🟠 Comparing Two Things in Korean (보다, 만큼) – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)
.jpg "Comparing Two Things in Korean (보다, 만큼) – Intermediate Level (TOPIK 3–4)")
Learn how to compare two things naturally in Korean using 보다 and 만큼, essential for intermediate learners aiming to express comparisons accurately.
🎯 Learning Goal
- Understand the difference between 보다 and 만큼 in Korean comparisons
- Learn sentence structures to say “more than” or “as much as”
- Practice expressing equality and inequality in everyday contexts
- Enhance grammar for TOPIK 3–4 speaking and writing tasks
Do you know how to say “more than” or “as much as” in Korean? These expressions help you compare things naturally, whether it’s food, people, or experiences. Let’s explore the difference between 보다 and 만큼 with practical examples.
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Expressions
- 2. Reading Passage & Vocabulary
- 3. Grammar Tip
- 4. Say What?
- 5. Teacher’s Tip
- 6. Practice Dialogue
- 7. Pop Quiz
- 8. Did You Know?
- 9. It’s Your Turn
✨ Key Expressions
- A보다 B가 더 ~하다 – B is more ~ than A
- A만큼 B도 ~하다 – B is as ~ as A
- 덜 ~하다 – to be less ~
- 훨씬 더 – much more
📖 Reading Passage & Vocabulary
지문 (Korean):
서울은 부산보다 인구가 많지만, 부산도 서울만큼 바닷가가 아름답습니다. 두 도시는 각각의 매력을 가지고 있어서 비교하기 어렵지만, 여행자들은 보통 바다를 즐기고 싶으면 부산을 선택합니다.
Translation (English):
Seoul has a larger population than Busan, but Busan’s beaches are just as beautiful as Seoul’s. Both cities have their own charm, so it’s hard to compare, but travelers usually choose Busan if they want to enjoy the sea.
어휘/표현 정리:
- 인구 – population
- 바닷가 – beach, seaside
- 매력 – charm, attractiveness
📘 Grammar Tip
보다 is used for comparisons meaning “more than,” while 만큼 expresses “as much as/as ~ as.”
Example: “사과보다 배가 더 달아요.” (Pears are sweeter than apples.)
Example: “저는 언니만큼 키가 커요.” (I am as tall as my older sister.)
💬 Say What?
한국어: MZ세대는 비교할 때도 줄임말이나 새로운 표현을 많이 씁니다. 예를 들어 “갓생”은 ‘신처럼 사는 삶’을 뜻하며, “작년보다 갓생 산다”라고 말하면 작년보다 더 열심히 산다는 의미가 됩니다. 또한 영어 표현 “glow up”은 한국어로 “확 달라졌다” 또는 “엄청 발전했다”라고 표현할 수 있습니다.
English: The MZ generation in Korea loves using slang even when comparing things. For example, “갓생” literally means “a god-like life” and is used to describe living diligently. Saying “작년보다 갓생 산다” means “I’m living more diligently than last year.” The English slang “glow up” can be translated as “확 달라졌다” or “엄청 발전했다,” emphasizing noticeable improvement.
👩🏫 Teacher’s Tip
한국어: 학습자들이 흔히 하는 실수 중 하나는 만큼과 보다를 같은 의미로 쓰는 것입니다. 만큼은 “같은 정도”를, 보다는 “더 ~한” 비교를 나타냅니다. 예를 들어 “사과만큼 달아요”는 “사과와 같은 정도로 달다”는 의미이고, “사과보다 달아요”는 “사과보다 더 달다”는 의미입니다.
English: One common mistake learners make is using 만큼 and 보다 interchangeably. 만큼 means “as much as,” showing equality, while 보다 means “more than,” showing inequality. For example, “사과만큼 달아요” means “as sweet as an apple,” while “사과보다 달아요” means “sweeter than an apple.”
🗣 Practice Dialogue
A: 서울이 부산보다 더 큰 도시예요?
A (EN): Is Seoul a bigger city than Busan?
B: 네, 인구는 서울이 더 많아요.
B (EN): Yes, Seoul has a larger population.
A: 하지만 부산도 서울만큼 아름답죠?
A (EN): But Busan is just as beautiful as Seoul, right?
B: 맞아요. 특히 바닷가는 부산이 훨씬 좋아요.
B (EN): That’s right. Especially the beaches are much better in Busan.
📝 Pop Quiz
Answer
부산은 서울보다 더 여유로워요.2. Translate: “This cafe is as popular as that cafe.”
Answer
이 카페는 저 카페만큼 인기가 있어요.3. Fill in the blank: “My house is bigger ______ yours.” (보다 / 만큼)
Answer
보다💡 Did You Know?
Korea’s baseball culture is famous for its unique cheering style. Fans sing, dance, and even use personalized chants for each player, creating a lively stadium experience that’s very different from Major League Baseball in the US.
✍️ It’s Your Turn
Write 2 sentences using 보다 and 2 sentences using 만큼. For example, compare two foods you like or two cities you’ve visited. Share in the comments for feedback!
🧾 Final Thoughts
Mastering 보다 and 만큼 will help you describe comparisons naturally in Korean. Practice daily comparisons to build fluency and confidence for everyday conversations and exams.
Practice on italki: Book a lesson to practice live comparisons and get feedback on your Korean expressions.
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