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Vocabulary
능가하다

B2 verb 8 min read

능가하다

neunggahada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 능가하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 능가하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '능가하다' is a very difficult word because it is quite formal. However, you can think of it as a fancy way to say 'to be much better than' or 'to go past.' Imagine you are playing a game and your friend gets 100 points, but you get 200 points. You are 'better' than your friend. In professional Korean, we use '능가하다' to describe this. It is like saying 'A is bigger/better than B.' You don't need to use it yet, but you might see it in news titles about sports or big companies.

For A2 learners, you should recognize '능가하다' as a verb used for comparisons. It usually comes with the particle '~를' or '~을.' For example, 'A가 B를 능가해요' means 'A is better than B' or 'A exceeds B.' It is often used when talking about scores, skills, or records. If you are describing a very fast car that is faster than all other cars, you can use this word. It's more formal than '더 좋아요' (is better), so it's good to know for reading simple news or advertisements.

At the B1 level, you can start using '능가하다' in your writing to sound more advanced. Instead of always using '더 ~하다' (to be more...) or '넘다' (to pass), use '능가하다' when one person's ability or a product's quality is significantly higher than another's. It is particularly useful for the TOPIK writing section when you are comparing two things in a formal essay. For example, '신기술의 성능이 기존 기술을 능가합니다' (The performance of new technology surpasses existing technology). Remember that it focuses on *superiority*.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of '능가하다' and its specific nuances. You should be able to distinguish it from '초과하다' (numerical excess) and '앞지르다' (overtaking). '능가하다' is the preferred word in academic and business settings for 'outperforming' or 'surpassing.' You will encounter it frequently in editorials, business reports, and literature. You should also be familiar with common collocations like '상상을 능가하다' (surpass imagination) and '기대를 능가하다' (surpass expectations). It is a key word for discussing competition and progress.

For C1 learners, '능가하다' is a versatile tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as a person's charisma surpassing their physical presence, or a cultural movement surpassing the constraints of its time. At this level, you should understand how it functions in complex sentences and how it can be used to set a formal tone. You might also explore its use in historical contexts to describe the rise and fall of civilizations or the evolution of scientific thought. It is an essential verb for high-level discourse on social and scientific trends.

At the C2 level, '능가하다' is part of a sophisticated vocabulary used for precise and eloquent communication. You should be able to use it in highly formal speeches, academic papers, and creative writing. You can use it to draw deep comparisons between philosophical ideas or to describe the transcendental qualities of art. At this stage, you also understand the subtle difference in 'weight' between '능가하다' and its synonyms like '상회하다' or '압도하다,' choosing the one that perfectly fits the rhetorical context. You use it not just to convey information, but to add authority and gravity to your statements.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

능가하다 in 30 Seconds

Formal verb meaning 'to surpass' or 'to exceed'.
Used for abilities, records, statistics, and expectations.
Follows the [Object]를 능가하다 pattern.
Implies superiority rather than just crossing a number.

The Korean verb 능가하다 (neungg-ahada) is a sophisticated and powerful word used to describe the act of surpassing, exceeding, or outstripping someone or something else. At its core, it suggests that a certain limit, expectation, or existing record has not just been met, but significantly overtaken by a new level of excellence, quantity, or capability. Unlike simpler words for 'more' or 'better,' 능가하다 carries an academic and formal weight, making it a staple in news reports, business presentations, and literary descriptions. When you use this word, you are highlighting a comparative achievement where the subject has moved into a superior position relative to its predecessor or competitor.

Core Concept: To be superior to or to exceed a standard or another's ability.
Typical Usage: Used in contexts of performance, statistics, technology, and personal growth.

올해의 수출 실적은 작년의 기록을 훨씬 능가하다 (This year's export performance far surpasses last year's record).

In everyday conversation, you might hear this word when people discuss athletes breaking world records or tech companies releasing hardware that outperforms the previous generation. It is not merely about being 'big'; it is about the dynamic shift of one entity rising above another. For example, if a student's score is much higher than the class average, or if a new AI model's logic exceeds human reasoning in a specific task, 능가하다 is the precise verb to use. It implies a sense of progress and the breaking of boundaries.

그녀의 재능은 이미 전문가들의 예상을 능가했다 (Her talent has already surpassed the expectations of experts).

Etymological Nuance: The Hanja '능' (能) means ability, and '가' (駕) means to ride or surpass. Together, they imply 'riding over' with one's ability.

Furthermore, this word is frequently paired with '상상' (imagination) or '예상' (expectation). Phrases like '상상을 능가하다' (to exceed one's imagination) are common in marketing to describe something revolutionary. It suggests that the reality is so impressive that it goes beyond what one could even conceive. In historical contexts, it is used to compare eras, such as when a new dynasty's cultural output surpasses that of the previous one.

인간의 지능을 능가하는 인공지능이 개발되었다 (An AI that surpasses human intelligence has been developed).

Using 능가하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the types of nouns it typically takes as objects. As a transitive verb, it almost always follows the pattern '[Noun A]이/가 [Noun B]를 능가하다,' where Noun A is the entity that is superior and Noun B is the entity being surpassed. The object (Noun B) can be a person, a record, a specific value, or an abstract concept like 'expectation' or 'imagination.'

Sentence Structure: [Subject]이/가 [Object]를 능가하다.

신제품의 판매량이 전작을 능가하고 있습니다 (The sales volume of the new product is surpassing the previous one).

When discussing academic or professional achievements, 능가하다 is the go-to verb. For instance, in a sentence like '그의 수학 실력은 이미 선생님을 능가한다' (His math skills already surpass his teacher's), the word emphasizes a transition of authority or mastery. It isn't just that he is 'good' at math; it's that he has overtaken a high benchmark (the teacher). In business reporting, you will see it used with statistics: '수익률이 목표치를 능가했다' (The profit rate surpassed the target value).

Comparison of Levels: Used when one level of ability or performance rises above another known level.

이 선수의 속도는 세계 기록을 능가할 정도로 빠릅니다 (This athlete's speed is fast enough to surpass the world record).

One important nuance is that 능가하다 is often used in the present continuous (~고 있다) or the past tense (~했다). When used in the present tense (~한다), it often describes a general truth or a state of being superior. For example, '품질이 가격을 능가한다' (The quality surpasses the price) implies that the product is a great value because its quality is higher than what is expected for that cost. This construction is very effective in persuasive writing and reviews.

그의 용기는 다른 모든 이들을 능가했다 (His courage surpassed everyone else's).

Common Pairs: 수준을 능가하다 (surpass a level), 한계를 능가하다 (surpass a limit), 기대를 능가하다 (surpass expectations).

You are most likely to encounter 능가하다 in formal settings or media that deals with competition and progress. In news broadcasts, anchors use it to describe economic growth that beat forecasts. For instance, during an earnings call or a financial report, you might hear: '이번 분기 실적이 시장의 전망치를 능가했습니다' (This quarter's performance surpassed market expectations). This usage signals a positive and impressive outcome that is noteworthy enough to be reported.

이 영화의 흥행 성적은 전편을 능가할 것으로 보입니다 (This movie's box office performance is expected to surpass the previous one).

In the world of sports, commentators use 능가하다 to describe an athlete who is performing at a level never seen before. When a rookie starts playing better than veteran legends, the word is used to highlight the changing of the guard. It adds a sense of drama and significance to the achievement. Similarly, in documentaries about nature or science, you might hear about an animal's senses that '능가하다' human capabilities, such as a dog's sense of smell or an eagle's vision.

그의 예술적 감각은 시대를 능가했다 (His artistic sense surpassed the era he lived in).

In academic literature and history books, this word is used to compare the power of nations or the influence of philosophical movements. A historian might write that the cultural influence of the Tang Dynasty '능가했다' that of its neighbors. This usage emphasizes the relative superiority and the lasting impact of the subject. In these contexts, the word is rarely replaced by simpler alternatives because the gravity of the comparison requires a more formal tone.

Media Usage: News headlines, economic reviews, sports commentary, and historical documentaries.

기술의 발전 속도가 우리의 상상을 능가하고 있습니다 (The speed of technological development is surpassing our imagination).

Finally, in marketing and advertising, brands use 능가하다 to position their products as the best in class. You might see an ad claiming that a new vacuum cleaner's suction power '능가하다' all competitors. Here, the word is used to build trust and convey a sense of premium quality. It suggests that the product is not just a choice, but a superior leap forward in technology.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 능가하다 is using it for simple numerical increases where '넘다' (to exceed/pass) would be more appropriate. While 능가하다 can involve numbers, it usually implies a comparison of *quality* or *ability* as well. For example, if you are just saying your weight is over 70kg, saying '제 몸무게가 70kg를 능가합니다' sounds overly dramatic and slightly unnatural. In that case, '70kg를 넘습니다' is the correct choice.

Mistake 1: Over-Formalizing Simple Limits: Don't use it for mundane measurements like height, weight, or time limits unless you are making a grand comparison.

[Wrong]: 회의 시간이 두 시간을 능가했다. (The meeting time surpassed two hours.)
[Right]: 회의 시간이 두 시간을 넘었다.

Another common error is confusing 능가하다 with '뛰어나다' (to be excellent). While they are related, '뛰어나다' is an adjective that describes a state of being great, whereas '능가하다' is a verb that describes the action of *being better than something else*. You cannot say '그는 능가하다' to mean 'He is excellent.' You must have an object that he is surpassing, such as '그는 남들을 능가한다' (He surpasses others).

[Wrong]: 그의 실력은 매우 능가하다.
[Right]: 그의 실력은 매우 뛰어나다. / 그의 실력은 남들을 능가한다.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the particle usage. Because 능가하다 feels like a comparison, some might want to use '~보다' (than). However, because it is a transitive verb, it takes the object particle '~를/을'. Saying '그가 나보다 능가한다' is redundant and grammatically awkward. The correct form is '그가 나를 능가한다' (He surpasses me). The verb itself already contains the meaning of 'than.'

Mistake 2: Redundant Particles: Avoid using '~보다' with 능가하다. Use '[Object]를 능가하다' instead.

[Wrong]: 이 차는 저 차보다 능가한다.
[Right]: 이 차는 저 차의 성능을 능가한다.

Korean has several words that mean 'to exceed' or 'to surpass,' each with its own specific register and context. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common alternative is 뛰어넘다. While 능가하다 is formal and often Sino-Korean (Hanja-based), 뛰어넘다 is a native Korean compound word (literally 'to jump and cross over'). It is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

능가하다 vs. 뛰어넘다: 능가하다 is formal/academic; 뛰어넘다 is more common and descriptive (like 'jumping over' a hurdle).

그는 한계를 뛰어넘었다 (He jumped over his limits - very common expression).

Another important synonym is 초과하다 (to exceed). This word is almost exclusively used for numerical values or limits. If you spend more money than your budget, you use 초과하다. If a plane is carrying more weight than allowed, you use 초과하다. It lacks the 'superiority' nuance of 능가하다; it just means going over a set line. Similarly, 상회하다 is a highly formal term used in statistics to mean 'to be above' a certain figure.

수입이 지출을 상회하고 있다 (Income is exceeding expenditures - statistical context).

For physical competition, 앞지르다 (to overtake/outrun) is used. If you are running a race and you pass someone, you use 앞지르다. It can also be used metaphorically in business (e.g., overtaking a competitor's market share), but it retains a sense of physical 'passing by.' Finally, 압도하다 (to overwhelm) is used when the gap between the two is so large that the superior one completely dominates the other.

Word Comparison Table

능가하다: Superiority in skill/quality (Formal).
뛰어넘다: Surpassing limits/hurdles (General).
초과하다: Exceeding numerical limits (Technical).
앞지르다: Overtaking in a race or progress (Active).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '駕' originally depicted a horse under a harness, symbolizing the control and movement of a carriage. To '능가' was to be able to ride past or over someone else's carriage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɯŋ.ɡa.ɦa.da/

US /nɯŋ.ɡa.ɦa.da/

The stress is even across all syllables, typical of Korean, but a slight emphasis on 'neung' is common.

Rhymes With

참가하다 (to participate) 증가하다 (to increase) 평가하다 (to evaluate) 추가하다 (to add) 통과하다 (to pass through) 불가하다 (to be impossible) 인가하다 (to approve) 대가하다 (to wait - rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'neung' like 'nung' (English 'u'). It should be the Korean 'eu' (ɯ).
Making the 'g' too hard like a hard English 'G'. It should be a softer unaspirated sound.
Aspirating the 'h' in 'hada' too much. In fast speech, it may almost sound like 'neung-gada'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and books, but requires knowledge of Hanja-based nuances.

Writing 4/5

Difficult to use naturally without sounding overly formal or using wrong particles.

Speaking 3/5

Not used in casual daily chat, but essential for formal discussions.

Listening 4/5

Often heard in fast-paced news or sports broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

넘다 뛰어나다 비교하다 실력 기록

Learn Next

상회하다 초과하다 압도하다 독보적 탁월하다

Advanced

상충하다 부합하다 결여되다 방대하다

Grammar to Know

~를/을 능가하다

기록을 능가하다 (Surpass a record)

~ㄹ 정도로 능가하다

상상을 능가할 정도로 놀랍다 (Surprising to the extent of surpassing imagination)

~에 있어 능가하다

기술력에 있어 상대를 능가하다 (Surpass the opponent in terms of technology)

~를 능가하는 [Noun]

예상을 능가하는 결과 (Results surpassing expectations)

A가 B를 능가하게 되다

제자가 스승을 능가하게 되었다 (The student came to surpass the teacher)

Examples by Level

그는 나를 능가해요.

He is better than me (surpasses me).

Simple subject-object-verb structure.

이 가방은 인기가 예상을 능가해요.

This bag's popularity surpasses expectations.

Using 'expectation' as an object.

그의 점수는 나를 능가했다.

His score surpassed mine.

Past tense '했다'.

실력이 친구를 능가해요.

The skill surpasses the friend's (is better than the friend's).

Focusing on 'skill'.

이 차는 속도가 다른 차를 능가해요.

This car's speed surpasses other cars.

Comparing speed.

가수가 인기를 능가하고 있어요.

The singer is surpassing their (previous) popularity.

Present continuous form.

그녀의 재능은 모두를 능가해요.

Her talent surpasses everyone.

Using 'everyone' as the benchmark.

수출이 작년을 능가할 거예요.

Exports will surpass last year.

Future tense '할 거예요'.

새 모델은 성능이 구형을 능가합니다.

The new model's performance surpasses the old one.

Formal ending '-습니다'.

그 선수의 기록은 세계 기록을 능가했다.

That athlete's record surpassed the world record.

Focusing on 'records'.

올해 매출은 목표를 능가할 것으로 보여요.

This year's sales seem likely to surpass the goal.

Using 'likely to' (~ㄹ 것으로 보이다).

아이의 키가 벌써 엄마를 능가했어요.

The child's height has already surpassed the mother's.

Physical comparison (informal usage).

이 요리는 맛이 일품 요리를 능가해요.

This dish's taste surpasses top-tier dishes.

Comparing quality/taste.

그의 열정은 다른 학생들을 능가합니다.

His passion surpasses other students.

Abstract noun 'passion'.

기술력이 경쟁사를 능가하고 있습니다.

Technological power is surpassing competitors.

Business context.

이 영화는 재미가 전편을 능가해요.

This movie is more fun than the previous one.

Comparing entertainment value.

한국의 IT 기술은 세계 수준을 능가한다.

Korea's IT technology surpasses world standards.

Plain style '-ㄴ다' for facts.

그의 노력은 천재성을 능가할 만큼 대단하다.

His effort is great enough to surpass genius.

Using '~ㄹ 만큼' (enough to).

수요가 공급을 능가하면 가격이 오릅니다.

If demand surpasses supply, prices rise.

Conditional '면'.

이 제품의 인기는 상상을 능가합니다.

The popularity of this product surpasses imagination.

Common collocation with 'imagination'.

그녀의 실력은 이미 스승의 경지를 능가했다.

Her skill has already surpassed the master's level.

Focusing on 'level/realm' (경지).

예산을 능가하는 지출은 피해야 합니다.

Spending that surpasses the budget must be avoided.

Noun modifying form '~는'.

이 선수는 힘과 기술 모두에서 상대를 능가한다.

This player surpasses the opponent in both strength and skill.

Using 'both A and B'.

기대를 능가하는 결과를 얻어서 기쁩니다.

I am happy to have obtained results that surpass expectations.

Expressing emotion after an achievement.

인공지능의 연산 속도는 인간을 훨씬 능가한다.

AI's calculation speed far surpasses humans.

Using 'far' (훨씬) for emphasis.

이번 신제품은 모든 면에서 전작을 능가한다.

This new product surpasses the previous one in every aspect.

Phrase 'in every aspect' (모든 면에서).

그의 정치적 영향력은 대통령을 능가할 정도였다.

His political influence was enough to surpass the president's.

Past tense with '~ㄹ 정도였다'.

예술가의 창의성은 기계가 능가하기 어렵다.

An artist's creativity is difficult for a machine to surpass.

Using '~기 어렵다' (difficult to).

전쟁의 참혹함은 인간의 상상을 능가했다.

The cruelty of war surpassed human imagination.

Serious/literary context.

회사의 성장이 시장의 예측을 능가하고 있다.

The company's growth is surpassing market predictions.

Economic terminology.

그의 인격은 그의 능력을 능가할 정도로 훌륭하다.

His character is so great that it surpasses his ability.

Comparing internal vs external traits.

과거의 영광을 능가하는 새로운 시대가 열렸다.

A new era that surpasses past glory has opened.

Poetic/historical tone.

이 철학자의 통찰력은 시대를 능가하는 가치가 있다.

This philosopher's insight has value that surpasses the era.

Using 'value' (가치) as a descriptor.

현대 과학의 발전은 공상 과학 소설을 능가한다.

The development of modern science surpasses science fiction.

Comparing reality to fiction.

그의 카리스마는 다른 지도자들의 권위를 능가했다.

His charisma surpassed the authority of other leaders.

Abstract concepts of power.

자연의 신비로움은 인간의 지식을 능가하기 마련이다.

The mystery of nature is bound to surpass human knowledge.

Using '~기 마련이다' (bound to).

이 작품의 예술성은 대중의 비평을 능가하는 수준이다.

The artistry of this work is at a level that surpasses public criticism.

Formal phrasing.

수익성이 안정성을 능가하는 투자 상품은 위험하다.

Investment products where profitability surpasses stability are dangerous.

Finance-specific logic.

그녀의 헌신은 그 어떤 찬사도 능가할 만큼 숭고했다.

Her devotion was noble enough to surpass any praise.

Elevated vocabulary ('헌신', '숭고').

데이터의 양이 처리 능력을 능가하면 병목 현상이 생긴다.

A bottleneck occurs when the amount of data surpasses processing capacity.

Technical/logical sequence.

본질이 형식을 능가할 때 진정한 예술이 탄생한다.

True art is born when essence surpasses form.

Philosophical statement.

그의 문학적 성취는 동시대 작가들을 압도적으로 능가한다.

His literary achievement overwhelmingly surpasses contemporary writers.

Using adverb '압도적으로' (overwhelmingly).

문명의 이기가 자연의 섭리를 능가할 수는 없다.

The conveniences of civilization cannot surpass the laws of nature.

Complex nouns ('이기', '섭리').

인간의 탐욕이 이성을 능가할 때 비극이 시작된다.

Tragedy begins when human greed surpasses reason.

Abstract moral discussion.

이 이론의 정교함은 기존의 모든 가설을 능가한다.

The sophistication of this theory surpasses all existing hypotheses.

Scientific/academic register.

역사적 진실은 때로 허구를 능가하는 드라마틱함을 지닌다.

Historical truth sometimes possesses a dramatic quality that surpasses fiction.

Comparing 'truth' and 'fiction'.

그의 침묵은 그 어떤 웅변보다도 강한 힘으로 상대를 능가했다.

His silence surpassed the opponent with a force stronger than any eloquence.

Paradoxical comparison.

우주의 광활함은 인간의 인지 능력을 근본적으로 능가한다.

The vastness of the universe fundamentally surpasses human cognitive ability.

Using 'fundamentally' (근본적으로).

Synonyms

초월하다 넘어서다 앞지르다 상회하다 압도하다

Antonyms

미치지 못하다 하회하다

Common Collocations

상상을 능가하다

예상을 능가하다

기록을 능가하다

실력이 능가하다

성능이 능가하다

한계를 능가하다

수준을 능가하다

수요가 능가하다

전작을 능가하다

타의 추종을 능가하다

Common Phrases

능가하고도 남다

— To surpass and have plenty to spare (to be much better than).

그의 재산은 평생 쓰고도 능가하고 남을 정도다.

감히 능가하다

— To dare to surpass (often used in negative or humble contexts).

제가 어떻게 감히 선생님을 능가하겠습니까?

압도적으로 능가하다

— To surpass overwhelmingly.

우리 팀의 실력은 상대를 압도적으로 능가한다.

기존의 틀을 능가하다

— To surpass existing frameworks or conventions.

이 아이디어는 기존의 틀을 능가하는 혁신적인 것이다.

시대를 능가하다

— To be ahead of one's time.

그의 사상은 시대를 능가하여 당시에는 이해받지 못했다.

상상을 초월하고 능가하다

— To transcend and surpass imagination (emphatic).

우주의 크기는 인간의 상상을 초월하고 능가한다.

상대방을 능가하다

— To surpass an opponent.

경기 후반에 체력이 상대방을 능가하기 시작했다.

평균을 능가하다

— To be above average.

그의 지능 지수는 평균을 훨씬 능가한다.

이전의 성과를 능가하다

— To surpass previous achievements.

올해는 이전의 모든 성과를 능가하는 해가 될 것이다.

가성비를 능가하다

— To surpass the expected value for money.

이 식당의 맛은 가성비를 능가하는 수준이다.

Often Confused With

능가하다 vs 넘다

넘다 is general for 'passing' or 'exceeding'. 능가하다 is for 'being better/superior'.

능가하다 vs 초과하다

초과하다 is for numerical limits/quotas. 능가하다 is for qualitative/comparative superiority.

능가하다 vs 뛰어나다

뛰어나다 is an adjective (to be excellent). 능가하다 is a verb (to surpass something).

Idioms & Expressions

"청출어람 (靑出於藍)"

— Blue comes from indigo but is bluer than indigo. Used when a student surpasses the teacher.

그 제자가 스승보다 유명해지니 정말 청출어람이로구나.

Literary/Hanja

"상상을 초월하다"

— To transcend imagination (often used interchangeably with 상상을 능가하다).

그의 재산은 상상을 초월한다.

Common

"타의 추종을 불허하다"

— To not allow others to follow (to be so good that no one can catch up).

그의 실력은 타의 추종을 불허한다.

Formal

"격이 다르다"

— To be on a different level (implies surpassing others by a wide margin).

이 가수는 다른 가수들과 격이 다르다.

Colloquial

"한 수 위다"

— To be one step above (to be slightly better/surpassing).

바둑 실력은 그가 나보다 한 수 위다.

Neutral

"발군 (拔群)이다"

— To stand out from the crowd (to surpass others in a group).

그는 여러 학생들 중에서도 실력이 발군이다.

Formal

"독보적 (獨步的)이다"

— To be unrivaled/unparalleled.

그 분야에서 그녀는 독보적인 존재다.

Formal

"군계일학 (群鷄一鶴)"

— A crane among chickens (one who surpasses others significantly).

그는 평범한 사람들 사이에서 군계일학처럼 보였다.

Literary

"백미 (白眉)이다"

— The white eyebrow (the best/surpassing part of a whole).

이 장면이 영화의 백미다.

Literary

"압권 (壓卷)이다"

— The best part (literally 'pressing down the book' - surpassing everything else).

마지막 무대는 정말 압권이었다.

Formal

Easily Confused

능가하다 vs 앞지르다

Both mean to get ahead.

앞지르다 is more active and physical (like a race). 능가하다 is more about the state of being superior in ability or value.

자동차가 트럭을 앞질렀다. vs 그의 실력이 나를 능가한다.

능가하다 vs 상회하다

Both mean to exceed.

상회하다 is purely statistical/numerical and very formal. 능가하다 can be used for skills and abstract qualities.

수익이 10%를 상회했다. vs 그의 지능은 천재를 능가한다.

능가하다 vs 초과하다

Both mean going over a limit.

초과하다 is often used for negative or neutral limits (excess weight, time). 능가하다 is usually positive (better performance).

제한 속도를 초과했다. vs 기록을 능가했다.

능가하다 vs 압도하다

Both imply being much better.

압도하다 emphasizes the 'crushing' or 'overwhelming' power that makes others small. 능가하다 emphasizes the act of 'surpassing' a level.

분위기를 압도했다. vs 실력이 전작을 능가했다.

능가하다 vs 초월하다

Both mean going beyond.

초월하다 means to transcend or rise above common logic/reality. 능가하다 is a direct comparison between two entities.

시공간을 초월하다. vs 라이벌을 능가하다.

Sentence Patterns

A이/가 B를 능가해요.

형이 나를 능가해요.

A의 [Noun]이/가 B를 능가한다.

그의 실력이 모두를 능가한다.

[Noun]를 능가하는 [Noun]

상상을 능가하는 재미

A가 B를 능가할 것으로 보인다.

매출이 작년을 능가할 것으로 보인다.

A가 B를 능가할 만큼 [Adjective]하다.

기록을 능가할 만큼 빠르다.

A가 B를 능가함에 따라 [Clause]

수요가 공급을 능가함에 따라 가격이 올랐다.

A가 B를 능가하기란 쉽지 않다.

후배가 선배를 능가하기란 쉽지 않다.

A가 B를 능가하는 수준에 도달하다.

인공지능이 인간을 능가하는 수준에 도달했다.

Word Family

Nouns

능가 The act of surpassing or exceeding.

Verbs

능가하다 To surpass; to exceed.

능가당하다 To be surpassed (rarely used; passive).

유능하다 (to be capable)

가능하다 (to be possible)

불능 (incapacity)

권능 (authority/power)

재능 (talent)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional/media contexts; rare in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

제 키가 180cm를 능가해요. → 제 키가 180cm를 넘어요.
Using 능가하다 for simple physical measurements like height sounds unnaturally formal and dramatic.
그는 실력이 매우 능가하다. → 그는 실력이 매우 뛰어나다.
능가하다 is a verb that needs an object. You can't use it as an adjective to mean 'is excellent'.
어제가 오늘보다 능가해요. → 어제가 오늘을 능가해요.
Because 능가하다 is a transitive verb, it should take the object particle '을/를' instead of '보다'.
무게가 100kg를 능가했습니다. → 무게가 100kg를 초과했습니다.
For purely numerical or weight limits, '초과하다' is the more precise and standard term.
상상을 능가하게 놀랐어요. → 상상을 능가할 정도로 놀랐어요.
While '능가하게' is grammatically possible, '능가할 정도로' is the idiomatic way to express the extent of surprise.

Tips

Use with Statistics

When writing business reports, use '능가하다' to describe sales that beat the forecast. It sounds more professional than '많다'.

Object Particle

Always remember to use 을/를. For example: '기대를 능가하다' (Surpass expectations).

Pair with '상상'

Memorize the phrase '상상을 능가하다'. It's a very common way to describe a shocking or impressive event.

Formal Situations

Use this word in interviews or presentations to describe your skills or your company's advantages.

Quality over Quantity

Choose '능가하다' when the comparison is about being 'better,' not just 'more.' Use '초과하다' for just 'more' in numbers.

Positive Achievement

It usually carries a nuance of achievement and progress. Use it to highlight success.

TOPIK Essay

This is a high-scoring word for the TOPIK writing section when comparing data or trends.

News Keywords

If you hear '능가' on the news, pay attention—they are likely talking about a new record or a major market shift.

Think 'Ability Surpass'

The 'Neung' (能) is the same as in 'Ability' (능력). So it's 'Ability Surpassing'.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use '보다' (than) and '능가하다' in the same clause if possible. 'A가 B를 능가한다' is sufficient.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'NEUNG' as 'NEW' and 'GA' as 'GO'. A 'NEW' level that 'GOes' beyond the old one. NEUNG-GA!

Visual Association

Imagine a runner in a purple (violet-600) shirt jumping over a high bar that everyone else is running under.

Word Web

Surpass Exceed Outdo Better Mastery Record Expectation Superior

Challenge

Write a sentence comparing your current Korean level to your level last year using '능가하다' in the past tense.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters '能' (능) and '駕' (가).

Original meaning: '能' means ability or power, and '駕' means to ride a horse-drawn carriage or to surpass/override.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use it in a way that sounds arrogant when talking about yourself in humble company. Use it for objects, records, or others' achievements.

In English, we often use 'to blow someone out of the water' or 'to outshine.' 능가하다 is more like 'to outperform' or 'to exceed.'

The phrase '상상을 능가하다' is often used in movie trailers for blockbusters like 'Parasite' or 'Squid Game'. Sports news often uses it when Son Heung-min breaks a scoring record. Business journals use it to describe Samsung's growth relative to global tech giants.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Report

목표치를 능가하다
전년 대비 능가하다
시장 점유율을 능가하다
수익성이 능가하다

Sports Commentary

세계 기록을 능가하다
상대 선수를 능가하다
예상을 능가하는 활약
전설을 능가하다

Academic Essay

기존 이론을 능가하다
학문적 성취를 능가하다
인지 능력을 능가하다
범위를 능가하다

Product Review

가성비를 능가하다
기대를 능가하는 품질
경쟁 모델을 능가하다
성능이 능가하다

Daily Comparison

나를 능가하다
형보다 능가하다 (formal context)
엄마를 능가하다
친구를 능가하다

Conversation Starters

"요즘 AI 기술이 인간의 지능을 능가할 것 같나요?"

"당신이 가장 능가하고 싶은 목표는 무엇인가요?"

"혹시 친구의 실력이 당신을 능가해서 놀란 적이 있나요?"

"올해 우리 회사의 실적이 작년을 능가할 수 있을까요?"

"상상을 능가하는 반전이 있었던 영화를 추천해 주세요."

Journal Prompts

내가 과거의 나를 능가하기 위해 노력하고 있는 부분에 대해 써보세요.

최근에 기대를 능가하는 경험을 한 적이 있다면 그 상황을 설명해 보세요.

기술의 발전이 인간의 통제 능력을 능가하게 될 때 어떤 일이 벌어질지 상상해 보세요.

자신의 재능이 남들을 능가한다고 느꼈던 순간이 있었나요?

예술 작품이 현실의 아름다움을 능가할 수 있다고 생각하는지 자신의 의견을 적어보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is grammatically possible but sounds very dramatic. Usually, we use '넘다' (e.g., 키가 180cm를 넘어요). Only use 능가하다 if you are comparing yourself to a specific person or a record in a formal way.

Usually, yes. It implies progress or superiority. However, it can be used for negative things if they are 'surpassing' a previous level of badness, like '참혹함이 상상을 능가했다' (The cruelty surpassed imagination).

뛰어넘다 is native Korean and more common in speech. 능가하다 is Sino-Korean and more formal. 뛰어넘다 also has a physical meaning of 'jumping over,' while 능가하다 is always metaphorical.

It's better to say '내가 너를 능가해.' Since 능가하다 already means 'to be better than,' using '보다' (than) is redundant, though people occasionally say it in casual speech.

Yes, it is a very common word in TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced) reading and writing sections, especially in graphs and comparisons.

For time limits, use '넘다' or '초과하다.' Use 능가하다 only if you are comparing the 'quality' of time or a time-based record.

The most direct opposites are '미달하다' (to fall short of a standard) or '못 미치다' (to not reach a level).

Yes, it requires an object marked with the particle 을 or 를.

The most common phrase is '상상을 능가하다.' It means something is so amazing or shocking that you couldn't have imagined it.

Yes! You can say '올해의 나는 작년의 나를 능가하고 싶다' (I want to surpass last year's me this year).