KoreanBlueprint
Daily Korean
Today’s Phrase
생각보다 쉬워요
saeng·gak·bo·da shi·wo·yo
saenggakboda shiwoyo
It’s easier than I thought
Learning Tip
-보다 means ‘compared to’ or ‘than.’ It’s used for comparisons: 생각보다 (than thought), 예상보다 (than expected), 작년보다 (than last year). ‘A이/가 B보다 더 + adj’ = A is more [adjective] than B. This pattern is essential for Korean comparative statements.
Phrase Breakdown
생각보다
saenggakboda
than I thought
생각 (thought) + 보다 (compared to/than)
쉬워요
shiwoyo
is easy
쉽다 (to be easy) → 쉬워요 (polite, ㅂ-irregular)
Expresses pleasant surprise that something was simpler than anticipated.
Example Phrases
한국어가 생각보다 쉬워요!
Hangugeoga saenggakboda shiwoyo!
Korean is easier than I thought!
한국어가 = Korean (as subject).
이 요리는 생각보다 쉬워요. 금방 만들 수 있어요.
I yorineun saenggakboda shiwoyo. Geumbang mandeul su isseoyo.
This dish is easier than expected. You can make it quickly.
금방 = quickly/soon.
생각보다 어려워요.
Saenggakboda eoryeowoyo.
It’s harder than I thought.
어렵다 = to be difficult; -보다 = compared to.
Related Phrases
생각보다 어려워요
saenggakboda eoryeowoyo
It’s harder than I thought
The opposite — harder than expected.
기대 이상이에요
gidae isangieyo
It’s better than expected
Something exceeds expectations.
의외예요
euiwaeyeyo
That’s unexpected
Reacting to a surprising outcome.
Quick Review
드디어 다 됐어요
Can you recall what this means?
deudiyeo da dwaesseoyo
It’s finally all done!