Proportion
Direct correlation between two quantities.
“투자액에 비례하여 수익이 결정됩니다.”
“노력에 비례하여 성과가 나타납니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + 에 비례하여
|
노력에 비례하여 성공한다.
|
|
Negative (Result)
|
Noun + 에 비례하여
|
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나오지 않는다.
|
|
Question
|
Noun + 에 비례하여
|
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나오나요?
|
|
Past
|
Noun + 에 비례하여
|
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나왔다.
|
|
Future
|
Noun + 에 비례하여
|
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나올 것이다.
|
Formality Spectrum
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나옵니다. (General statement)
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나와요. (General statement)
노력에 비례해서 결과가 나와. (General statement)
노력한 만큼 나와. (General statement)
Proportionality Concept Map
Inputs
- 노력 Effort
- 투자 Investment
Outputs
- 결과 Result
- 수익 Profit
Examples by Level
돈에 비례하여 행복해요.
I am happy in proportion to money.
시간에 비례하여 공부해요.
I study in proportion to time.
크기에 비례하여 비싸요.
It is expensive in proportion to size.
나이에 비례하여 지혜로워요.
I am wise in proportion to age.
노력에 비례하여 결과가 나와요.
Results come in proportion to effort.
거리에 비례하여 요금이 올라요.
The fare goes up in proportion to distance.
생산량에 비례하여 이익이 늘어요.
Profit increases in proportion to production.
온도에 비례하여 압력이 변해요.
Pressure changes in proportion to temperature.
투자액에 비례하여 위험도 커집니다.
Risk grows in proportion to the investment amount.
인구에 비례하여 시설이 필요합니다.
Facilities are needed in proportion to the population.
경험에 비례하여 실력이 향상됩니다.
Skills improve in proportion to experience.
수요에 비례하여 공급이 조절됩니다.
Supply is adjusted in proportion to demand.
사용 시간에 비례하여 배터리가 소모됩니다.
Battery is consumed in proportion to usage time.
기여도에 비례하여 보너스를 지급합니다.
Bonuses are paid in proportion to contribution.
속도에 비례하여 제동 거리가 길어집니다.
Braking distance increases in proportion to speed.
난이도에 비례하여 점수가 배정됩니다.
Points are assigned in proportion to difficulty.
탄소 배출량에 비례하여 환경세가 부과됩니다.
Environmental taxes are levied in proportion to carbon emissions.
데이터 양에 비례하여 처리 시간이 소요됩니다.
Processing time is required in proportion to data volume.
연령에 비례하여 보험료가 산정됩니다.
Insurance premiums are calculated in proportion to age.
노출 빈도에 비례하여 인지도가 상승합니다.
Brand awareness rises in proportion to exposure frequency.
자본의 규모에 비례하여 시장 지배력이 강화됩니다.
Market dominance strengthens in proportion to capital scale.
중력 가속도에 비례하여 낙하 속도가 증가합니다.
Falling speed increases in proportion to gravitational acceleration.
사회적 책임에 비례하여 윤리적 기준이 요구됩니다.
Ethical standards are required in proportion to social responsibility.
복잡도에 비례하여 유지보수 비용이 산출됩니다.
Maintenance costs are calculated in proportion to complexity.
Easily Confused
Both indicate a relationship between two things.
Both show increasing trends.
Both compare amounts.
Common Mistakes
노력 비례하여
노력에 비례하여
사랑에 비례하여 행복하다
노력에 비례하여 성과가 있다
비례하여 노력하면
노력에 비례하여
비례적으로 노력하면
노력에 비례하여
Sentence Patterns
___에 비례하여 ___가 변합니다.
___에 비례하여 ___를 결정합니다.
___에 비례하여 ___가 증가합니다.
___에 비례하여 ___가 필요합니다.
Real World Usage
매출에 비례하여 마케팅 비용을 책정했습니다.
압력은 온도에 비례하여 증가한다.
거리에 비례하여 요금이 계산됩니다.
성과에 비례하여 인센티브를 드립니다.
데이터 양에 비례하여 처리 시간이 늘어납니다.
인구에 비례하여 공원 수를 늘려야 합니다.
Use for Salaries!
No Verbs Allowed
Fairness Culture
Smart Tips
Use -에 비례하여 to justify your budget requests.
Use it to show the relationship between two variables.
Use it to describe physical laws.
Use it to link effort to results.
Pronunciation
Linking
The '에' should be pronounced clearly before '비례하여'.
Rising-Falling
노력에(↗) 비례하여(↘)
Emphasizing the input.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a balance scale: '에' is the pivot, '비례하여' is the weight that keeps it moving together.
Visual Association
Imagine a graph line going up. As the X-axis (Noun) moves right, the Y-axis (Result) moves up in perfect sync.
Rhyme
노력에 비례하여, 성과가 나타나요.
Story
A young student works hard. The more hours he studies (시간에 비례하여), the better his grades become. He realizes that success isn't luck; it's a direct proportion.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your daily life using this grammar (e.g., exercise and health).
Cultural Notes
This is very common in corporate reports to justify budget or resource allocation.
Used in research papers to describe data trends.
Used when explaining common sense rules to others.
Derived from the Sino-Korean word {비례|比例}, meaning 'ratio' or 'proportion'.
Conversation Starters
공부 시간에 비례하여 성적이 오르나요?
투자액에 비례하여 수익이 보장되나요?
거리에 비례하여 요금이 비싼가요?
노력에 비례하여 보상을 받는다고 생각하세요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
노력에 ___ 성과가 나타납니다.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
노력 비례하여 결과가 좋다.
비례하여 / 결과가 / 노력에 / 나옵니다
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Which noun fits '___에 비례하여 배터리가 소모됩니다'?
온도에 ___ 압력이 변합니다.
Use: 투자액, 비례하여, 위험
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises노력에 ___ 성과가 나타납니다.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
노력 비례하여 결과가 좋다.
비례하여 / 결과가 / 노력에 / 나옵니다
Match: 1. 거리, 2. 투자, 3. 인구
Which noun fits '___에 비례하여 배터리가 소모됩니다'?
온도에 ___ 압력이 변합니다.
Use: 투자액, 비례하여, 위험
Score: /8
Practice Bank
7 exercises거리에 / 비례하여 / 요금이 / 올라가요 / .
In proportion to effort.
나이가 많을수록 기억력은 나이에 ___ 감소해요.
Match the pairs:
Choose the formal option:
인기도를 비례하여 수입이 생겨요.
택시비는 주행 ___ 비례하여 계산됩니다.
Score: /7
FAQ (8)
No, it must be a noun that represents a measurable quantity or variable.
Yes, it is typically used in professional or academic contexts.
It is better to avoid it in casual settings as it sounds too analytical.
'-에 따라' is general dependency, while '-에 비례하여' is mathematical proportionality.
No, it can describe negative trends like 'risk' or 'fatigue'.
No, '비례하여' is a fixed adverbial form.
No, it must attach to a noun.
It requires understanding of logical relationships and formal vocabulary.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
en proporción a
None.
en proportion de
None.
im Verhältnis zu
None.
に比例して
None.
与...成正比
None.
بما يتناسب مع
Word order and verb usage.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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