비슷하다 (bi-seus-ha-da, biseushada) · 다르다 (da-reu-da, dareuda)
비슷하다 (biseuthada) is used for things that are alike or almost the same, while 다르다 (dareuda) is used when things are different from each other.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Indicates that two things are almost the same or similar.
When to use
Appearance comparison, Personality comparison, Opinion similarity
The nuance
Use 비슷하다 when two subjects share many common points or similarities. They do not have to be identical; it applies to resemblance in shape, personality, ideas, etc.
Indicates that two things are not the same and can be distinguished from each other.
When to use
Preference difference, Personality difference, Opinion disagreement
The nuance
Use 다르다 when two subjects are distinguishable or have clear differences in nature, state, thoughts, opinions, etc.
이 두 그림은 색깔이 비슷하다.
i du geu-rim-eun saek-kkal-i bi-seus-ha-da., i du geu rim eun saek kkal i bi seus ha da.
Colors resemble each other, so 비슷하다 is appropriate.
이 두 그림은 색깔이 다르다.
i du geu-rim-eun saek-kkal-i da-reu-da., i du geu rim eun saek kkal i da reu da.
Colors differ from each other, so 다르다 is correct.
우리 생각은 비슷하다.
u-ri saeng-gak-eun bi-seus-ha-da., u ri saeng gak eun bi seus ha da.
Use 비슷하다 when thoughts resemble each other.
우리 생각은 다르다.
u-ri saeng-gak-eun da-reu-da., u ri saeng gak eun da reu da.
Use 다르다 when thoughts differ.
그 사람과 나는 성격이 비르다.
geu sa-ram-gwa na-neun seong-gyeok-i bi-reu-da., geu sa ram gwa na neun seong gyeok i bi reu da.
‘비르다’ is not a correct word; use ‘비슷하다’ instead.
그 사람과 나는 성격이 비슷하다.
geu sa-ram-gwa na-neun seong-gyeok-i bi-seus-ha-da., geu sa ram gwa na neun seong gyeok i bi seus ha da.
Use 비슷하다 when personalities resemble each other.
그 사람과 나는 성격이 달르다.
geu sa-ram-gwa na-neun seong-gyeok-i dal-reu-da., geu sa ram gwa na neun seong gyeok i dal reu da.
Use 다르다 when personalities differ.
이 두 의견은 완전히 비르다.
i du ui-gyeon-eun wan-jeon-hi bi-reu-da., i du ui gyeon eun wan jeon hi bi reu da.
‘비르다’ is incorrect; use ‘다르다’ instead.
Which word do you use when two people have almost the same personality?
Which word is appropriate to express differing opinions?
Which word do you use when two things are almost the same or similar?
