How to Make Comparisons in Korean

Which K-drama is better? Which idol is more handsome? If you want to talk about your preferences in Korean, you’ll need to use comparative sentences. Read this article to find out how!  

The Basics of Comparing in Korean

Did you know that Korean adjectives don’t have comparative forms? To make comparisons, you just need to know three words:

• 보다 (boda) – than
• 더 (deo) – more
• 덜 (deol) – less

Easy right? Let’s break down each word and see how to use them correctly! 

When to Use 보다 (boda) to Make Comparisons in Korean? 

In Korean, 보다 (boda) is the go-to word for saying “than” when making comparisons. It’s typically placed after the things you’re comparing. 

A      은/는      B      보다    …

     eun / neun         boda

A is … than B.

보다 (boda) in Korean sentences:

1. 우리 누나는 나보다 키가 커요.

(uri nuna-neun na-boda ki-ga keo)

My older sister is taller than me.

2. 오빠가 아이돌보다 멋있어요!

(obba-ga aidol-boda meosisseoyo)

My older brother is cooler than idols

*If you want to learn more about Korean subject topic particles, we have a handy little guide right here >>> https://blog.lingodeer.com/korean-subject-topic-particles/

When to Use 더 (deo) to Make Comparisons in Korean?

When you want to say “more” in Korean without specifically comparing different objectives being compared, you can simply add 더 (deo) before a verb or adjective. 

더 + verb/adj.

deo

more …

더 (deo) in Korean sentences::

1. 난 네가 더 좋아.
(nan ne-ga deo jo-a)
I like you more.

2. 이게 더 비싸.
(ige deo bissa)

This is more expensive.

When to Use 덜 (deol)  to Make Comparisons in Korean?

When making comparisons, 덜 (deol, “less”) is less commonly used than 더 (deo, “more”) but is helpful in specific expressions where something is “not fully” or “less” complete. Here are some examples:

덜 + verb/adj.

deol

less …

덜 (deol) in Korean sentences:

1. 고구마가 덜 익다.
(goguma-ga deol ik-da)
The sweet potatoes are not fully ripe.

2. 잠이 덜 깨다.
(jam-i deol ggae-da)
I’m not fully awake.

Tip: Be careful not to confuse 더 (deo, “more”) with 덜 (deol, “less”). Their pronunciations are close, so practice distinguishing them to avoid misunderstandings!

Can We Use 더 (deo)/덜 (deol) with 보다 (boda)?

Yes, you can use 더 (deo) or 덜 (deol) after 보다 (boda) to make sure everyone knows you’re making a comparison. It’s completely optional, though.

보다    더 …
boda  deo
more … than 

보다    덜 …
boda deol
less … than

보다 더 (boda deo) and 보다 덜 (boda deol) in Korean sentences:

1. 한국어가 영어보다 더 쉬워요.
(Hangukeo-ga yeongeo-boda deo swiwooyo)
Korean is easier than English.

2. 커피맛은 바렐라맛보다 덜 달아.
(keopima-seun barellamad-boda deol dara)
The coffee flavor is less sweet than the vanilla flavor.

Tips for Practicing How to Make Comparisons in Korean

• Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how people compare things in Korean dramas or podcasts. You’ll notice how often 더 (deo),덜 (deol) and 보다 (boda) are used in everyday conversations.
• Practice speaking: Try making your own sentences with those words out loud. Whether you’re comparing your favorite foods, hobbies, or K-pop idols, the more you practice, the easier it will become.
• Use flashcards: Create flashcards with different comparison structures and practice forming sentences.

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