Korean, like many other languages, uses prepositions to express comparisons between different objects or individuals. These prepositions serve as tools for indicating the relationships between two or more entities and are crucial for effective communication in Korean. In this introduction, we will explore the main prepositions of comparison in Korean, providing explanations and example sentences to help beginners understand and apply them in their language learning journey.
Basic Comparison Prepositions
1.1. 더 (deo) – “More”
The preposition 더 (deo) is used to indicate that one object or individual possesses a higher degree or quantity of a particular characteristic compared to another. It can be translated as “more” in English.
Example Sentence:
그 학생은 나보다 더 똑똑해요. (Geu haksaeng-eun na-boda deo ttokttokhaeyo.)
(That student is smarter than me.)
1.2. 덜 (deol) – “Less”
On the contrary, the preposition 덜 (deol) is employed to express a lower degree or quantity of a specific characteristic in comparison to another object or individual. It can be translated as “less” in English.
Example Sentence:
나는 친구보다 덜 키가 커요. (Naneun chingu-boda deol kiga keyo.)
(I am shorter than my friend.)
Comparative Prepositions for Equality
2.1. 같다 (gatda) – “Same”
The preposition 같다 (gatda) is used to express that two or more entities possess an identical characteristic. It is equivalent to the English word “same.”
Example Sentence:
나와 내 여동생은 나이가 같아요. (Nawa nae yeodongsaeng-eun naiga gatayo.)
(My younger sister and I are the same age.)
2.2. 비슷하다 (bissuthada) – “Similar”
The preposition 비슷하다 (bissuthada) denotes that two or more objects or individuals share a similar characteristic, but they are not entirely identical. It can be translated as “similar” in English.
Example Sentence:
이 두 사람은 얼굴이 비슷해요. (I du saram-eun eolgul-i bissuthaeyo.)
(These two people have similar faces.)
Prepositions for Comparing Amounts
3.1. 보다 (boda) – “More Than”
The preposition 보다 (boda) is widely used in Korean to express that one object or individual possesses a greater amount or quantity compared to another. It can be translated as “more than” in English.
Example Sentence:
그 영화는 다른 영화보다 재미있어요. (Geu yeonghwa-neun dareun yeonghwa-boda jaemiiss-eoyo.)
(That movie is more interesting than the other movies.)
3.2. 이상 (isang) – “More Than” (Formal)
The preposition 이상 (isang) is a more formal and polite way to express that one object or individual possesses a greater amount or quantity compared to another. It is also translated as “more than” in English.
Example Sentence:
이 식당에서는 10,000원 이상 주문하셔야 합니다. (I sikdang-eseoneun 10,000 won isang jumunhasyeoya hamnida.)
(In this restaurant, you need to order more than 10,000 won worth of food.)
Prepositions for Comparing Duration
4.1. 동안 (dong-an) – “During”
The preposition 동안 (dong-an) is used to express the duration of an action or event. It is commonly used to compare the lengths of time two actions or events took.
Example Sentence:
그 영화를 보는 동안 잠들었어요. (Geu yeonghwa-reul boneun dong-an jamdeul-eosseoyo.)
(I fell asleep during the movie.)
4.2. 이내 (inae) – “Within”
The preposition 이내 (inae) is employed to indicate a period of time within which an action or event will occur. It is used to compare the durations of two different events.
Example Sentence:
우편은 발송 후 3일 이내에 도착해요. (Upyeon-eun bal-song hu 3-il inae-e dochakhaeyo.)
(The mail will arrive within 3 days after sending.)
Conclusion
In this introduction, we have explored the main prepositions of comparison in Korean. We learned how to express “more” (더), “less” (덜), “same” (같다), “similar” (비슷하다), “more than” (보다), “more than” (이상), “during” (동안), and “within” (이내). By understanding and utilizing these prepositions, beginners can effectively express comparisons in Korean and enhance their language skills.
Remember that practice is key to mastering any language, so make sure to apply these prepositions in various contexts and engage in conversations with native Korean speakers to improve your understanding and fluency.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 17:47:47.