거의 (geo-ui, geoui) · 대부분 (dae-bu-bun, daebubun)
거의 means 'almost all' indicating near completeness, while 대부분 means 'most' referring to a large portion within a group or range.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
거의 indicates that a state or amount is nearly complete or almost achieved.
When to use
Near completion, Negation with almost none, Close to 100% amount
The nuance
Use 거의 when the quantity or degree is close to 90% or more, indicating near completeness. It often appears with negative sentences.
대부분 means a large part or majority within a group or range.
When to use
Majority in group, Affirmative statements, Large portion
The nuance
Use 대부분 to indicate a large portion, usually over 50%, often around 70-80%, within a whole. It is commonly used in affirmative sentences.
거의 다 끝났어요.
geo-ui da kkeut-nass-eo-yo., geo ui da kkeut nass eo yo.
거의 is appropriate when expressing a state close to completion.
대부분 다 끝났어요.
dae-bu-bun da kkeut-nass-eo-yo., dae bu bun da kkeut nass eo yo.
대부분 naturally means a large portion of the whole is completed.
거의 학생들이 왔어요.
geo-ui hak-saeng-deul-i wass-eo-yo., geo ui hak saeng deul i wass eo yo.
거의 means almost all students came, which is appropriate.
대부분 학생들이 왔어요.
dae-bu-bun hak-saeng-deul-i wass-eo-yo., dae bu bun hak saeng deul i wass eo yo.
대부분 means most students came, which is natural.
거의 사람들이 왔어요.
geo-ui sa-ram-deul-i wass-eo-yo., geo ui sa ram deul i wass eo yo.
거의 is an adverb and cannot directly modify a noun without a determiner; '거의 사람들이' is unnatural. Use '거의 모든 사람들이' instead.
대부분 사람들이 왔어요.
dae-bu-bun sa-ram-deul-i wass-eo-yo., dae bu bun sa ram deul i wass eo yo.
대부분 functions like a noun, so '대부분 사람들이' is redundant. Use '대부분의 사람들이' instead.
거의 안 먹었어요.
geo-ui an meok-eoss-eo-yo., geo ui an meok eoss eo yo.
Using 거의 with negation as in '거의 안' is natural.
대부분 안 먹었어요.
dae-bu-bun an meok-eoss-eo-yo., dae bu bun an meok eoss eo yo.
대부분 is mainly used in affirmative sentences; using it with negation is awkward.
Which sentence correctly uses '거의'?
Which sentence appropriately uses '대부분'?
Which word fits well with negation?
