Part 15 - Comparison

Part 15.1 - 보다 ~ 더 — More ~ Than (Comparison)

Basic Information

In Korean, to compare two things, we use 보다 (than) and 더 (more).
The structure Noun + 보다 + 더 + adjective/adverb means “more ... than ...”
This is a very common way to express comparisons in everyday Korean.

It works just like the English “more ... than.” You can use it to compare size, quality, quantity, ability, or any other characteristic.

Grammar Rule

Here’s how to form the pattern:
1. Place 보다 after the noun you are comparing with.
2. Use 더 before the adjective or adverb to say “more.”

Structure:
Noun + 보다 + 더 + adjective/adverb

Example Sentences

Important Notes

• 보다 is used after the noun that serves as the comparison point (than ...).
• 더 comes before the adjective/adverb and means “more.”
• Sometimes 더 is omitted if the meaning is clear from context.
• This structure is very common in conversation and writing.

Summary

Use 보다 after the noun being compared with (than ...).
Use 더 before an adjective or adverb to mean “more.”
Together, this structure means “more ... than ...” and is used for comparisons.

Common TOPIK I Patterns

• Noun + 보다 + 더 + adjective/adverb — Making comparisons.
• 사과보다 바나나가 더 맛있어요. — Bananas are more delicious than apples.
• 버스보다 지하철이 더 빨라요. — The subway is faster than the bus.

End of Lesson

Now you know how to use 보다 ~ 더 to make comparisons in Korean!
This is a very useful pattern for TOPIK I and daily speech.
Practice comparing your favorite foods, hobbies, or travel options using this structure.

Happy studying! 화이팅! ✨

Part 15.2 - 제일 / 가장 — The Most

Basic Information

제일 and 가장 both mean “the most” in Korean.
They are used to express the superlative form of an adjective or adverb — the highest degree of something.
Both words are very common and can be used interchangeably.

제일 is more common in conversation.
가장 sounds a bit more formal and is often used in writing or formal speech.

Grammar Rule

Here’s how to form the pattern:
Place 제일 or 가장 before an adjective or adverb to mean “the most.”

Structure:
제일 / 가장 + adjective/adverb

Example Sentences

Important Notes

• 제일 and 가장 both mean “the most.”
• 제일 is more common in conversation.
• 가장 is slightly more formal and common in writing.
• You can use them with both adjectives and adverbs.

Summary

Use 제일 or 가장 before an adjective or adverb to mean “the most.”
Both words can be used interchangeably, though 제일 is more conversational and 가장 is more formal.

Common TOPIK I Patterns

• 제일 + adjective/adverb — The most.
• 가장 + adjective/adverb — The most.
• 제일 좋아하는 음식은 김치찌개예요. — My favorite food is kimchi stew.
• 가장 빠른 방법은 택시예요. — The fastest way is by taxi.

End of Lesson

Now you know how to use 제일 / 가장 to express “the most” in Korean!
This is a common pattern in TOPIK I and everyday Korean.
Practice using 제일 and 가장 to talk about your favorites and superlatives.

Happy studying! 화이팅! ✨