Better to: -는 게 낫다

This pattern is a team effort. It combines a verb with 낫다. First, we have the -는 것 part. This turns your action into a noun. It's like changing "to eat" into "eating." Then we add the subject particle 이. In spoken Korean, 것이 usually shrinks. It becomes 게 because it's faster to say. Finally, we have the verb 낫다. This verb means "to be better" or "to be superior." When you put them together, you get -는 게 낫다. Literally, it means "The act of [doing something] is better." It’s like a grammar traffic light. It tells you which path to take. It’s simple, effective, and very common.

1. 1Forming this pattern is a breeze. You don't need to worry about batchim most of the time. Here is the simple three-step process:
2. 2Take any verb stem. For example, 가다 (to go) or 먹다 (to eat).
3. 3Attach -는 게 to the stem. You get 가는 게 or 먹는 게.
4. 4Add the conjugated form of 낫다. Usually, this is 나아요 in polite speech.
5. 5Wait! There is one small catch. The verb 낫다 is an 'ㅅ' irregular. When you add a vowel, the 'ㅅ' disappears. So 낫다 becomes 나아요, not 낫아요. Also, watch out for 'ㄹ' irregular verbs. For 만들다 (to make), the 'ㄹ' drops. It becomes 만드는 게 나아요. It’s like the 'ㄹ' got shy and ran away. Otherwise, the rule is very consistent.

Use this pattern when you've compared two things. You can use it for advice. "It's better to go now." You can use it for personal decisions. "I'd better study today." It’s perfect for real-world scenarios. Imagine you are at a crowded restaurant. You might say, "It's better to wait here." Or you are late for a meeting. "Taking the subway is better." It’s also useful when both options are bad. If you have to choose between a cold or a headache, one is still "better." It shows you have weighed the options. It sounds much more thoughtful than just saying "I like this."

Don't use this for objective, scientific facts. You wouldn't say "2+2=4 is better." That’s just a fact! Use 더 좋다 for general, objective superiority. Also, be careful with adjectives. This specific pattern -는 게 is for verbs. If you want to use an adjective, you need -은/ㄴ 게 낫다. For example, 큰 게 나아요 (The big one is better). Don't use it to be overly demanding. Saying "Doing this is better" can sound like a strong suggestion. Use a softer ending if you want to be extra polite. Finally, don't use it if there's no comparison involved. If you just like something, just say you like it!

The biggest trap is the spelling of 낫다. Many learners (and even some natives!) confuse it with 낳다. 낳다 means "to give birth." Saying 가는 게 낳아요 means "It gives birth to going." That would be a very strange medical miracle! Another mistake is confusing it with 낮다, which means "to be low." Check your spelling twice. Also, remember the 'ㅅ' irregular rule. It is always 나아요, never 낫아요. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. Think of the 'ㅅ' as a ghost. It's there in the dictionary, but it vanishes when vowels arrive. Don't forget the space between 게 and 낫다 too!

You might know -는 게 좋다. What's the difference? -는 게 좋다 means "It is good to..." It’s a general positive statement. But -는 게 낫다 implies a choice. It means "This is better than that." It has a stronger nuance of comparison. It’s the difference between saying "Exercise is good" and "Exercising is better than sleeping in." Another similar one is -아/어/여야 하다 (must do). That is a requirement. -는 게 낫다 is a recommendation. It’s like a friendly nudge instead of a strict command. Use 낫다 when you want to sound more like a consultant and less like a boss.