⚖️ Making Comparisons in Korean – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)

궁중 악사들이 전통 악기를 연주하는 모습


Comparisons help us express opinions, make decisions, and describe the world around us. In Korean, there are various grammatical structures used to compare people, things, and actions. Let’s explore how to use -보다, 더, 덜, 만큼, 처럼 and other comparison-related expressions like a native speaker! 🧠


📚 Key Comparison Expressions

Expression Usage Example
-보다 “than” (used for comparison) 이 옷이 저 옷보다 예뻐요.
I ot-i jeo ot-boda yeppeoyo
This outfit is prettier than that one.
더 “more” (used with adjectives or verbs) 더운 날씨보다 추운 날씨를 좋아해요.
deoun nalssiboda chuun nalssi-reul joahaeyo
I prefer cold weather over hot weather.
덜 “less” 이 책이 저 책보다 덜 재미있어요.
i chaek-i jeo chaek-boda deol jaemiisseoyo
This book is less interesting than that one.
-만큼 “as much as” 형만큼 키가 크지 않아요.
hyeong-mankeum ki-ga keuji anayo
I’m not as tall as my older brother.
-처럼 / -같이 “like” / “similar to” 그 사람은 연예인처럼 잘생겼어요.
geu saram-eun yeonyein-cheoreom jalsaenggyeosseoyo
He is as handsome as a celebrity.


🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 요즘 운동을 시작했어요. 등산이 헬스보다 더 재미있는 것 같아요.
yojeum undong-eul sijakhaesseoyo. deungsan-i helseu-boda deo jaemiinneun geot gatayo
I started working out lately. Hiking seems more fun than going to the gym.

B: 맞아요. 저도 자연 속에서 운동하는 걸 더 좋아해요.
majayo. jeodo jayeon sok-eseo undonghaneun geol deo joahaeyo
Right. I also prefer exercising in nature.

A: 그런데 등산은 헬스보다 덜 힘들지 않아요?
geureonde deungsan-eun helseu-boda deol himdeulji anayo?
But isn’t hiking less tiring than gym workouts?

B: 음... 경사로 올라갈 때는 더 힘들 수도 있어요. 그래도 성취감은 더 커요!
eum... gyeongsaro ollagal ttaeneun deo himdeul sudo isseoyo. geuraedo seongchwikam-eun deo keoyo
Hmm… going uphill can be more exhausting. But the sense of achievement is greater!


🌏 Did You Know?

Korea has a unique coffee culture! ☕ Not only are cafés everywhere—from small traditional tea houses to large multi-story chains—but many of them are themed! There are pet cafés, study cafés, flower cafés, even hanbok rental cafés where you can take photos in Korean traditional clothes while sipping a latte! 📸 Next time you visit Korea, explore beyond the typical Starbucks. 🐶🌸👘


💬 Practice Korean with Me on italki!

Ready to use comparisons in real-life conversations? Join my class on italki and practice comparing, contrasting, and debating ideas in Korean! 🎯


💡 Final Thoughts:
Mastering comparison expressions helps you describe people, things, and experiences in a much more nuanced way. Try using -보다, 더, 덜, and -만큼 in your next conversation to express opinions more naturally. 📈


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