Korean · Everyday Verbs
"to prefer" in Korean: 더 좋아하다
더 좋아하다deo joahada
to prefer in Korean is 더 좋아하다 (deo joahada). 더 좋아하다 expresses preference by comparison; 보다 introduces what it is preferred over.
to prefer: an everyday statement
커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.keopiboda chareul deo joahaeyo.
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How to pronounce 더 좋아하다
Say it
deo joahada
/tʌ tɕoahata/
Read 더 좋아하다 as deo joahada. The spoken form 더 좋아해요 is deo joahaeyo; preserve its final 요 when addressing someone politely.
"to prefer" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 더 좋아하다deo joahada | to prefer Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| 더 좋아해요deo joahaeyo | to prefer (polite present) Use 더 좋아해요 in an everyday polite sentence. | Use 더 좋아해요 in an everyday polite sentence. |
| 더 좋아했어요deo joahaesseoyo | to prefer (polite past) Use 더 좋아했어요 for a completed past action or state. | Use 더 좋아했어요 for a completed past action or state. |
How to use 더 좋아하다 in real life
- 1to prefer: an everyday statement
커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.
keopiboda chareul deo joahaeyo.
I prefer tea to coffee.
더 좋아해요 is the present form of 더 좋아하다.
- 2to prefer: a different situation
어릴 때는 여름을 더 좋아했어요.
eoril ttaeneun yeoreumeul deo joahaesseoyo.
As a child I preferred summer.
더 좋아했어요 is the past form of 더 좋아하다.
- 3to prefer: a question or request
어떤 것을 더 좋아해요?
eotteon geoseul deo joahaeyo?
Which one do you prefer?
더 좋아해요 is the present form of 더 좋아하다.
Mistakes English speakers make with 더 좋아하다
Incorrect: 더 좋아하다.
Correct: 더 좋아해요.
When practicing to prefer, 더 좋아하다 names the dictionary entry. In polite speech, change the ending to 더 좋아해요.
Incorrect: 어제 더 좋아해요.
Correct: 어제 더 좋아했어요.
When practicing to prefer, for a completed event yesterday, use 더 좋아했어요; the present form 더 좋아해요 does not express that past event.
Good to know
더 좋아하다 expresses preference by comparison; 보다 introduces what it is preferred over. 더 좋아해요 is the polite conversational form of 더 좋아하다; 더 좋아했어요 gives a past-tense form.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led everyday verbs study exercise: two sentences with 더 좋아하다
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요.
keopiboda chareul deo joahaeyo.
I prefer tea to coffee.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
어릴 때는 여름을 더 좋아했어요.
eoril ttaeneun yeoreumeul deo joahaesseoyo.
As a child I preferred summer.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"to prefer" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to prefer" in Korean
How do I use 더 좋아하다 in polite speech?
더 좋아해요 is the polite conversational form of 더 좋아하다; 더 좋아했어요 gives a past-tense form.
How do I use 더 좋아하다 in a past-tense sentence?
더 좋아했어요 is the polite past form. 더 좋아하다 expresses preference by comparison; 보다 introduces what it is preferred over.
What does 더 좋아해요 mean here?
더 좋아해요 is used for to prefer. For example, 커피보다 차를 더 좋아해요. means “I prefer tea to coffee.”
What should I remember about 더 좋아하다?
더 좋아하다 expresses preference by comparison; 보다 introduces what it is preferred over.
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