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---
vocabulary:
nouns:
- ko: 한식
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v1.mp3
en: Korean food
examples:
- ko: "**한식**은 너무 맛있어요"
en: "**Korean food** is very delicious"
- ko: 저는 2주 동안 **한식**을 안 먹었어요
en: I didn't eat **Korean food** for two weeks
- ko: "**한식**은 양식보다 더 매워"
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-14.mp3
en: "**Korean food** is spicier than western food"
- ko: 한국에서 사는 것에 있어서 내가 가장 좋아하는 것은 **한식**을 매일 먹는 것이야
en: My favorite part about living in Korea is eating **Korean food** every day
- ko: 양식
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v2.mp3
en: western food
examples:
- ko: 한국 사람들은 **양식**을 보통 안 먹어요
en: Korean people usually don't eat **Western food**
- ko: "한식은 **양식**보다 더 매워"
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-14.mp3
en: Korean food is spicier than **western food**
- ko: 키
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v3.mp3
en: height
notes: |
키 means "height" in Korean, but not the "height" of a building or some other object. It is only used when talking about the height of a person. "크다" means 'big.' The adjective for tall is 키가 크다, which just indicates that your height is big.
examples:
- ko: 그 남자가 **키가** 너무 **커요**
en: That man is very **tall**
- ko: 저는 그보다 **키**가 더 커요
en: I am **taller** than him
- ko: 별
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v4.mp3
en: star
examples:
- ko: "하늘에 **별**이 많아요"
en: There are many **stars** in the sky
- ko: 태도
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v5.mp3
en: attitude
examples:
- ko: 그 학생의 **태도**가 나빠요
en: That student's **attitude** is bad
- ko: 월급
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v6.mp3
en: pay cheque
examples:
- ko: 저는 매월 24일에 **월급**을 받아요
en: I **get paid** every month on the 24th
- ko: 도심
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v7.mp3
en: downtown
examples:
- ko: 저의 여자친구는 안산 **도심**에서 살아요
en: My girlfriend lives in the **downtown** of Ansan
- ko: 저는 친구들과 **도심**에서 영화를 봤어요
en: I saw a movie with friends **downtown**
- ko: 2호선은 서울 **도심** 주위를 돌아요
en: Line 2 circles around the **downtown** of Seoul
- ko: 시내
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v8.mp3
en: downtown
examples:
- ko: 저는 보통 친구들과 **시내**에서 놀아요
en: I usually play with (meet) my friends **downtown**
- ko: 추억
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v9.mp3
en: memory
examples:
- ko: 저는 우리 엄마와 **추억**이 많아요
en: I have a lot of **memories** with my mom
- ko: 후보자
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v10.mp3
en: candidate
examples:
- ko: "**후보자**들은 내일까지 와야 돼요"
en: "**Candidates** have until tomorrow to come"
- ko: 그들은 많은 **후보자**들 중에서 저를 뽑았어요
en: They chose me from many **candidates**
- ko: 라면
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v11.mp3
en: instant noodles (ramen)
examples:
- ko: 저는 돈이 없어서 **라면**만 먹어요
en: I only eat **ramen** because I have no money
- ko: 주년
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v12.mp3
en: anniversary
notes: 주년 is usually preceded by a number.
examples:
- ko: 내일은 우리의 1**주년**이에요
en: Tomorrow is our one year **anniversary**
- ko: 우리 학교가 세워진 지 10**주년**이에요
en: It is the 10th **anniversary** of our school opening
- ko: 자세
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v13.mp3
en: body position/posture
notes: When exercising, the Konglish word "폼" (form) is often used.
examples:
- ko: 이 **자세** 맞아요?
en: Is this **posture** right/correct?
- ko: 운동할 때 알맞은 **자세로** 해야 돼요
en: When you exercise, you need to do so with the correct **posture**
- ko: 평소
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v33.mp3
en: usual
examples:
- ko: 저는 **평소**보다 더 열심히 공부하고 있어요
en: I am studying harder than **usual**
- ko: 저는 오늘 **평소**처럼 공부해야 돼요
en: I have to study today, as **usual**
- ko: 현재 날씨는 **평소**보다 조금 추워요
en: The present/recent weather is colder than **normal**
- ko: 옛날
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v37.mp3
en: old days
examples:
- ko: 할아버지와 할아버지 친구는 **옛날** 이야기를 나눴어요
en: Grandpa and his friend shared **old** stories (with each other)
- ko: 옛사랑
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v38.mp3
en: old love
examples:
- ko: 그녀는 **옛사랑**이었어요
en: She was an **old love**
- ko: 옛길
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v39.mp3
en: old road/path
examples:
- ko: 우리는 **옛길**을 따라 걸었어요
en: We walked along, following the **old road**
verbs:
- ko: 걱정하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v14.mp3
en: to worry
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "걱쩡하다"
More commonly used in the passive voice (걱정되다 = to be worried)
In most situations, removing ~하다 from a word and placing "마" after it is unnatural. However, in this case "걱정 마" is very common.
examples:
- ko: 많이 **걱정돼요**
en: Are you very **worried**?
- ko: 시험을 잘 못 볼까 봐 **걱정돼요**
en: I'm **worried** that I won't do well on the exam
- ko: 비가 올까 봐 **걱정돼요**
en: I'm **worried** that it will rain
- ko: 저는 아이를 잃어버려서 **걱정**이 되었어요
en: I was **worried** because I lost the baby
- ko: 그 수술을 받았을 때 저의 엄마는 **걱정했어요**
en: When I got that surgery, my mom was **worried**
- ko: 씻다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v15.mp3
en: to wash
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "씯따"
When washing one's hair, the verb "감다" must be used.
examples:
- ko: 손을 잘 **씻**고 먹어요
en: To **wash** one's hands well, and then eat
- ko: "손을 **씻으세요**!"
en: "**Wash** your hands!"
- ko: 확인하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v16.mp3
en: to confirm, to check
examples:
- ko: "첨부파일을 **확인하세요**!"
en: "**See/Check** the attached file"
- ko: 시험을 끝내기 전에 답을 **확인하**세요
en: "**Check** your answers before finishing the test"
- ko: "그것을 **확인해** 봐!!"
en: Try **checking** that
- ko: 가격을 **확인해**보자
en: Let's **check** the price
- ko: 모으다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v17.mp3
en: to gather, to collect
notes: 모으다 follows the ㅡ irregular
examples:
- ko: 그는 옛날 동전을 **모아요**
en: He **collects** old coins
- ko: 이야기하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v18.mp3
en: to talk with, to have a conversation
notes: |
"이야기" means "conversation, story," but the verb "이야기하다" means "to have a conversation with/to talk with." 이야기(하다) is often shortened to 얘기(하다).
examples:
- ko: 저는 어제 여자친구랑 **이야기했어요**
en: I **talked** with my girlfriend yesterday
- ko: 저는 그녀랑 개인적으로 **얘기하고** 싶어요
en: I want to **talk** to her personally
- ko: 엄마는 저랑 **얘기하**기 싫은 것 같아요
en: It seems that mom doesn't want to **talk** with me
- ko: 그 문제에 대해 담임선생님과 함께 **얘기했어요**
en: I **talked** about that problem with my homeroom teacher
- ko: 수집하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v19.mp3
en: to collect
notes: The noun form of this word translates to "collection"
examples:
- ko: 실험을 하기 전에 자료를 **수집해요**
en: To **collect** data before doing an experiment
- ko: 추천하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v20.mp3
en: to recommend
notes: The noun form of this word translates to "recommendation"
examples:
- ko: 좋은 영화를 **추천해** 주세요
en: "**Recommend** a good movie, please!"
adjectives:
- ko: 좁다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v22.mp3
en: to be narrow
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "좁따"
Korean people would use the word "좁다" in make cases where English people would use the word "small." Especially if an apartment or room is small, Korean people would say "방이 좁다." The direct English translation of "this room is narrow" is unnatural in English.
examples:
- ko: 이 길이 너무 **좁**아서 저는 못 들어가요
en: I can't go onto this road because it is so **narrow**
- ko: 저의 방은 너무 **좁아요**
en: My room is too **small/narrow**
- ko: 넓다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v23.mp3
en: to be wide
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "널따"
넓다 means "wide" but Korean people often say "넓다" when in English we would say "big." Usually when they talk about how 'big' a room/house is, they will say that it is very "넓어." In English, it would be awkward to say "This place is so wide!!"
examples:
- ko: 우리 집은 매우 **넓어요**
en: Our house is very **big/wide**
- ko: 그 차는 **넓은** 공간을 차지하고 있어요
en: That car takes up **a lot of** room/space
- ko: 특별하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v24.mp3
en: to be special
notes: The pronunciation of this word is closer to "특뼐하다"
examples:
- ko: 그 박물관은 **특별해요**
en: That museum is **special**
- ko: 그 식당은 **특별하지** 않아요
en: That restaurant isn't **special**
- ko: 그 사람은 **특별한** 개성이 있어요
en: That person has a **special** personality
- ko: 게으르다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v25.mp3
en: to be lazy
notes: 게으르다 follows the 르 irregular
examples:
- ko: 저의 남자 친구는 아주 **게을러요**
en: My boyfriend is very **lazy**
- ko: 저의 **게으른** 남동생은 하루 종일 아무것도 안 해요
en: My **lazy** brother doesn't do anything all day
- ko: 편하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v26.mp3
en: to be comfortable
examples:
- ko: 이 소파는 아주 **편해요**
en: This sofa is very **comfortable**
- ko: 안락하다
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v27.mp3
en: to be comfortable
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "알라카다"
Essentially the same meaning as "편하다," but much less common. 안락하다 would be more related to abstract things like the mood of a place or one's life, whereas 편하다 would be more related to physical things that you can feel (like a bed being comfortable)
examples:
- ko: 스타벅스의 내부 분위기가 매우 **안락해요**
en: The atmosphere inside Starbucks is very **comfortable**
adverbs:
- ko: 더
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v28.mp3
en: more
notes: |
This can be used to indicate that one does something more with a noun, for example:
- "저는 밥을 더 먹고 싶어요" = "I want to eat more rice"
It can also be used with an adjective. For example:
- "그 여자가 더 예뻐요" = "That girl is prettier (more pretty)"
It can also be used with an adverb. For example:
- "저는 더 빨리 가고 싶어요" = "I want to go faster (more fast)"
See below in this lesson for more information.
examples:
- ko: 저는 평소보다 **더** 공부하고 있어요
en: I am studying **more** than usual
- ko: 나는 내일 사람 두 명을 **더** 만날 거야
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-6.mp3
en: I will meet two **more** people tomorrow
- ko: 나는 내일 어제보다 사람 두 명을 **더** 만날 거야
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-24.mp3
en: I will meet two **more** people than yesterday tomorrow
- ko: 저는 남동생보다 밥을 **더** 먹었어요
en: I ate **more** than my brother
- ko: 저는 어제보다 밥을 **더** 먹었어요
en: I ate **more** than yesterday
- ko: 오늘은 어제보다 **더** 더워
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-16.mp3
en: Today is hott**er** than yesterday
- ko: 덜
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v29.mp3
en: less
examples:
- ko: 나는 남동생보다 덜 잘생겼어
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-30.mp3
en: I'm less handsome than my brother
- ko: 한국에서 대학교는 고등학교보다 **덜** 어려워요
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-31.mp3
en: In Korea, University is **not as hard** as high school
- ko: 가장
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v30.mp3
en: the most (superlative)
notes: Very similar (if not identical) to 제일
examples:
- ko: 나는 그 여자를 **가장** 좋아해
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-36.mp3
en: I like that girl most (that girl is my favorite)
- ko: 나는 수학을 **가장** 좋아해
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-37.mp3
en: I like math most (math is my favorite)
- ko: 저의 여자 친구는 한국에서 **가장** 예쁜 여자예요
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-32.mp3
en: My girlfriend is the prettiest girl in Korea
- ko: 가족은 **가장** 중요해요
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-33.mp3
en: Family is the most important
- ko: 제일
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v31.mp3
en: the most (superlative)
notes: |
Very similar (if not identical) to 가장
Placed in a sentence with an adverb or adjective to indicate that something is (done) "most."
For example, with an adjective:
- "그 여자가 제일 예뻐요" = "that girl is the prettiest (the most pretty)"
With an adverb:
- "저는 달리기를 제일 빨리 할 수 있어요" = "I can run the fastest (the most fast)"
In most cases, it can't be used without an adjective or adverb. These would require the use of some kind of adverb, for example:
- "저는 제일 잘 운동해요" = "I exercise the best"
However, it can be used without an adjective or adverb in some cases. Most commonly with 좋아하다 and 싫어하다. For example:
- "저는 그 사람을 제일 싫어해요" = "I dislike that person the most"
examples:
- ko: 수학은 제가 **제일** 좋아하는 수업이에요
en: Math is my favorite class (the class that I like **the most**)
- ko: 여러
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v34.mp3
en: many/various
notes: |
여러 is an adverb that is placed before nouns to describe them
examples:
- ko: 저는 **여러** 가지의 단어를 배우고 싶어요
en: I want to learn **lots of** different types of words
- ko: 옛날에 그리스인들은 **여러** 가지의 신을 믿었어요
en: A long time ago, Greek people believed in a **variety** of gods
- ko: 옛
audio: https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v35.mp3
en: something old
notes: |
The pronunciation of this word is closer to "옏"
Placed before certain nouns to indicate that noun is from a long time ago.
examples:
- ko: 저는 어제 **옛** 친구를 만났어요
en: I met a friend from a **long time ago**
---
# Lesson 19: Korean Comparatives and Superlatives: 더, 보다, 가장/제일
## Vocabulary
<VocabQuiz />
### Nouns
한식 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v1.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 한식당 = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food restaurant</span>
Example:
- **한식**은 너무 맛있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">**Korean food** is very delicious</span>
- 저는 2주 동안 **한식**을 안 먹었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I didn’t eat **Korean food** for two weeks</span>
- **한식**은 양식보다 더 매워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">**Korean food** is spicier than western food</span>
- 한국에서 사는 것에 있어서 내가 가장 좋아하는 것은 **한식**을 매일 먹는 것이야 = <span class="md spoiler">My favorite part about living in Korea is eating **Korean food** every day</span>
</Details>
양식 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v2.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">western food</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 한국 사람들은 **양식**을 보통 안 먹어요 = <span class="md spoiler">Korean people usually don’t eat **Western food**</span>
- 한식은 **양식**보다 더 매워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food is spicier than **western food**</span>
</Details>
키 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v3.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">height</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 키가 크다 = <span class="md spoiler">to be tall</span>
- 키가 작다 = <span class="md spoiler">to be short</span>
Notes:
키 means “height” in Korean, but not the “height” of a building or some other object. It is only used when talking about the height of <span class="md spoiler">a person</span>. “크다” means ‘big.’ The adjective for tall is 키가 크다, which just indicates that your height is big.
Example:
- 그 남자가 **키가** 너무 **커요** = <span class="md spoiler">That man is very **tall**</span>
- 저는 그보다 **키**가 더 커요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am **taller** than him</span>
</Details>
별 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v4.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">star</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 별자리 = <span class="md spoiler">constellation</span>
Example:
- 하늘에 **별**이 많아요 = <span class="md spoiler">There are many **stars** in the sky</span>
</Details>
태도 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v5.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">attitude</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 좋은 태도 = <span class="md spoiler">good attitude</span>
- 나쁜 태도 = <span class="md spoiler">bad attitude</span>
Example:
- 그 학생의 **태도**가 나빠요 = <span class="md spoiler">That student’s **attitude** is bad</span>
</Details>
월급 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v6.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">pay cheque</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 월급을 받다 = <span class="md spoiler">to get paid, to receive pay cheque</span>
- 월급(을 받는) 날 = <span class="md spoiler">the day one gets paid</span>
- 월급이 오르다 = <span class="md spoiler">to get a raise</span>
- 월급이 깎이다 = <span class="md spoiler">to get less money than before (a pay cut)</span>
Example:
- 저는 매월 24일에 **월급**을 받아요 = <span class="md spoiler">I **get paid** every month on the 24th</span>
</Details>
도심 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v7.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">downtown</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 저의 여자친구는 안산 **도심**에서 살아요 = <span class="md spoiler">My girlfriend lives in the **downtown** of Ansan</span>
- 저는 친구들과 **도심**에서 영화를 봤어요= <span class="md spoiler">I saw a movie with friends **downtown**</span>
- 2호선은 서울 **도심** 주위를 돌아요 = <span class="md spoiler">Line 2 circles around the **downtown** of Seoul</span>
</Details>
시내 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v8.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">downtown</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 저는 보통 친구들과 **시내**에서 놀아요 = <span class="md spoiler">I usually play with (meet) my friends **downtown**</span>
</Details>
추억 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v9.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">memory</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 추억을 쌓다 = <span class="md spoiler">to make memories (literally, “for memories to be piled up”)</span>
- 추억을 만들다 = <span class="md spoiler">to make memories</span>
Example:
- 저는 우리 엄마와 **추억**이 많아요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have a lot of **memories** with my mom</span>
</Details>
후보자 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v10.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">candidate</span>
<Details>
Example:
- **후보자**들은 내일까지 와야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">**Candidates** have until tomorrow to come</span>
- 그들은 많은 **후보자**들 중에서 저를 뽑았어요 = <span class="md spoiler">They chose me from many **candidates**</span>
</Details>
라면 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v11.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">instant noodles (ramen)</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 라면을 끓이다 = <span class="md spoiler">to boil/make ramen noodles</span>
- 라면수프 = <span class="md spoiler">the powder that comes in a bag within a bag of ramen (“Ramen soup”)</span>
Example:
- 저는 돈이 없어서 **라면**만 먹어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I only eat **ramen** because I have no money</span>
</Details>
주년 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v12.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">anniversary</span>
<Details>
Notes:
주년 is usually preceded by <span class="md spoiler">a number</span>.
Example:
- 내일은 우리의 1**주년**이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Tomorrow is our one year **anniversary**</span>
- 우리 학교가 세워진 지 10**주년**이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">It is the 10th **anniversary** of our school opening</span>
</Details>
자세 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v13.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">body position/posture</span>
<Details>
Notes:
When exercising, the Konglish word “폼” (<span class="md spoiler">form</span>) is often used.
Example:
- 이 **자세** 맞아요? = <span class="md spoiler">Is this **posture** right/correct?</span>
- 운동할 때 알맞은 **자세로** 해야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">When you exercise, you need to do so with the correct **posture**</span>
</Details>
평소 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v33.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">usual</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 평소보다 = <span class="md spoiler">to be comparing something to the usual amount</span>
- 평소처럼 = <span class="md spoiler">as usual</span>
- 평소에 = <span class="md spoiler">usually</span>
Example:
- 저는 **평소**보다 더 열심히 공부하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am studying harder than **usual**</span>
- 저는 오늘 **평소**처럼 공부해야 돼요 = <span class="md spoiler">I have to study today, as **usual**</span>
- 현재 날씨는 **평소**보다 조금 추워요 = <span class="md spoiler">The present/recent weather is colder than **normal**</span>
</Details>
옛날 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v37.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">old days</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 할아버지와 할아버지 친구는 **옛날** 이야기를 나눴어요 = <span class="md spoiler">Grandpa and his friend shared **old** stories (with each other)</span>
</Details>
옛사랑 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v38.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">old love</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 그녀는 **옛사랑**이었어요 = She was an **old love**
</Details>
옛길 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v39.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">old road/path</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 우리는 **옛길**을 따라 걸었어요 = We walked along, following the **old road**
</Details>
### Verbs
걱정하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to worry</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “걱쩡하다”
Common Usages:
- \~ㄹ/을 까봐 걱정되다 = <span class="md spoiler">to do something because one was worried about...</span> (See [Lesson 65](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit-3-intermediate-korean-grammar/unit-3-lessons-59-66/lesson-65/ "Lesson 65: I am worried about: ㄹ/을까 봐") for more information.)
- 걱정하지 마세요 = <span class="md spoiler">Don’t worry</span>
- 걱정 마 = <span class="md spoiler">Don’t worry</span>
Notes:
More commonly used in the passive voice (<TTS>걱정되다</TTS> = <span class="md spoiler">to be worried</span>)
In most situations, removing \~하다 from a word and placing “마” after it is unnatural. However, in this case “<TTS>걱정 마</TTS>” is very common.
Examples:
- 많이 **걱정돼요** = <span class="md spoiler">Are you very **worried**?</span>
- 시험을 잘 못 볼까 봐 **걱정돼요** = <span class="md spoiler">I’m **worried** that I won’t do well on the exam</span>
- 비가 올까 봐 **걱정돼요** = <span class="md spoiler">I’m **worried** that it will rain</span>
- 저는 아이를 잃어버려서 **걱정**이 되었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I was **worried** because I lost the baby</span>
- 그 수술을 받았을 때 저의 엄마는 **걱정했어요** = <span class="md spoiler">When I got that surgery, my mom was **worried**</span>
</Details>
씻다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v15.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to wash</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “씯따”
Common Usages:
- 손을 씻다 = <span class="md spoiler">to wash one’s hands</span>
Notes:
When washing one’s hair, the verb “<TTS>감다</TTS>” must be used.
Example:
- 손을 잘 **씻**고 먹어요 = To **wash** one’s hands well, and then eat
- 손을 **씻으세요**! = **Wash** your hands!
</Details>
확인하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v16.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to confirm, to check</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 첨부파일을 **확인하세요**! = <span class="md spoiler">**See/Check** the attached file</span>
- 시험을 끝내기 전에 답을 **확인하**세요 = <span class="md spoiler">**Check** your answers before finishing the test</span>
- 그것을 **확인해** 봐!! = <span class="md spoiler">Try **checking** that</span>
- 가격을 **확인해**보자 = <span class="md spoiler">Let’s **check** the price</span>
</Details>
모으다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v17.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to gather, to collect</span>
<Details>
모으다 follows the ㅡ irregular
Common Usages:
- 돈을 모으다 = <span class="md spoiler">to save money</span>
- 우표를 모으다 = <span class="md spoiler">to collect stamps</span>
Example:
- 그는 옛날 동전을 **모아요** = <span class="md spoiler">He **collects** old coins</span>
</Details>
이야기하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v18.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to talk with, to have a conversation</span>
<Details>
Notes:
“이야기” means “<span class="md spoiler">conversation, story</span>,” but the verb “이야기하다” means “to have a conversation with/to talk with.” 이야기(하다) is often shortened to 얘기(하다).
Example:
- 저는 어제 여자친구랑 **이야기했어요** = <span class="md spoiler">I **talked** with my girlfriend yesterday</span>
- 저는 그녀랑 개인적으로 **얘기하고** 싶어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I want to **talk** to her personally</span>
- 엄마는 저랑 **얘기하**기 싫은 것 같아요 = <span class="md spoiler">It seems that mom doesn’t want to **talk** with me</span>
- 그 문제에 대해 담임선생님과 함께 **얘기했어요** = <span class="md spoiler">I **talked** about that problem with my homeroom teacher</span>
</Details>
수집하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v19.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to collect</span>
<Details>
The noun form of this word translates to “collection”
Example:
- 실험을 하기 전에 자료를 **수집해요** = <span class="md spoiler">To **collect** data before doing an experiment</span>
</Details>
추천하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v20.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to recommend</span>
<Details>
The noun form of this word translates to “recommendation”
Common Usages:
- 추천서 = <span class="md spoiler">recommendation letter/reference</span>
Example:
- 좋은 영화를 **추천해** 주세요 = <span class="md spoiler">**Recommend** a good movie, please!</span>
</Details>
### Adjectives
좁다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v22.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be narrow</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “좁따”
Notes:
Korean people would use the word “좁다” in make cases where English people would use the word “small.” Especially if <span class="md spoiler">an apartment or room is small</span>, Korean people would say “방이 좁다.” The direct English translation of “this room is narrow” is unnatural in English.
Example:
- 이 길이 너무 **좁**아서 저는 못 들어가요 = <span class="md spoiler">I can’t go onto this road because it is so **narrow**</span>
- 저의 방은 너무 **좁아요** = <span class="md spoiler">My room is too **small/narrow**</span>
</Details>
넓다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v23.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be wide</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “널따”
Notes:
넓다 means “wide” but Korean people often say “넓다” when in English we would say “big.” Usually when they talk about <span class="md spoiler">how ‘big’ a room/house is</span>, they will say that it is very “넓어.” In English, it would be awkward to say “This place is so wide!!”
Example:
- 우리 집은 매우 **넓어요** = <span class="md spoiler">Our house is very **big/wide**</span>
- 그 차는 **넓은** 공간을 차지하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">That car takes up **a lot of** room/space</span>
</Details>
특별하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v24.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be special</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “특뼐하다”
Example:
- 그 박물관은 **특별해요** = <span class="md spoiler">That museum is **special**</span>
- 그 식당은 **특별하지** 않아요 = <span class="md spoiler">That restaurant isn’t **special**</span>
- 그 사람은 **특별한** 개성이 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">That person has a **special** personality</span>
</Details>
게으르다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v25.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be lazy</span>
<Details>
게으르다 follows the 르 irregular
Example:
- 저의 남자 친구는 아주 **게을러요** = <span class="md spoiler">My boyfriend is very **lazy**</span>
- 저의 **게으른** 남동생은 하루 종일 아무것도 안 해요 = <span class="md spoiler">My **lazy** brother doesn’t do anything all day</span>
</Details>
편하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v26.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be comfortable</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 마음이 편하다 = <span class="md spoiler">to be relaxed/at ease</span>
- 옷이 편하다 = <span class="md spoiler">for clothes to be comfortable</span>
Example:
- 이 소파는 아주 **편해요** = <span class="md spoiler">This sofa is very **comfortable**</span>
</Details>
안락하다 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v27.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">to be comfortable</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “알라카다”
Notes:
Essentially the same meaning as “편하다,” but much less common. 안락하다 would be more related to abstract things like <span class="md spoiler">the mood of a place or one’s life</span>, whereas 편하다 would be more related to physical things that you can feel (like a bed being comfortable)
Example:
- 스타벅스의 내부 분위기가 매우 **안락해요** = <span class="md spoiler">The atmosphere inside Starbucks is very **comfortable**</span>
</Details>
### Adverbs and Other words
더 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v28.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">more</span>
<Details>
Notes:
This can be used to indicate that one does something more with a noun, for example:
- 저는 밥을 더 먹고 싶어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-1.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I want to eat more rice</span>
- 우리는 다음 시간에 더 배울 거예요 =<span class="md spoiler"> We will learn more next time</span>
It can also be used with an adjective. For example:
- 그 여자가 더 예뻐요 = <span class="md spoiler">That girl is prettier (more pretty)</span>
It can also be used with an adverb. For example:
- 저는 더 빨리 가고 싶어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I want to go faster (more fast)</span>
See below in this lesson for more information.
More Examples:
- 저는 평소보다 **더** 공부하고 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I am studying **more** than usual</span>
- 나는 내일 사람 두 명을 **더** 만날 거야 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-6.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will meet two **more** people tomorrow</span>
- 나는 내일 어제보다 사람 두 명을 **더** 만날 거야 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-24.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will meet two **more** people than yesterday tomorrow</span>
- 저는 남동생보다 밥을 **더** 먹었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I ate **more** than my brother</span>
- 저는 어제보다 밥을 **더** 먹었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I ate **more** than yesterday</span>
- 오늘은 어제보다 **더** 더워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-16.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Today is hott**er** than yesterday</span>
</Details>
덜 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v29.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">less</span>
<Details>
Example:
- 나는 남동생보다 덜 잘생겼어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-30.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I’m less handsome than my brother</span>
- 한국에서 대학교는 고등학교보다 **덜** 어려워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-31.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">In Korea, University is **not as hard** as high school</span>
</Details>
가장 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v30.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">the most (superlative)</span>
<Details>
Notes:
Very similar (if not identical) to 제일
Example:
- 나는 그 여자를 **가장** 좋아해 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-36.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I like that girl most (that girl is my favorite)</span>
- 나는 수학을 **가장** 좋아해 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-37.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I like math most (math is my favorite)</span>
- 저의 여자 친구는 한국에서 **가장** 예쁜 여자예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-32.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My girlfriend is the prettiest girl in Korea</span>
- 가족은 **가장** 중요해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-33.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Family is the most important</span>
</Details>
제일 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v31.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">the most (superlative)</span>
<Details>
Notes:
Very similar (if not identical) to 가장
Placed in a sentence with an adverb or adjective to indicate that something is (done) “most.”
For example, with an adjective:
- 그 여자가 제일 예뻐요 = <span class="md spoiler">that girl is the prettiest (the most pretty)</span>
With an adverb:
- 저는 달리기를 제일 빨리 할 수 있어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I can run the fastest (the most fast)</span>
In most cases, it can’t be used without an adjective or adverb. For example:
- ~~저는 제일 운동해요 = I exercise most~~
- ~~저는 제일 공부해요 = I study most~~
These would require the use of some kind of adverb, for example:
- 저는 제일 잘 운동해요 = <span class="md spoiler">I exercise the best</span>
- 저는 제일 자주 공부해요 = <span class="md spoiler">I study most often</span>
However, it can be used without an adjective or adverb in some cases. Most commonly with 좋아하다 and 싫어하다. For example:
- 저는 그 사람을 **제일** 싫어해요 = <span class="md spoiler">I dislike that person **the most**</span>
- 수학은 제가 **제일** 좋아하는 수업이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Math is my favorite class (the class that I like **the most** )</span>
</Details>
여러 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v34.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">many/various</span>
<Details>
Common Usages:
- 여러 분 = <span class="md spoiler">many people</span> (often used to refer to <span class="md spoiler">a group of people</span>: <TTS>고객 여러 분!</TTS>)
- 여러 번 = <span class="md spoiler">many/several times</span>
- 여러 가지 = <span class="md spoiler">many types of</span>
Notes:
여러 is an adverb that is placed <span class="md spoiler">before nouns to describe them</span>
Examples:
- 저는 **여러** 가지의 단어를 배우고 싶어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I want to learn **lots of** different types of words</span>
- 옛날에 그리스인들은 **여러** 가지의 신을 믿었어요 = <span class="md spoiler">A long time ago, Greek people believed in a **variety** of gods</span>
</Details>
옛 \_\_\_\_\_ <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lesson19v35.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">something old</span>
<Details>
The pronunciation of this word is closer to “옏”
Common Usages:
- 옛 추억 = <span class="md spoiler">old memories</span>
- 옛 친구 = <span class="md spoiler">an old friend</span>
- 옛 날 = <span class="md spoiler">a long time ago (old days)</span>
- 옛 사랑 = <span class="md spoiler">an old love</span>
Notes:
Placed before certain nouns to indicate that noun is from a long time ago.
Example:
- 저는 어제 **옛** 친구를 만났어요 = <span class="md spoiler">I met a friend from a **long time ago**</span>
</Details>
For help memorizing these words, try using our [mobile app](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/app/).
You might also want to try listening to all of the words on loop with this [Vocabulary Practice video]
<YouTube id=9FjcCoaSzhE />
## Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn how to make comparative and superlative sentences in Korean. Using comparative sentences, you will learn how to make sentences like “I am more beautiful than you” or “he is faster than his brother.” Using superlative sentences, you will learn how to make sentences like “I am the most handsome person in the world.” In addition, we will take an in-depth look at the word 더, which is commonly used in comparative sentences. Let’s get started.
## More: 더
Before we even get into using comparatives, I want to make you familiar with the word 더, meaning “more” in English. The word ‘more’ (in English and Korean) is very commonly used in sentences when comparing things. For example:
I am _more_ handsome <ins>than you</ins>
In order to understand how 더 is used, let’s first look at sentences where it is not used:
- 여기는 편해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s1.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Here is comfortable (it is comfortable here)</span>
- 라면은 매워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s2.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Ramen is spicy</span>
Those are simple sentences without 더. By adding 더 you can indicate that the particular subjects are “more comfortable” or “spicier” than something else. For example:
- 여기는 더 편해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s3.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Here is more comfortable (it is more comfortable here)</span>
- 라면은 더 매워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s4.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Ramen is spicier</span>
At this point we haven’t specifically indicated what the subjects are being compared to, but we will get to that later in the lesson. For now, let’s just focus on the use of 더. Below are many more examples:
- 도심은 더 멀어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s5.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Downtown is further</span>
- 이 방은 더 좁아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s6.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">This room is smaller (narrower)</span>
- 추억은 더 중요해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s7.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Memories are more important</span>
- 한식은 더 맛있어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s8.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food is more delicious</span>
- 저는 더 특별한 것을 사고 싶어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s9.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I want to buy something more special</span>
- 저는 더 넓은 집에서 살고 싶어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s10.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I want to live in a bigger (wider) house</span>
In all of the examples above, 더 is used with adjectives. It can also be used with verbs to indicate that an action will happen “more.” For example:
- 저는 밥을 더 먹을 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s11.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will eat more</span>
- 저는 더 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s12.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study more</span>
- 저는 더 기다릴 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s13.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will wait more (longer)</span>
- 그 회사는 월급을 더 줘요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That company gives more of a paycheque</span>
- 우리는 돈을 더 모을 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s15.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">We will collect more money</span>
- 저는 손을 더 씻을 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s16.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will wash my hands more</span>
In sentences where 더 is used with verbs, it is common to place an adverb after 더 to indicate the degree in which the action occurs. When used like this, it’s not that the action happens more – but rather that the verb happens more in a way of the adverb. For example:
- 저는 더 열심히 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s17.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study harder</span>
- 저는 밥을 더 건강하게 먹을 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s18.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will eat healthier</span>
- 그 학생들은 더 시끄럽게 이야기했어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s19.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Those students talked louder</span>
It is also common to use 조금 before 더 to indicate that something occurs “a little bit more.” For example:
- 이 방은 조금 더 좁아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s20.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">This room is a little bit smaller</span>
- 저는 조금 더 기다릴 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s21.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will wait a little bit more</span>
- 저는 조금 더 열심히 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s22.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study a little bit harder</span>
——————-
You can also add 더 to sentences with counters in them. For example:
- 나는 펜 두 개가 있어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s23.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have two pens</span>
- 나는 펜 두 개가 더 있어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-5.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have two more pens</span>
---
- 사람 두 명이 올 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s25.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Two people will come</span>
- 사람 두 명이 더 올 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s26.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Two more people will come</span>
---
- 저의 여동생은 지난 주에 책을 두 권 읽었어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s27.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My sister read two books last week</span>
- 저의 여동생은 지난 주에 책을 두 권 더 읽었어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s28.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My sister read two more books last week</span>
---
- 나는 어제 학교에 두 번 갔어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s29.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I went to school two times (twice) yesterday</span>
- 나는 어제 학교에 두 번 더 갔어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-6.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I went to school two more times yesterday</span>
——————-
It is common to use the word 좋다 with 더 to indicate that something is “more good.” Of course, we don’t say “more good” in English. Instead, we say “better.” For example:
- 도심이 더 좋아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s31.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Downtown is better</span>
- 그 자세가 더 좋아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s32.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That position/posture is better</span>
- 그 학생의 태도가 더 좋아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s33.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That student’s attitude is better</span>
——————-
It is also common to use the word 많다 with 더 to indicate simply that there _is_ more of something. For example:
- 저는 돈이 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s34.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have more money</span>
- 여기는 별이 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s35.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">There are more stars here</span>
So far, you have seen how 더 can be used in simple sentences without any specifically identified comparison. It is also possible to indicate what the situation is being compared to. I will discuss this in the next section.
## Comparatives – 보다
As you learned in the previous section, you can use 더 in sentences when not making any specific comparison. 더 is often used in sentences when a specific comparison is being made. In English, comparing is really hard and confusing. Look at these examples:
- It is <ins>hotter</ins> than yesterday
- It is <ins>more</ins> beautiful than yesterday
- It is smell<ins>ier</ins> than yesterday
In English, depending on the word that you are using to compare, the conjugation is different. I can’t imagine how annoying this would be for an English learner. Luckily, comparatives in Korean are much simpler (or is it more simple?).
In Korean, you can make a specific comparison by attaching the particle \~보다 to the thing that is being compared to. I feel like it is most logical to present sentences using \~보다 in the same order that I presented the sentences using 더. So here we go:
You can use \~보다 to make a specific comparison with adjectives:
- 나는 더 잘생겼어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s36.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I am more handsome</span>
- 나는 아버지보다 더 잘생겼어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-10.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I am more handsome than my father</span>
_Notice here the example_ “잘생기다” _(handsome) is conjugated into the past tense. When conjugating_ 잘생기다 _and_ 못생기다 _it is always more natural to use the past tense conjugation._
- 선생님들은 더 똑똑해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-1.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Teachers are smarter</span>
- 선생님들은 학생들보다 더 똑똑해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-12.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Teachers are smarter than students</span>
---
- 한식은 더 매워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s40.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food is spicier</span>
- 한식은 양식보다 더 매워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food is spicier than western food</span>
---
- 오늘은 더 더워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s42.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Today is hotter</span>
- 오늘은 어제보다 더 더워 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-16.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Today is hotter than yesterday</span>
---
- 저는 키가 더 커요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s44.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I am taller</span>
- 저는 남동생보다 키가 더 커요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-18.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I am taller than my brother</span>
---
- 추억은 더 중요해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s46.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Memories are more important</span>
- 추억은 돈보다 더 중요해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s47.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Memories are more important than money</span>
_You don’t really need_ 더 _in these types of sentences. The use of_ \~보다 _in these types of sentences would also carry this meaning. However, there is no harm in including it._
You can use \~보다 to make a specific comparison with verbs:
- 나는 밥을 더 먹었어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-5.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I ate more</span>
- 나는 남동생보다 밥을 더 먹었어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-20.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I ate more than my brother</span>
- 나는 어제보다 밥을 더 먹었어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-21.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I ate more than yesterday</span>
---
- 저는 더 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s12.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study more</span>
- 저는 친구들보다 더 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s51.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study more than my friends</span>
- 저는 작년보다 더 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s52.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study more than last year</span>
You can use adverbs in these sentences to indicate that they occur more as a function of the adverb:
- 저는 친구들보다 더 열심히 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s53.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study harder than my friends</span>
- 저는 작년보다 더 열심히 공부할 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s54.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I will study harder than last year</span>
You can compare things in sentences with counters as well. For example:
- 나는 친구보다 펜이 두 개 더 있어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s55.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have two more pens than my friend</span>
- 어제보다 두 명 더 올 거예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s56.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Two more people will come compared to yesterday</span>
- 저의 여동생은 지난 주보다 이번 주에 책을 두 권 더 읽었어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s57.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My sister read two more books this week than she read last week</span>
——————
The words 좋다 and 많다 are often used with \~보다 as well. For example:
- 저는 옛날보다 돈이 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s58.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have more money than a long time ago</span>
- 저는 저의 아버지보다 돈이 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s59.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I have more money than my father</span>
- 그 학생의 태도가 지난 주보다 더 좋아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s61.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That student’s attitude is better than last week</span>
——————
Another way you can create the meaning of “better” is by using the adjective 낫다. <TTS>낫다</TTS> is very much like 좋다, but it is more naturally used when <span class="md spoiler">a specified comparison is being made</span>. Therefore, it is common to see 낫다 used in sentences with \~보다. For example:
- 그 학생의 태도가 지난 주보다 나아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s60.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That student’s attitude is better than last week</span>
- 라면보다 밥이 더 나아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s62.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Rice is better than Ramen</span>
- 한식보다 양식이 더 나아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s63.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Western food is better than Korean food</span>
낫다 is also very commonly used when you are talking about getting better after being sick. You can say things like this:
- 병은 나았어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-28.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I’m better (literally – the sickness/disease is better)</span>
- 감기는 나았어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-29.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My cold is better</span>
Although \~보다 is not used in the sentences above, by context the listener assumed that the speaker is referring to the time where he/she had a cold.
——————
Two words that \~보다 is commonly attached to are 평소 and 생각. For example:
- 저는 요즘에 평소보다 더 바빠요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s66.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">These days, I am busier than usual</span>
- 나는 평소보다 더 공부하고 있어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-25.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I am studying more than usual</span>
- 오늘 하늘에 별이 평소보다 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s68.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Tonight, there are more stars in the sky than usual</span>
---
- 도심은 생각보다 멀어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s69.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Downtown is further than I thought</span>
- 별이 생각보다 더 많아요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s70.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">There are more stars than I thought</span>
- 한식은 생각보다 매워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s71.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Korean food is spicier than I thought</span>
## 덜 – Less
The word “덜” can be used to have the opposite meaning of 더. That is, it can be used to mean “less.” For example:
- 나는 남동생보다 덜 잘생겼어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-30.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I’m less handsome than my brother</span>
- 한국에서 대학교는 고등학교보다 덜 어려워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-31.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">In Korea, University is not as hard as high school</span>
These sentences are correct, and would be perfectly understood, but it is usually more natural and common to create the opposite sentence and use 더 instead. For example, I would much rather say the following sentences than the two sentences above:
- 남동생이 나보다 더 잘생겼어 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s74.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My brother is more handsome than me</span>
- 한국에서 고등학교는 대학교보다 더 어려워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19s75.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">In Korea, high school is harder than university</span>
One more quick thing – it is kind of funny/cute slang to pronounce 덜 as 들. I suggest you try it out sometime. Korean people often get a kick out of foreign people speaking in slang-like language. They usually can’t get over the fact that we know Korean, let alone the fact that we know a bit of slang.
## Superlatives – 가장/제일
Superlatives, just like comparatives are so much easier in Korean than they are in English. In English, depending on the word you are using, you have to conjugate it differently:
- She is the hottest girl
- She is the most beautiful girl
- She is the smelliest girl
In Korean, instead of mucking (I said “mucking”) around with different forms like in English, all you need to do is add one word: 가장
- 예쁘다 = <span class="md spoiler">pretty</span>
- 가장 예쁘다 = <span class="md spoiler">Prettiest</span>
---
- 아름답다 = <span class="md spoiler">beautiful</span>
- 가장 아름답다 = <span class="md spoiler">Most beautiful</span>
A synonym of “가장” is “제일,” which is often used in <span class="md spoiler">speech</span>.
You can then put these into sentences just like you would normal adjectives:
- 저의 여자 친구는 한국에서 가장 예쁜 여자예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-32.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">My girlfriend is the prettiest girl in Korea</span>
- 가족은 가장 중요해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-33.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Family is the most important</span>
You can’t really use 가장 with verbs unless there is also <span class="md spoiler">an adverb</span> included within the sentence. For example, you can’t say this:
- ~~나는 가장 달려~~ = I run… most?… doesn’t make sense
In these cases, you need to add an adverb to the sentence:
- 나는 가장 빨리 달려 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-34.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I run the fastest</span>
- 우리가 집에 제일 늦게 도착했어요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-8.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">We arrived home the latest (we were the latest people to arrive at home)</span>
However, you can add 가장 to 좋아하다 (<span class="md spoiler">to like</span>) without an adverb to indicate that you ‘<span class="md spoiler">like something the most</span>.’ (This is also how you say “<span class="md spoiler">my favorite</span>” in Korean).
- 나는 그 여자를 가장 좋아해 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-36.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I like that girl most (that girl is my favorite)</span>
- 나는 수학을 가장 좋아해 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Lesson19-37.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I like math most (math is my favorite)</span>
Note here that in most real situations it is probably more natural \[in English and in Korean\] to say something like:
- I am the fastest runner – instead of – _I run the fastest_
- Math is my favorite subject – instead of – _Math is my favorite_
To this point, you haven’t learned how to add this extra dimension to your sentences with verbs. This concept is introduced in [Lesson 26](../unit-2/26-describing-nouns-with-verbs.md). That being said, it is essentially the same as making this change to adjectives:
- 가족은 가장 중요해요 = <span class="md spoiler">Family is the most important</span>
- 가족이 가장 중요한 것이에요 = <span class="md spoiler">Family is the most important thing</span>
In order to express a negative superlative, of course, you can use a word that has a negative meaning, for example:
- 저는 사과를 가장 싫어해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-9.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I dislike apples the most</span>
- 저는 사과를 제일 싫어해요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-10.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">I dislike apples the most</span>
You could technically add \~지 않다 or \~안 to the sentence to make it a negative superlative sentence. For example:
- 그 여자는 우리 반에서 가장 예쁘지 않은 여자예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-11.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That girl is the least pretty in our class</span>
- 그 여자는 우리 반에서 제일 예쁘지 않은 여자예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-12.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That girl is the least pretty in our class</span>
---
- 수학은 가장 쉽지 않아요 = <span class="md spoiler">Math is the least easy</span>
- 수학은 제일 쉽지 않아요 = <span class="md spoiler">Math is the least easy</span>
However, those sentences would sound much more natural (in English and Korean) if you just used a word with the opposite meaning. For example:
- 그 여자는 우리 반에서 제일 못생긴 여자예요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-13.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">That girl is the ugliest in our class</span>
- 수학은 제일 어려워요 <AudioButton src="https://www.howtostudykorean.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Lesson-19-14.mp3" /> = <span class="md spoiler">Math is the hardest</span>
In most of these superlative sentences, it would usually sound much more natural to add “Of all X”. For example:
- Of all subjects at school, math is the most difficult
- Of all fruit, I dislike apples the most
The grammatical principle needed to add this extra level of complexity to your sentences is introduced in [Lesson 33](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/unit-2-lower-intermediate-korean-grammar/unit-2-lessons-26-33/lesson-33/ "Lesson 33: ~중 (하는 중), (~중에)").
Two adverbs that 가장/제일 are often used with are 잘 and 못, which will be talked about in the next lesson.
That’s it for this lesson!
[Okay, I got it! Take me to the next lesson!](./20-well-poorly.md) Or,
[Click here for a workbook to go along with this lesson.](https://www.howtostudykorean.com/workbooks/#Unit1725 "Workbooks")
## Summary
<YouTube id=iKODVRDJUtk />
Want to try to create some sentences using the vocabulary and grammar from this lesson?
This YouTube video will prompt you to translate English sentences into Korean using the concepts from this lesson.
<YouTube id=QFF4DyHTKOw />
Want to practice your listening skills?
This YouTube video will prompt you with Korean sentences to dictate using the concepts from this lesson.
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