In terms of... (-기로는)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -기로는 to highlight that a specific subject is the most notable or extreme example regarding a particular quality.
- Attach -기로는 directly to the verb or adjective stem.
- It emphasizes that the subject stands out in a specific category.
- Often followed by a superlative or a strong evaluative statement.
Overview
At the C2 level of Korean proficiency, moving beyond simple statements to express nuanced, authoritative judgments is paramount. The grammar pattern -기로는 (gi-ro-neun) is a specialized tool for this purpose. It is used to establish a single, specific criterion for evaluation before making a definitive, often superlative, statement.
While it can be translated as "In terms of...", "When it comes to...", or "As for the quality of...", its function is more precise. It isolates one attribute of a person, object, or situation and declares it the champion—or the most deficient—within that specific category.
Using -기로는 signals to the listener that you are not making a general, all-encompassing statement. Instead, you are deliberately narrowing the scope of judgment to one particular feature. For instance, saying 맛있기로는 이 식당이 최고예요 (In terms of being delicious, this restaurant is the best) doesn't comment on the price, service, or ambiance.
It makes a powerful claim about one thing only: taste. This pattern is frequently employed by native speakers in reviews, debates, and expert commentary to sound precise, analytical, and confident in their assessments. It elevates your speech from simply comparing options (-중에서) to setting the standard of comparison itself.
How This Grammar Works
-기로는 pattern is a composite structure, with each of its three components contributing to its specific meaning. Understanding this breakdown is key to mastering its nuance.-기 (gi)예쁘다 (to be pretty) into the abstract idea of 'being pretty' or 'prettiness' (예쁘기). This is the foundation of the pattern, as it allows a specific quality to be treated as the subject of discussion.-로 (ro)-로 specifies the means, method, or standard by which something is judged. In this context, it functions as "by the standard of," "according to the criterion of," or "on the basis of." So, 예쁘기로 literally means "by the standard of being pretty."-는 (neun)-는 is attached. This is not mere decoration; it is crucial for the pattern's meaning. It isolates -기로 as the specific topic under consideration, creating a contrastive emphasis.-기로는 creates a sophisticated logical frame: "As for the standard of [Verb/Adjective]-ing, ..." This structure allows you to deliver a focused and powerful judgment in the main clause, confident that the listener understands the precise lens through which you are making your evaluation.맵다 (to be spicy) |맵- (maep-) | Verb Stem | - |+ -기 (gi) | Nominalizes the stem (맵기) | The quality of 'being spicy' |+ -로 (ro) | Sets the standard (맵기로) | 'By the standard of being spicy' |+ -는 (neun) | Adds topic emphasis (맵기로는) | 'As for being spicy...' |이 떡볶이가 맵기로는 전국에서 1등일 거예요 (In terms of spiciness, this tteokbokki is probably number one in the country).Formation Pattern
-기로는 is remarkably consistent and straightforward, with no complex exceptions for a C2-level pattern. The rule is to attach it directly to the dictionary stem of any verb or adjective.
-기로는
ㄹ, which do not drop the ㄹ as they do in some other conjugations.
크다 (to be big) | 크- | 크- + 기로는 | 크기로는 |
예쁘다 (pretty) | 예쁘- | 예쁘- + 기로는 | 예쁘기로는 |
맛있다 (tasty) | 맛있- | 맛있- + 기로는 | 맛있기로는 |
좁다 (narrow) | 좁- | 좁- + 기로는 | 좁기로는 |
하다 Verb | 복잡하다 (complex)| 복잡하- | 복잡하- + 기로는 | 복잡하기로는 |
ㄹ-irregular | 길다 (long) | 길- | 길- + 기로는 (ㄹ is kept) | 길기로는 |
ㄹ-irregular | 살다 (to live) | 살- | 살- + 기로는 (ㄹ is kept) | 살기로는 |
-았/었-): It is grammatically possible to use the past tense infix, forming V/A-았/었기로는. This translates to "in terms of having been/done..." and is used in retrospective or literary contexts to judge a past action or state. However, it is significantly less common in daily conversation. For example: 성실했기로는 그 신입사원이 단연 돋보였다 (In terms of having been diligent, that new employee definitely stood out).
이다 (to be). The stem is 이- after a consonant and (이)- is often omitted after a vowel, but here it is kept for clarity. The pattern becomes Noun + 이기로는. For example: 가수 (singer) -> 가수이기로는. 최고 (the best) -> 최고이기로는. 학생 (student) -> 학생이기로는. This allows you to set a noun's identity as the standard of judgment. Example: 리더이기로는 그 사람만 한 인물이 없죠 (In terms of being a leader, there's no one quite like that person).
When To Use It
-기로는 to declare something the best, worst, fastest, most expensive, etc., according to one specific metric. It naturally pairs with superlative expressions.성능이 좋기로는 이 노트북을 따라올 제품이 없습니다.(In terms of good performance, there is no product that can match this laptop.)불친절하기로는 저 직원이 우리 회사에서 제일일걸요.(In terms of being unkind, that employee is probably the worst in our company.)경치가 아름답기로는 역시 제주도가 으뜸입니다.(When it comes to beautiful scenery, Jeju Island is, as expected, the very best.)
-기로는 is perfect for giving persuasive advice or pointed criticism in reviews or discussions. You can highlight a single winning feature or a single fatal flaw.가성비가 좋기로는 샤오미 제품만 한 게 없어요.(In terms of cost-effectiveness, there's nothing like a Xiaomi product.)따분하기로는 그 감독의 전작이 훨씬 심했어.(In terms of being dull, that director's previous work was much worse.)
-기로는 is used to introduce a specific point of analysis with authority. It shows you are evaluating data or a situation based on a clear, stated variable.시장 점유율이 높기로는 A사가 업계 1위지만, 기술력이 뛰어나기로는 B사가 더 우세합니다.(In terms of high market share, Company A is number one in the industry, but in terms of outstanding technology, Company B is more dominant.)응답 속도가 빠르기로는 저희 신규 서버가 경쟁사 대비 30% 향상된 성능을 보입니다.(In terms of fast response speed, our new server shows a 30% performance improvement compared to our competitors.)
Common Collocations
-기로는 is often followed by expressions that deliver a final verdict:최고다/제일이다(to be the best / number one)으뜸이다(to be the top, the best)따라올 자가 없다(no one can follow/match)둘째 가라면 서럽다(to be so good, it would be sad to be ranked second)악명 높다(to be notorious)유명하다(to be famous)
Common Mistakes
-기로는 requires avoiding several common traps that learners, and even intermediate speakers, fall into. These mistakes often stem from confusion with similar-looking patterns or a misunderstanding of its core purpose.-기로는 with -기로 하다-기로 하다 means "to decide to do something."-기로는 | Judgment: Sets a standard for evaluation. ("In terms of...") | 어렵기로는 이 시험이 최고예요. (In terms of difficulty, this exam is the worst.) |-기로 하다 | Decision: Expresses a plan or resolution. ("I decided to...") | 내일부터 열심히 공부하기로 했어요. (I decided to study hard from tomorrow.) |- Incorrect:
*의자이기로는 이것은 의자입니다.(In terms of being a chair, this is a chair.) - Correct:
불편하기로는 이 의자가 제일이에요.(In terms of being uncomfortable, this chair is the worst.)
이다-기로는 attaches to verb and adjective stems. To use a noun as your criterion, you must first convert it into a predicate with the copula 이다.- Incorrect:
*가격기로는... - Correct:
비싸기로는...(In terms of being expensive...) or싸기로는...(In terms of being cheap...) - Incorrect:
*선생님기로는... - Correct:
선생님이기로는 김 선생님이 최고죠.(In terms of being a teacher, Mr. Kim is the best.)
-기로는 functions as a setup. It creates an expectation that must be fulfilled by a concluding clause that provides the actual judgment. Ending a sentence after -기로는 is like starting a "knock-knock" joke and walking away.- Incomplete:
이 영화가 재미있기로는...(In terms of this movie being fun... [sentence fragment]) - Complete:
이 영화가 재미있기로는 올해 개봉작 중에 단연 최고다.(In terms of being fun, this movie is by far the best among this year's releases.)
Real Conversations
Observing -기로는 in natural dialogue demonstrates its versatility across different social contexts.
Scenario 1
- A: 우리 어디 가서 커피 마실까? (Where should we go for coffee?)
- B: 스타벅스는 너무 시끄럽고... 조용하기로는 저기 골목에 있는 '고요서재'라는 카페가 최고야. (Starbucks is too loud... In terms of being quiet, that cafe called 'Goyo Seojae' in the alley is the best.)
Scenario 2
- A: 새로 도입한 프로젝트 관리 툴, 써보니까 어떠세요? (How do you find the new project management tool we introduced?)
- B: 음, 기능이 많기로는 이전 툴보다 나은데, 사용법이 복잡하기로는 역대급이네요. (Hmm, in terms of having many features, it's better than the old tool, but in terms of being complicated to use, it's the worst ever.)
Scenario 3
- Caption on an Instagram photo of a huge pizza:
크기로는 우리 동네에서 이 집을 이길 피자가게는 없을 듯. #대왕피자 #맛은보장못함
(In terms of size, I don't think there's a pizza place in our neighborhood that can beat this one. #GiantPizza #CantGuaranteeTheTaste)
Scenario 4
- A: 민준이 요즘 뭐하고 지낸대? (What's Minjun been up to lately?)
- B: 잘 모르겠어. 그래도 끈기가 강하기로는 민준이를 따라갈 사람이 없으니까 뭐든 해내겠지. (I'm not sure. But in terms of having strong perseverance, there's no one who can match Minjun, so I'm sure he'll accomplish whatever he's doing.)
Quick FAQ
-기로는 be used with action verbs?Yes, absolutely. While more common with descriptive verbs (adjectives), it is used with action verbs to judge the intensity, frequency, or quality of an action. For example: 밥 많이 먹기로는 우리 아들이 우리 가족 중에 1등이다 (In terms of eating a lot, my son is number one in our family).
-는 optional?In rapid, very casual speech, speakers might sometimes omit it (맛있기로 이 집이 최고!). However, at the C2 level, you should understand that -는 is not truly optional—it provides the crucial contrastive emphasis that is core to the pattern's meaning. Omitting it can make the statement sound less definitive. In formal writing and for clear communication, it should always be included.
-기로는 differ from -(으)ㄴ/는 점에서는 or -중에서?These patterns have distinct functions:
-기로는: Sets a single standard for a superlative or definitive judgment. (Focus: Ranking)-중에서(among): Selects an item from a predefined group. It doesn't set the standard of selection.이 카페들 중에서 여기가 제일 조용해요.(Among these cafes, this one is the quietest.)-(으)ㄴ/는 점에서는(from the point that...): More analytical and objective. It isolates a specific aspect or point of view for comment, not necessarily for a superlative ranking.가격이 비싸다는 점에서는 아쉽지만 품질은 만족스럽습니다.(From the point that the price is high, it's a bit disappointing, but the quality is satisfactory.)
안-?Yes, overwhelmingly so. While grammatically possible (e.g., 안 예쁘기로는), it sounds unnatural and clumsy. Native speakers almost always use a specific antonym to make a negative judgment.
- Awkward:
안 친절하기로는...(In terms of not being kind...) - Natural:
불친절하기로는...(In terms of being unkind...) - Awkward:
안 빠르기로는...(In terms of not being fast...) - Natural:
느리기로는...(In terms of being slow...)
-기로는?Pair it with powerful adverbs or idiomatic expressions that amplify the superlative claim. Phrases like 단연 (definitely, by far), 가히 (indeed, truly), or idiomatic verdicts like 천하제일이다 (to be the best in the world) or 압권이다 (to be the masterpiece/highlight) work very well. 경치가 아름답기로는 스위스가 가히 압권이다. (In terms of beautiful scenery, Switzerland is truly a masterpiece.)
Formation Table
| Base | Stem | Suffix | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
빠르다
|
빠르
|
기로는
|
빠르기로는
|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
기로는
|
먹기로는
|
|
좋다
|
좋
|
기로는
|
좋기로는
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘
|
기로는
|
예쁘기로는
|
|
공부하다
|
공부하
|
기로는
|
공부하기로는
|
|
성실하다
|
성실하
|
기로는
|
성실하기로는
|
Meanings
This structure is used to single out a subject as the most prominent or extreme example within a specific criterion or category.
Extreme Evaluation
Highlighting that the subject is the absolute best or worst in a category.
“그 식당 음식 맛 하나는 끝내줘.”
“우리 아들 고집 하나는 못 말려.”
Comparative Contrast
Setting a standard for comparison.
“공부하기로는 그 친구가 최고지.”
“성실하기로는 우리 팀에서 그를 따라올 사람이 없어.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 기로는
|
똑똑하기로는 최고다
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 기로는
|
게으르기로는 1등이다
|
|
Question
|
Stem + 기로는?
|
누가 빠르기로는 유명해?
|
|
Emphasis
|
Stem + 기로는 + 하나
|
성격 하나는 좋다
|
|
Comparison
|
Stem + 기로는 + [Subject]
|
공부하기로는 그가 최고다
|
Formality Spectrum
그는 노래하기로는 최고입니다. (Casual conversation)
그는 노래하기로는 최고예요. (Casual conversation)
그는 노래하기로는 최고야. (Casual conversation)
노래는 걔가 짱이지. (Casual conversation)
The -기로는 Concept
Usage
- 최고 Best
- 최악 Worst
Emphasis
- 하나 One/Single
Examples by Level
그는 달리기로는 최고예요.
As for running, he is the best.
이 사과는 먹기로는 맛있어요.
As for eating, this apple is delicious.
그는 공부하기로는 열심히 해요.
As for studying, he works hard.
이 영화는 보기로는 재미있어요.
As for watching, this movie is fun.
그 사람은 성격으로는 최고예요.
As for personality, that person is the best.
이 도시는 살기로는 좋아요.
As for living, this city is good.
그녀는 노래하기로는 유명해요.
As for singing, she is famous.
이 책은 읽기로는 쉬워요.
As for reading, this book is easy.
그 식당은 맛 하나는 끝내줘요.
That restaurant's taste is amazing.
성실하기로는 우리 팀에서 그가 최고예요.
As for diligence, he is the best in our team.
그는 고집 세기로는 아무도 못 이겨요.
As for being stubborn, no one can beat him.
이 컴퓨터는 게임하기로는 빨라요.
As for gaming, this computer is fast.
문제 해결하기로는 그를 따라올 사람이 없습니다.
As for problem-solving, no one can follow him.
예의 바르기로는 마을에서 소문이 자자합니다.
As for being polite, he is famous in the village.
이 계획은 실행하기로는 매우 복잡합니다.
As for execution, this plan is very complex.
그는 거짓말하기로는 선수예요.
As for lying, he is a pro.
학문적 깊이로는 그를 능가할 학자가 드뭅니다.
As for academic depth, scholars who can surpass him are rare.
협상하기로는 그만한 인재가 없죠.
As for negotiating, there is no talent like him.
창의성으로는 이 프로젝트가 독보적입니다.
As for creativity, this project is unrivaled.
인내심으로는 그가 단연코 최고입니다.
As for patience, he is definitely the best.
그의 헌신적인 태도로는 타의 추종을 불허합니다.
As for his dedicated attitude, it is beyond comparison.
예술적 감각으로는 그를 따라갈 자가 없지요.
As for artistic sense, there is no one who can follow him.
정치적 수완으로는 그가 단연 돋보입니다.
As for political skill, he clearly stands out.
역사적 통찰력으로는 이 저서가 압권입니다.
As for historical insight, this book is the masterpiece.
Easily Confused
Both use -기로.
Common Mistakes
사과기로는 맛있다
사과가 맛있기로는 최고다
나는 가기로는 했다
나는 가기로 했다
그는 성격기로는 좋다
그는 성격으로는 좋다
그는 일하기로는 최고로 잘한다
그는 일하기로는 최고다
Sentence Patterns
___하기로는 ___가 최고예요.
Real World Usage
사진 찍기로는 여기가 최고!
문제 해결하기로는 제가 자신 있습니다.
성격으로는 걔가 짱이야.
이 도시는 걷기로는 정말 좋아요.
배달 빠르기로는 이 집이 최고예요.
연구하기로는 이 방법이 가장 효율적입니다.
Use '하나'
Avoid Nouns
Context Matters
Modesty
Smart Tips
Add '하나' for extra emphasis.
Use -기로는 to set the benchmark.
Use it to support your opinion.
Use it with a negative trait.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'ㄴ' sound in '로는' should be clear.
Emphatic
성격으로는 ↑ 최고예요.
Rising intonation on the quality emphasizes the evaluation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '기로는' as 'Gear-o-neun'—shifting into the highest gear for a specific quality.
Visual Association
Imagine a podium where someone is standing on the #1 spot, holding a sign that says the quality they are best at.
Rhyme
For the best, use -기로는, it's the rule that everyone knows.
Story
Min-su is great at many things. But when it comes to soccer, he is the best. His friends say: '축구하기로는 민수가 최고야!' (As for soccer, Min-su is the best!).
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences today using -기로는 to describe your friends' best traits.
Cultural Notes
Koreans value modesty, so using -기로는 to praise others is more common than praising oneself.
Derived from the particle -로 (as for) and the nominalizer -기.
Conversation Starters
당신이 생각하기에 요리하기로는 누가 최고인가요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
그는 성실하기로는 ___ 최고예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과기로는 맛있다.
그는 달리기를 잘한다.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
최고 / 그 / 성격 / 성격으로는
예쁘다 + 기로는
-기로는 is for decisions.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises그는 성실하기로는 ___ 최고예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
사과기로는 맛있다.
그는 달리기를 잘한다.
Match the trait.
최고 / 그 / 성격 / 성격으로는
예쁘다 + 기로는
-기로는 is for decisions.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
5 exercises이 노트북은 / 작은 / 것으로는 / 크기로는 / 제일이에요 / .
Translate to Korean using -기로는:
Match the metric with the superlative conclusion.
길이 ___ 우리 동네가 전국에서 1위일 거예요.
Pick the most expressive sentence:
Score: /5
FAQ (8)
Yes, as long as it makes sense in an evaluative context.
It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
It adds emphasis to the quality.
No, -기로 하다 is for decisions.
Yes, but be careful of sounding arrogant.
You can use other evaluative words like '최악' or '유명하다'.
Yes, it is very common in essays and articles.
Try describing your friends' best traits.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
〜としては
Korean -기로는 is more specifically evaluative.
En cuanto a
Korean structure includes the evaluation.
Was... betrifft
German is less superlative.
Quant à
Korean is more emphatic.
至于
Korean is more focused on the superlative.
بالنسبة لـ
Korean is a suffix-based construction.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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The Elegant 'Lest' or 'For Fear That' (-ㄹ/을세라)
Overview **-ㄹ/을세라** is an advanced Korean conjunctive ending that conveys a proactive apprehension or preventive act...
The Law of the Universe: It's Bound to Happen (-는 법이다)
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