Processing keyword: 보다 [boda] (More than)

Korean Grammar Point: 보다 [boda] (More than)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing comparisons is essential for daily communication. The particle 보다 (boda), meaning "than", is a fundamental grammar point used to compare two things. Mastering 보다 allows you to describe preferences, differences, and similarities effectively.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

보다 is used to compare two nouns, indicating that one has a greater degree of a certain quality than the other. It functions similarly to "than" in English comparative sentences.

Structure

The basic structure for using 보다 is:

[Noun A] + 이/가 + [Noun B] + 보다 + (더) + [Adjective/Verb]

• Noun A: The subject being compared.
• 이/가: Subject particle (used according to the noun's ending).
• Noun B: The noun to which Noun A is being compared.
• 보다: Comparative particle meaning "than".
• 더: Means "more"; optional but commonly used.
• Adjective/Verb: Describes the quality or action being compared.

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

• Position of 보다: 보다 follows the noun you are comparing to (Noun B).
• Use of 더: 더 (deo) means "more" and intensifies the comparison. While optional, it's often included for emphasis.
• Adjectives and Verbs: The adjective or verb at the end of the sentence expresses the comparative quality or action.

3. Comparative Analysis

보다 is specifically used for comparisons where one item surpasses another in some aspect. It's important to distinguish it from other comparative expressions:

• 처럼 (cheoreom): Means "like" or "as", used for similes.
• 만큼 (mankeum): Means "as much as", used for expressing equality. Comparison Table

  Expression	Meaning	Usage Example
  보다	Than	오늘은 어제보다 더워요. Oneureun eojeboda deowoyo. "Today is hotter than yesterday."
  만큼	As much as	그는 나만큼 빠릅니다. Geuneun namankeum ppareumnida. "He is as fast as me."
  처럼	Like, As	새처럼 날고 싶어요. Saeeocheoreom nalgo sipeoyo. "I want to fly like a bird."

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Basic Comparison

이 사과가 저 사과보다 큽니다.

• I sagwaga jeo sagwaboda keumnida.
• Translation: "This apple is bigger than that apple."

Example 2: Including 더

철수는 영희보다 더 똑똑해요.

• Cheolsuneun Yeonghiboda deo ttokttokhaeyo.
• Translation: "Cheolsu is smarter than Younghee."

Example 3: Omitting 더

제가 언니보다 키가 작아요.

• Jega eonniboda kiga jagayo.
• Translation: "I am shorter than my older sister."

Example 4: Using Verbs

영화를 보는 것보다 책을 읽는 것을 좋아해요.

• Yeonghwareul boneun geotboda chaegeul ilgneun geoseul joahaeyo.
• Translation: "I prefer reading books to watching movies."

Example 5: In Informal Speech

이거보다 그게 더 좋아.

• Igeoboda geuge deo joa.
• Translation: "I like that more than this."

Example 6: Negative Comparison

오늘은 어제보다 덜 추워요.

• Oneureun eojeboda deol chuwoyo.
• Translation: "Today is less cold than yesterday."

Example 7: Expressing Surprise

생각보다 어려웠어요.

• Saenggakboda eoryeowosseoyo.
• Translation: "It was more difficult than I thought."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels: Korean language has different speech levels to show respect. The verb endings change accordingly but the use of 보다 remains the same.
  • Formal Polite: -습니다/-ㅂ니다
    • 저는 친구보다 빨리 달립니다.
      • Jeoneun chinguboda ppalli dallimnida.
      • "I run faster than my friend."
  • Informal Polite: -아요/-어요
    • 이 가방이 저 가방보다 싸요.
      • I gabangi jeo gabangboda ssayo.
      • "This bag is cheaper than that bag."
  • Casual: -아/-어
    • 난 너보다 더 많이 먹어.
      • Nan neoboda deo mani meogeo.
      • "I eat more than you."

Idiomatic Expressions

생각보다

• Meaning: "Than I thought"
• Example:
  • 그 영화는 생각보다 재미있었어요.
    • Geu yeonghwaneun saenggakboda jaemiisseosseoyo.
    • "That movie was more interesting than I thought."

예상보다

• Meaning: "Than expected"
• Example:
  • 시험이 예상보다 쉬웠어요.
    • Siheomi yesangboda swiwoosseoyo.
    • "The exam was easier than expected."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Misplacing 보다
   • Incorrect: 보다 저 사람은 내가 키가 커요.
   • Correct: 나는 저 사람보다 키가 커요.
   • Translation: "I am taller than that person."
2. Omitting Subject Particles
   • Incorrect: 그녀 저보다 예뻐요.
   • Correct: 그녀가 저보다 예뻐요.
   • Translation: "She is prettier than me."
3. Confusing 더 and 덜
   • 더 (deo): "More"
   • 덜 (deol): "Less"
   • Using the wrong one changes the meaning.
   • Example:
     • Correct: 이것이 저것보다 더 좋아요. ("This is better than that.")
     • Incorrect: 이것이 저것보다 덜 좋아요. ("This is less better than that.")

Learning Strategies

• Practice Sentence Construction: Write your own sentences comparing familiar things to solidify the structure.
• Remember the Order: Think of 보다 as attaching to the noun you're comparing to (Noun B).
• Use Visual Aids: Create a chart matching English comparative sentences to Korean ones.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 보다 is used to make comparisons, meaning "than".
• The standard structure is [Noun A] + 이/가 + [Noun B] + 보다 + (더) + [Adjective/Verb].
• 더 emphasizes "more" but is optional.
• Politeness is expressed through verb endings, not by changing 보다.
• Common mistakes include misplacing 보다 and confusing 더 with 덜.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 이 영화는 그 영화___ 재미있어요.
   • Answer: 보다
   • Explanation: "This movie is more interesting than that movie."
2. True or False: In the sentence "나는 형보다 덜 먹어요", 덜 means "more".
   • Answer: False
   • Explanation: 덜 means "less". The sentence means "I eat less than my older brother."
3. Correct the mistake: 보다 책이 신문 이 더 비싸요.
   • Corrected: 책이 신문보다 더 비싸요.
   • Translation: "Books are more expensive than newspapers."

By understanding and practicing the use of 보다, you can confidently make comparisons in Korean, making your conversations more precise and natural. Keep practicing with different adjectives and verbs to enhance your fluency.