불과하다
To be nothing more than; to be merely or only. It is used to emphasize that a quantity or quality is smaller or less significant than expected.
Examples
3 of 5이것은 시작에 불과해요.
This is merely the beginning.
참석 인원은 예상보다 적은 10명에 불과했습니다.
The number of attendees was only 10, fewer than expected.
그건 핑계에 불과해.
That's nothing but an excuse.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Bul (not) + gwa (pass) = cannot pass a certain small limit.
Quick Quiz
이번 실패는 하나의 과정에 ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불과하다
Examples
이것은 시작에 불과해요.
everydayThis is merely the beginning.
참석 인원은 예상보다 적은 10명에 불과했습니다.
formalThe number of attendees was only 10, fewer than expected.
그건 핑계에 불과해.
informalThat's nothing but an excuse.
본 연구의 샘플은 특정 지역에 불과하여 일반화하기 어렵다.
academicThe sample of this study is limited to a specific region, making it difficult to generalize.
이번 성과는 전체 목표의 일부분에 불과합니다.
businessThis achievement is only a small part of the overall goal.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
~에 불과하다
to be nothing more than...
빙산의 일각에 불과하다
to be just the tip of the iceberg
허상에 불과하다
to be merely an illusion
Often Confused With
Both mean 'merely', but 불과하다 is slightly more formal and common in academic writing.
Usage Notes
Very high frequency in IELTS Writing Task 1 when describing small percentages or insignificant data.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the particle -에 before 불과하다.
Memory Tip
Bul (not) + gwa (pass) = cannot pass a certain small limit.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 不過 (bul-gwa).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
이번 실패는 하나의 과정에 ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불과하다
Related Vocabulary
More statistics words
양적
B2Relating to the amount, number, or quantity of something. It is a core term for IELTS Task 1 when describing data and volume.
현격하다
B2To be significantly or noticeably different in degree, level, quality, or quantity.
반비례하다
B2To be inversely proportional; when one value increases, the other decreases at the same rate.
정비례하다
B2To be directly proportional; when one value increases, the other also increases at the same rate.
평균
B1A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data; calculated by dividing the sum of values by their count.
상당수
B1A considerably large number or a significant majority. It is used to describe quantities that are meaningful but not necessarily 'all'.
하회하다
B1To fall below a certain standard, number, or level. It is the direct opposite of '상회하다' and is essential for describing downward trends in academic writing.
급락하다
B1To drop or fall suddenly and sharply. It is a key vocabulary word for IELTS Task 1 to describe dramatic changes in line graphs or bar charts.
집계되다
B1To be totaled, counted, or tallied up. Used when reporting final numbers from surveys, elections, or data collection in academic reports.
표
B1A set of data arranged in rows and columns; also means a ticket.
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