Korean Grammar Point
~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae] (In comparison to)

~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae] (In comparison to)

Short explanation:

Used to express comparison; 'In comparison to', 'Compared to'.

Formation:

Noun + 에 비추어 볼 때 + Verb

Examples:

우리나라에 비추어 볼 때 미국의 문화는 매우 다릅니다.
Urinarae bichueo bol ttae miguk-ui munhwa-neun ma-eu dareum-nida.
Compared to our country, American culture is very different.
나의 과거에 비추어 볼 때 나는 많이 변했어요.
Na-ui gwageoe bichueo bol ttae, naneun mani byeonhaesseoyo.
Compared to my past, I have changed a lot.
서울에 비추어 볼 때 부산은 훨씬 조용하다.
Seoule bichueo bol ttae, busaneun hwolssin joyonghada.
Compared to Seoul, Busan is much quieter.
다른 사람들에 비추어 볼 때 그는 특히 뛰어납니다.
Dareun saramdeule bichueo bol ttae, geuneun teughi ttwieonamnida.
Compared to other people, he is particularly outstanding.

Long explanation:

'~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae]' is a compound verb form used to express comparison between two factors or subjects in Korean. It is a phrasal expression used to compare one thing with another, to assert a judgement or conclusion about something relative to something else. It conveys a sense of contrast as well, akin to 'in comparison to' or 'compared to' in English.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae] (In comparison to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae] (In comparison to)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~에 비추어 볼 때 [e bichueo bol ttae] (In comparison to)


1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point ~에 비추어 볼 때, which translates to "in comparison to", "considering", or "in light of" in English. This expression is used to evaluate or judge something based on a particular standard or perspective.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • ~에 비추어 볼 때 is used to express an evaluation or judgment by comparing or considering something in relation to a specific criterion or situation.
  • It implies assessing one situation by "shining light upon" it using another situation as a reference.

Structure

  • Noun + 에 비추어 볼 때

Breakdown of Components

Component Meaning
Particle meaning "in", "at", "to"
비추어 From 비추다 (to shine, to illuminate), connective form
볼 때 "when looking", "when considering"
Formation Diagram:
[Noun] + 에 + 비추어 + 볼 때

Usage Notes

  • Formality: This expression is formal and is commonly used in written texts, formal speeches, news reports, and academic discussions.
  • Context: It's appropriate when making formal analyses, evaluations, or judgments based on certain criteria or standards.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point Meaning Usage
~와/과 비교하여 "Compared with/to" Directly comparing two items or concepts
~을/를 보면 "Considering" General consideration or observation
~에 따르면 "According to" Quoting a source or reference
~에 의하면 "Based on" Similar to ~에 따르면
Differences:
  • ~와/과 비교하여 is used for direct comparisons.
  • ~을/를 보면 is less formal and used for general observations.
  • ~에 비추어 볼 때 specifically implies evaluation in light of a particular criterion, often with a formal tone.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 과거 사례에 비추어 볼 때 이번 결정은 현명합니다.
    Gwaggeo sarye-e bichueo bol ttae ibeon gyeoljeong-eun hyeonmyeonghamnida.
    Considering past cases, this decision is wise.
  2. 현재 상황에 비추어 볼 때 계획을 수정해야 합니다.
    Hyeonjae sanghwang-e bichueo bol ttae gyehoeg-eul sujeonghaeya hamnida.
    In light of the current situation, we need to adjust the plan.
  3. 법률에 비추어 볼 때 그의 행동은 문제가 없습니다.
    Beomnyul-e bichueo bol ttae geuui haengdong-eun munje-ga eopseumnida.
    In comparison to the law, his actions have no problems.
  4. 국제 기준에 비추어 볼 때 우리 제품은 품질이 우수합니다.
    Gukje gijun-e bichueo bol ttae uri jaepum-eun pumjil-i usu-hamnida.
    Considering international standards, our product is of excellent quality.

Context Variations

  • Formal Written: Commonly used in reports, essays, and articles.
  • Formal Spoken: Used in presentations, speeches, or news broadcasts.
  • Informal Context: Rarely used due to its formal tone.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

  • The use of ~에 비추어 볼 때 reflects a high level of formality and is appropriate in professional or academic settings.
  • Using this expression demonstrates respect for the subject matter and the audience.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 비추어 보다 can be thought of as "illuminating" a subject by comparing it, which is a common metaphor in Korean for understanding something better.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  • Using in Casual Conversations: Avoid using this expression in casual or informal settings; it may sound awkward or overly formal.
  • Misplacing Particles: Ensure that is correctly attached to the noun being used as the standard for comparison.

Tips

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of 비추다 (to shine light) as "shedding light" on a situation for better understanding.
  • Practice Structure: Remember the pattern [Noun] + 에 비추어 볼 때 to build sentences correctly.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~에 비추어 볼 때 means "in comparison to", "considering", or "in light of".
  • Used to evaluate or judge something based on a particular standard.
  • It carries a formal tone suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What is the meaning of ~에 비추어 볼 때?
    • Answer: "In comparison to", "considering", or "in light of".
  2. Is ~에 비추어 볼 때 appropriate for casual conversations?
    • Answer: No, it's typically used in formal contexts.
  3. Create a sentence using ~에 비추어 볼 때.
    • Example Answer: 경제 상황에 비추어 볼 때 지출을 줄여야 합니다.
      Considering the economic situation, we need to reduce expenses.

Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using ~에 비추어 볼 때 to solidify your understanding!

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