Korean · Emotions & Descriptions
"Better" in Korean: 더 좋다
더 좋다deo jota
Better in Korean is 더 좋다 (deo jota). 더 좋다 compares something as better; 보다 can mark what it is compared against.
Better: an everyday statement
이 방법이 더 좋아요.i bangbeobi deo joayo.
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How to pronounce 더 좋다
Say it
deo jota
/tʌ tɕotʰa/
Read 더 좋다 as deo jota. The spoken form 더 좋아요 is deo joayo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"Better" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 더 좋다deo jota | Better Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 더 좋아요deo joayo | Better (polite present) Use 더 좋아요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 더 좋아요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 더 좋았어요deo joasseoyo | Better (polite past) Use 더 좋았어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 더 좋았어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 더 좋다 in real life
- 1Better: an everyday statement
이 방법이 더 좋아요.
i bangbeobi deo joayo.
This method is better.
더 좋아요 is the present form of 더 좋다.
- 2Better: a different situation
예전에는 상태가 더 좋았어요.
yejeoneneun sangtaega deo joasseoyo.
The condition was better before.
더 좋았어요 is the past form of 더 좋다.
- 3Better: a question or request
이 자리가 더 좋아요?
i jariga deo joayo?
Is this seat better?
더 좋아요 is the present form of 더 좋다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 더 좋다
Incorrect: 더 좋다.
Correct: 더 좋아요.
When practicing better, 더 좋다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 더 좋아요.
Incorrect: 어제 더 좋아요.
Correct: 어제 더 좋았어요.
When practicing better, for a completed event yesterday, use 더 좋았어요; the present form 더 좋아요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
더 좋다 compares something as better; 보다 can mark what it is compared against. 더 좋아요 is the polite conversational form of 더 좋다; 더 좋았어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led emotions and descriptions study exercise: two sentences with 더 좋다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
이 방법이 더 좋아요.
i bangbeobi deo joayo.
This method is better.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
예전에는 상태가 더 좋았어요.
yejeoneneun sangtaega deo joasseoyo.
The condition was better before.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
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FAQ
Common questions about "Better" in Korean
How do I use 더 좋다 in polite speech?
더 좋아요 is the polite conversational form of 더 좋다; 더 좋았어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 더 좋다 in a past-tense sentence?
더 좋았어요 is the polite past form. 더 좋다 compares something as better; 보다 can mark what it is compared against.
What does 더 좋아요 mean here?
더 좋아요 is used for better. For example, 이 방법이 더 좋아요. means “This method is better.”
What should I remember about 더 좋다?
더 좋다 compares something as better; 보다 can mark what it is compared against.
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