The Korean particle ‘보다’ plays a crucial role in comparisons, much like the word “than” in English. Understanding how to use ‘보다’ correctly will help you form more accurate and natural sentences. In this post, we’ll dive into the usage of ‘보다’ with clear examples to help you master this essential grammar point for everyday conversations. Let’s get started!
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean particle “보다” is used to make comparisons between two things. It often translates to “than” or “compared to” in English. Additionally, when placed after a verb stem, it indicates that an action is performed with a comparison in mind.
- English Equivalent: “than” (for comparisons)
- Usage Contexts: Comparing nouns or indicating comparative actions.
2. Form (Structure)
The structure of “보다” can be summarized as follows:
- Noun + 보다: Used to make comparisons between nouns.
- Verb stem + 보다: Used after a verb to indicate that the action is being done with a comparison in mind.
Below is a table summarizing the structure:
| Structure | Usage | Example |
| Noun + 보다 | To compare two nouns | 김치보다 불고기가 더 맛있어요. (Kimchi is tastier than bulgogi.) |
| Verb stem + 보다 | To indicate an action done with comparison in mind | 이 책을 읽는 것보다 그 책을 읽는 게 더 쉬워요. (Reading this book is easier than reading that book.) |
When used with adjectives or verbs, “더” (more) is often added before the descriptive word to emphasize the comparison.
3. Meaning & Usage
In Korean, the particle ‘보다’ is used to make comparisons between two things or actions. It can be used with both nouns and verbs, but its structure differs slightly based on what is being compared. Below, we will break down the usage of ‘보다’ based on its form.
1. Noun + 보다: To Compare Two Nouns
This structure is used when comparing two nouns, showing that one is more of a certain quality than the other.
Examples:
- 김치보다 불고기가 더 맛있어요. (Kimchi is tastier than bulgogi.)
- 이 책보다 저 책이 더 재미있어요. (This book is more interesting than that book.)
- 사과보다 배가 더 달아요. (Pears are sweeter than apples.)
- 영화보다 드라마가 더 좋았어요. (The drama was better than the movie.)
- 어제보다 오늘 날씨가 더 좋아요. (Today’s weather is better than yesterday’s.)
- 저보다 그 사람이 더 똑똑해요. (That person is smarter than me.)
- 하늘보다 바다가 더 아름다워요. (The sea is more beautiful than the sky.)
- 초콜릿보다 과자가 더 맛있어요. (Snacks are tastier than chocolate.)
- 친구보다 가족이 더 중요해요. (Family is more important than friends.)
- 커피보다 차가 더 좋아요. (I prefer tea over coffee.)
2. Verb stem + 보다: To Indicate an Action Done with Comparison in Mind
This structure compares two actions, showing that one action is more preferable, easier, or harder than the other.
Examples:
- 이 책을 읽는 것보다 그 책을 읽는 게 더 쉬워요. (Reading this book is easier than reading that book.)
- 운동하는 것보다 집에서 쉬는 게 더 좋아요. (I prefer resting at home over exercising.)
- 영화를 보는 것보다 책을 읽는 게 더 재미있어요. (Reading books is more interesting than watching movies.)
- 지금 일하는 것보다 나중에 쉬는 게 더 편해요. (Resting later is more comfortable than working now.)
- 차를 마시는 것보다 커피를 마시는 게 더 좋아요. (I prefer drinking coffee over tea.)
- 학교에 가는 것보다 집에 있는 게 더 편해요. (Being at home is more comfortable than going to school.)
- 이 문제를 푸는 것보다 다른 문제를 푸는 게 더 쉬워요. (Solving this problem is easier than solving the other one.)
- 이 영화를 보는 것보다 그 영화를 보는 게 더 흥미로워요. (Watching this movie is more exciting than watching that one.)
- 친구와 이야기하는 것보다 혼자 있는 게 더 좋아요. (I prefer being alone over talking with friends.)
- 운전하는 것보다 대중교통을 이용하는 게 더 편해요. (Using public transportation is more convenient than driving.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘보다’ always follows the object of comparison.
- Use ‘더’ before adjectives or verbs to emphasize the comparison.
- ‘Noun + 보다’ compares two nouns; ‘Verb stem + 보다’ shows comparative actions.
- Avoid using ‘보다’ for comparisons involving three or more items.
5. Practice Exercises
Translate the following English sentences into Korean using the particle “보다.” Keep in mind that “보다” is used to make comparisons. Write your answers in Korean.
- I like tea more than coffee.
→ - Today is hotter than yesterday.
→ - Seoul is bigger than Busan.
→ - This book is more interesting than that book.
→ - He is faster than me.
→ - This problem is easier than that one.
→ - I study better than my friend.
→ - That food is tastier than this food.
→ - This movie is more exciting than I expected.
→ - I exercise more often than my younger sibling.
→
6. Answers
- 저는 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.
- 오늘은 어제보다 더 더워요.
- 서울은 부산보다 더 커요.
- 이 책은 저 책보다 더 재미있어요.
- 그는 나보다 더 빨라요.
- 이 문제는 저 문제보다 더 쉬워요.
- 저는 친구보다 공부를 더 잘해요.
- 그 음식은 이 음식보다 더 맛있어요.
- 이 영화는 내가 예상한 것보다 더 긴장돼요.
- 저는 동생보다 운동을 더 자주 해요.
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake: Using “보다” with more than two things.
- Incorrect ❌: 나는 사과, 바나나, 오렌지보다 더 좋아해요. (I like apples, bananas, and oranges more than them.)
- Correct ✅: 나는 사과를 제일 좋아해요. (I like apples the most.)
💡 Tip: “보다” is only used for comparisons between two things. When comparing more than two things, use “가장” (the most) or “제일” (the best).
⚠️ Mistake: Confusing “보다” with “이랑/랑” or “하고”.
- Incorrect ❌: 김치는 불고기보다 같아요. (Kimchi is the same than bulgogi.)
- Correct ✅: 김치는 불고기랑 같아요. (Kimchi is the same as bulgogi.)
💡 Tip: “보다” is specifically for making comparisons, while “이랑/랑” or “하고” is used for connecting nouns.
⚠️ Mistake: Using “하다” instead of adjectives directly after “더.”
- Incorrect ❌: 이 책이 저 책보다 더 하다 재미있어요. (This book is more to do interesting than that book.)
- Correct ✅: 이 책이 저 책보다 더 재미있어요. (This book is more interesting than that book.)
💡 Tip: Use adjectives directly after “더” without the verb “하다.”
The Korean particle “보다” is a crucial grammar point for making comparisons and indicating actions done with the intent of comparison. By practicing its structure and usage, you’ll be able to improve your Korean and communicate more effectively in everyday situations.
🔗 Explore Korean Particles
Click on each particle in the table below 👇👇👇 to learn more about its usage and function in Korean grammar.
| Particle | Description |
| 은/는 | Topic marker |
| 이/가 | Subject marker |
| 을/를 | Object marker |
| 에 | Time/place/location marker |
| 에서 | Location marker (action) |
| 에게/한테 | To (indirect object) |
| 와/과, 이랑/랑, 하고 | And/with |
| 도 | Also/too |
| 보다 | Than (comparison) |
| 만 | Only/just |
| 밖에 | Only (used with negative expressions) |
| 이나/나 | Or |
| 으로/로 | By means of/into |
| 의 | Possessive marker (“of”) |
💡 This table will guide you to dive deeper into each particle by clicking on them!
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About the Author
Kimchi Master is a native Korean speaker and experienced Korean language educator specializing in teaching Korean grammar to English-speaking learners.
With a strong focus on real-life usage, this blog explains Korean particles, sentence structure, and grammar rules in a clear and practical way.
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New Korean grammar guides are added regularly, covering essential topics such as Korean particles, verb endings, and sentence patterns.
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