Korean Grammar: Comparisons using 보다 and Superlatives with 가장/제일
Korean grammar often provides compact and efficient ways to express comparatives and superlatives. In this lesson, we’ll dive into how to make comparisons using 보다 and express superlatives with 가장 and 제일.
These structures are pivotal for speaking with nuance and making detailed observations in Korean.
Comparing with 보다
Using 보다 is essential for making comparisons between two nouns. It’s an easy way to describe one noun as more of something than another.
Let’s explore how to use it:
I am taller than my older sister.
I am taller than my older sister.
I am much taller than my older sister.
London is more crowded than Seoul.
Korean is much more difficult than English.
Do you prefer spring to summer?
Expressing Superlatives with 가장/제일
To express ‘the most’ or the superlative form of an adjective in Korean, you’ll often find 가장 or 제일 being used. Here’s how:
It's the coldest day today.
Who is the fastest person?
Hyeonwoo is fastest.
Vocabulary
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| to be smart | 똑똑하다 |
| to be hot | 덥다 |
| of the year | 일년 중 |
She's the smartest student in the class.
Today is the hottest day of the year.
Where is the nearest subway station?
The nearest subway station is Guro.
Understanding and properly using 보다 for comparatives and 가장/제일 for superlatives is an essential part of mastering the nuances of Korean grammar.
Keep practicing, and soon these structures will get easier.