Comparative construction: -보다 더

In English, we say "A is bigger than B." Korean changes the order slightly. You attach 보다 directly to the noun you are comparing against. It’s like a sticky label. If you are comparing coffee to tea, you stick 보다 onto tea. The word 더 is an adverb. It means "more." You place 더 right before the adjective or verb. Sometimes, native speakers leave out 더. The meaning stays the same because 보다 already does the heavy lifting. However, using 더 adds extra emphasis. It’s like highlighting a sentence with a bright yellow marker. It makes your point very clear. It’s the grammar equivalent of a megaphone.

1. 1Identify your two nouns. Let's use 사과 (apple) and 수박 (watermelon).
2. 2Choose which one is the reference point. We are comparing the watermelon to the apple.
3. 3Attach 보다 to the reference noun: 사과보다.
4. 4Place the target noun first: 수박이 사과보다.
5. 5Add 더 and your adjective: 수박이 사과보다 더 커요.
6. 6You can also swap the nouns: 사과보다 수박이 더 커요.
7. 7Notice that 보다 always stays with the noun being compared against.
8. 8The spacing is important: Noun + 보다 (no space), then a space before 더.

Use this when ordering food at a restaurant. You might want something spicier. 이것보다 더 매운 거 있어요? (Is there something spicier than this?). Use it when shopping for clothes. Maybe a blue shirt is better than a red one. Use it when talking about your schedule. 어제보다 오늘 더 바빠요 (Today is busier than yesterday). It’s perfect for job interviews too. You can say you work harder than others. It works for travel directions. 기차가 버스보다 더 빨라요 (The train is faster than the bus). Basically, if you are measuring two things, use this. It’s your best friend for making choices. Even choosing between two Netflix shows requires this grammar!

Do not use 보다 if you are only talking about one thing. If you just want to say "This is more expensive," just use 더. You don't need 보다 unless the other item is mentioned. Do not use it for superlatives. If something is "the most," use 가장 or 제일 instead. This pattern is strictly for comparing two specific things or groups. Avoid using it with nouns that don't have an associated quality. You can't just say "I am than a cat" without an adjective like "cuter" or "taller." That would just confuse everyone. It’s like a sandwich without the filling.

The biggest mistake is the word order. Learners often put 보다 on the wrong noun. Remember: 보다 attaches to the thing you are "passing over." Another mistake is forgetting the subject marker 이/가. It helps clarify what you are actually describing. Some people use 더 and 가장 together. That is like saying "more most," which sounds silly. Also, watch your spacing. 보다 is a particle, so it must touch the noun. Don't let it drift away! Lastly, don't use it with 좋다 (to be good) when you mean "to like." Use 좋아하다 for feelings. Even native speakers might slip up, but you'll be ahead of the curve.

Sometimes people confuse 보다 with 만큼. While 보다 shows a difference, 만큼 shows equality. 만큼 means "as much as." Use 보다 when one is "better" or "bigger." Use 만큼 when they are the same. There is also 가장 and 제일. These mean "the most" out of a whole group. 보다 is just a 1-on-1 battle. Think of 보다 as a tennis match between two players. Think of 가장 as the trophy for the winner of the whole tournament. They serve different purposes in your conversation toolkit. Use them wisely to sound more natural.