Processing keyword: ~에 비해 [e bihae] (Compared to)

Korean Grammar Point: ~에 비해 [e bihae] (Compared to)

1. Introduction

In learning Korean, understanding how to make comparisons is essential for expressing preferences, differences, and similarities between objects, people, or situations. The grammar point ~에 비해 (e bihae), which translates to "compared to" in English, is commonly used to compare two nouns.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ~에 비해 is used to compare one noun to another, highlighting differences or similarities. It is equivalent to saying "compared to" or "in comparison with" in English.

Structure

Formation

To use ~에 비해, attach 에 비해 directly to a noun.

[Noun] + 에 비해

Diagram:

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
명사		Noun
에	e	to
비해	bihae	compare

So, 명사 + 에 비해 means "compared to [Noun]".

Visual Aid

Component	Function
Noun	The reference point
에 비해	"compared to"

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3. Comparative Analysis

~에 비해 vs. ~보다

• ~보다 also means "than" or "compared to" and is used in comparative sentences.

• Difference:

  • ~보다 is often used with adjectives or adverbs to directly compare qualities or actions.
    • Example: 친구보다 키가 커요. (I'm taller than my friend.)
  • ~에 비해 is more formal and used to compare broader concepts or situations.
    • Example: 작년에 비해 올해는 비가 많이 왔어요. (Compared to last year, it rained a lot this year.) Usage Nuance:

• ~에 비해 can sound more formal and is commonly used in written language, news reports, or formal speeches.

• ~보다 is more common in everyday conversation.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 작년에 비해 올해 매출이 증가했습니다.
   • Jangnyeone bihae ohae maechuri jeunggahetseumnida.
   • Translation: Compared to last year, sales have increased this year.
2. 예상에 비해 결과가 좋았습니다.
   • Yesange bihae gyeolgwaga johatseumnida.
   • Translation: The results were better compared to expectations.

Informal Spoken Context

1. 어제에 비해 오늘은 덜 추워.
   • Eoje-e bihae oneureun deol chuwo.
   • Translation: It's less cold today compared to yesterday.
2. 너에 비해 난 준비를 덜 했어.
   • Neo-e bihae nan junbireul deol haesseo.
   • Translation: Compared to you, I prepared less.

Additional Examples

1. 한국에 비해 미국은 땅이 넓어요.
   • Hanguge bihae Migugeun ttangi neolbeoyo.
   • Translation: Compared to Korea, the United States has a vast land area.
2. 가격에 비해 품질이 좋아요.
   • Gagyeoge bihae pumjiri johayo.
   • Translation: The quality is good compared to the price.
3. 다른 사람들에 비해 그는 수영을 잘해요.
   • Dareun saramdeure bihae geuneun suyeongeul jalhaeyo.
   • Translation: He swims well compared to others.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~에 비해 is neutral in terms of politeness but is slightly more formal than ~보다.
• In formal writing, such as reports or academic papers, ~에 비해 is preferred.
• In everyday speech, especially among friends or in casual settings, ~보다 might be more commonly used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 평균에 비해 더 높다
  • Pyeonggyune bihae deo nopda.
  • Meaning: Higher than average.
• 예상보다/예상에 비해
  • Both mean "compared to expectations," but 예상보다 is less formal than 예상에 비해.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment:
   • Incorrect: 사람에 비해서 좋다.
   • Correct: 사람에 비해 좋다.
   • Note: While ~에 비해서 is grammatically acceptable, ~에 비해 is more commonly used. Both mean the same, but adding -서 can sometimes make the expression feel heavier.
2. Using Verbs Directly:
   • Incorrect: 먹다에 비해 마시다를 더 좋아해요.
   • Correct: 먹는 것에 비해 마시는 것을 더 좋아해요.
   • Tip: Since ~에 비해 attaches to nouns, when comparing verbs, convert them into noun forms using ~는 것.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of 비해 as "비교하다" (to compare). Remember that 비 stands for "compare" and 해 is from 하다 (to do).
• Practice Converting Verbs:
  • When needing to attach ~에 비해 to a verb, practice turning verbs into nouns.
    • 걷다 (to walk) ⇒ 걷기에 비해 (compared to walking)

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~에 비해 means "compared to" and is used to compare two nouns.
• Attach 에 비해 directly to nouns.
• More formal than ~보다 and often used in written or formal contexts.
• When comparing verbs, convert them into noun forms before adding ~에 비해.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Compared to yesterday, today is warmer" in Korean?
   • Answer: 어제에 비해 오늘은 더 따뜻해요.
2. True or False: ~에 비해 can be attached directly to verbs without any change.
   • Answer: False. Verbs need to be nominalized first.
3. Which is more formal, ~에 비해 or ~보다?
   • Answer: ~에 비해 is more formal.

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Feel free to revisit the examples and explanations to strengthen your understanding of ~에 비해. Practice by creating your own sentences comparing different nouns or situations!

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