-(으)ㄴ/는 것에 비해(서)
Used to compare two things and note a discrepancy or surprising difference between them.
Summary
Equivalent
Compared to / In comparison with
Also: -(으)ㄴ/는 반면에 (On the other hand — more neutral contrast) · -보다 (More than — direct comparison without the 'given that' nuance)
Example
Compared to the effort I put in, the results fell short of expectations.
노력한 것에 비해서 결과가 기대에 못 미쳤어요.
Grammar rules
- The first clause establishes the baseline of comparison; the second clause notes the contrasting result.
- The contrast is often surprising or notable.
Patterns
Verbs
Present · Verb Stem + 는 것에 비해(서)
Adjectives
Present · Adj Stem + (으)ㄴ 것에 비해(서)
Nouns
Present · Noun + 에 비해(서)
Example sentences
Compared to the effort I put in, the results fell short of expectations.
노력한 것에 비해서 결과가 기대에 못 미쳤어요.
Compared to other areas, house prices in this neighbourhood are quite affordable.
다른 곳에 비해서 이 동네는 집값이 꽤 저렴해요.
Compared to how much I eat, I don't exercise much, so I'm gaining weight.
먹는 것에 비해서 운동을 많이 안 해서 살이 찌고 있어요.
Conversation
A: How is that shop?
그 가게 어때요?
B: Compared to the price, the portion sizes are a bit small.
가격에 비해서 음식 양이 좀 적은 편이에요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct comparative expression.
Hard work, poor results.
Weight vs exercise.