더 (deo) · 덜 (deol)
더 (deo) indicates more quantity or degree, while 덜 (deol) means less; use them distinctly depending on context.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
An adverb indicating greater quantity or degree
When to use
Quantity or degree increase, Comparative sentences, Affirmative sentences (positive increase)
The nuance
더 is used when the quantity or degree is greater than the comparison target. It conveys positive comparison or increase, mostly used in affirmative sentences or comparative forms.
An adverb indicating lesser quantity or degree
When to use
Quantity or degree decrease, Negative sentences, Situations expressing reduction
The nuance
덜 is used when the quantity or degree is less than the comparison target. It conveys negative comparison or decrease, mostly used in negative sentences or contexts expressing reduction.
나는 어제보다 더 많이 먹었어.
na-neun eo-je-bo-da deo man-i meok-eoss-eo., na neun eo je bo da deo man i meok eoss eo.
더 correctly indicates increased quantity.
나는 어제보다 덜 많이 먹었어.
na-neun eo-je-bo-da deol man-i meok-eoss-eo., na neun eo je bo da deol man i meok eoss eo.
덜 correctly indicates decreased quantity.
이 문제는 더 어려워요.
i mun-je-neun deo eo-ryeo-wo-yo., i mun je neun deo eo ryeo wo yo.
더 correctly shows increased degree.
이 문제는 덜 어려워요.
i mun-je-neun deol eo-ryeo-wo-yo., i mun je neun deol eo ryeo wo yo.
덜 correctly shows decreased degree.
나는 더 안 갔어.
na-neun deo an gass-eo., na neun deo an gass eo.
더 is used for positive increase; in negative sentences 덜 is preferred.
나는 덜 안 갔어.
na-neun deol an gass-eo., na neun deol an gass eo.
‘덜 안 갔어’ is a double negative and unnatural here.
이 음식은 더 맛있어요.
i eum-sik-eun deo mas-iss-eo-yo., i eum sik eun deo mas iss eo yo.
더 suits positive comparison.
이 음식은 덜 맛있어요.
i eum-sik-eun deol mas-iss-eo-yo., i eum sik eun deol mas iss eo yo.
덜 correctly indicates less taste.
Which word expresses greater quantity?
Which word is suitable to show decrease in negative sentences?
Fill in: 'This problem is ___ difficult.' (덜/더)
