Advanced Comparison: -에 비해 (Compared To)

This grammar pattern functions as a postposition. This means it attaches to the end of a noun. You use it when you want to establish a reference point. Imagine you are looking at a giant burger. You could say, "Compared to my head, this burger is huge." The "head" is the reference point. In Korean, you simply add -에 비해 to that reference noun. It works with any noun, including people, places, things, or time. It sets the stage for the rest of your sentence. You then follow up with a description or an adjective. This creates a clear comparison for your listener. It is slightly more formal and descriptive than the basic -보다 (than). Using it makes your Korean sound more professional and polished. Even native speakers love this pattern for adding clarity to their thoughts.

1. 1Forming this structure is actually very simple. You do not need to worry about final consonants or vowels. It stays the same regardless of the noun ending. Follow these two easy steps:
2. 2Choose the noun you want to use as your comparison standard.
3. 3Attach -에 비해 directly to that noun without any spaces.
4. 4For example, if the noun is 작년 (last year), it becomes 작년에 비해 (compared to last year). If the noun is 친구 (friend), it becomes 친구에 비해 (compared to my friend). You can also add the particle 서 to make it -에 비해서. Both mean the exact same thing. The version with 서 is just slightly more common in spoken Korean. It’s like choosing between "compared to" and "in comparison to." Both are correct, so don't stress too much about which one to use!

You should use this pattern in a variety of real-world scenarios. First, use it when discussing statistics or facts. In a job interview, you might compare your skills to the average applicant. For example, "Compared to others, I have more experience." Second, use it when talking about prices or value while shopping. You might tell a clerk, "Compared to that shop, this price is cheap." Third, it is great for describing changes over time. You can compare the current weather to last week's weather. It is also perfect for giving your opinion on food. You could say a dish is spicy compared to what you usually eat. Use it whenever you want to be more specific than just saying "A is better than B."

There are a few times when this grammar might feel a bit clunky. Avoid using it if the comparison is incredibly simple and casual. If you are just saying "I am taller than you," -보다 is usually better. Also, you cannot attach -에 비해 directly to a verb. If you want to compare actions, you must change the verb into a noun first. For example, you cannot say 먹다에 비해. You must say 먹는 것에 비해 (compared to eating). Finally, don't use it if there is no clear reference point. Comparison needs two things to work. Using it for just one item will leave your listener confused. It’s like trying to clap with only one hand. You need both sides of the comparison to make sense.

A very common mistake is adding a space between the noun and the grammar. Always remember: Noun + -에 비해 should be one solid block. Another mistake is mixing up the order of the comparison. The noun attached to -에 비해 is always the "standard." If you say "Compared to me, he is tall," I am the standard. Don't accidentally switch them and say something you don't mean! Some people also forget that -에 비해 is usually followed by an adjective. If you just say "Compared to Seoul, Busan," the sentence is incomplete. You need to finish the thought, like "Compared to Seoul, Busan is small." Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are in a hurry. Just take a breath and finish your sentence.

You will most often compare this to the particle -보다. While they are similar, they have different vibes. Think of -보다 as a quick, sharp knife. It is short, fast, and very common in casual speech. It just means "than." On the other hand, -에 비해 is like a precision scalpel. It is more descriptive and focuses on the "ratio" or "comparison" aspect. Use -보다 for basic comparisons like "He is faster than me." Use -에 비해 when you want to sound more detailed or objective. Another pattern is -대비, but that is mostly for formal reports and business data. For your daily life, sticking between -보다 and -에 비해 is the safest bet. It’s like choosing between a t-shirt and a blazer. Both are great, but they fit different occasions.