게다가 and 더욱이 both mean "moreover," "furthermore," or "in addition." They're used to add additional information that strengthens or supports the previous statement.
Basic Structure
게다가 - Moreover (General)
Pattern: [Statement 1]. 게다가 [Statement 2]
Meaning: Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / What's more
Characteristics:
- Conversational and written
- Versatile usage
- Medium formality
- Common in daily speech
더욱이 - Moreover (Emphatic)
Pattern: [Statement 1]. 더욱이 [Statement 2]
Meaning: Moreover / Even more so / Furthermore
Characteristics:
- More formal
- Stronger emphasis
- Primarily written
- Formal speeches
게다가 Usage
Adding Positive Information
Strengthening good points:
Examples:
- 이 식당은 맛있어요. 게다가 가격도 저렴해요 (This restaurant is delicious. Moreover, the price is also cheap)
- 날씨가 좋아요. 게다가 바람도 시원해요 (The weather is nice. Moreover, the breeze is also cool)
- 그는 똑똑해요. 게다가 성격도 좋아요 (He's smart. Moreover, his personality is also good)
Adding Negative Information
Accumulating problems:
Examples:
- 비가 와요. 게다가 바람도 불어요 (It's raining. Moreover, it's also windy)
- 비싸요. 게다가 품질도 안 좋아요 (It's expensive. Moreover, the quality is also bad)
- 어려워요. 게다가 시간도 많이 걸려요 (It's difficult. Moreover, it also takes a lot of time)
Building Arguments
Layering reasons:
Examples:
- 이 일은 중요해요. 게다가 급해요 (This work is important. Moreover, it's urgent)
- 공부해야 해요. 게다가 시험도 가까워요 (I need to study. Moreover, the exam is also approaching)
- 피곤해요. 게다가 아프기까지 해요 (I'm tired. Moreover, I'm even sick)
더욱이 Usage
Formal Emphasis
Strong additional point:
Examples:
- 이 문제는 심각합니다. 더욱이 시급합니다 (This problem is serious. Moreover, it's urgent)
- 경제가 어렵습니다. 더욱이 실업률도 높습니다 (The economy is difficult. Moreover, the unemployment rate is also high)
Written Language
Common in formal writing:
Examples:
- 환경 문제는 중요하다. 더욱이 우리 세대의 책임이다 (Environmental issues are important. Moreover, they are our generation's responsibility)
- 교육은 필수적이다. 더욱이 미래를 위해 투자해야 한다 (Education is essential. Moreover, we must invest for the future)
Speeches and Presentations
Formal public speaking:
Examples:
- 이 정책이 필요합니다. 더욱이 국민을 위한 것입니다 (This policy is necessary. Moreover, it's for the people)
Politeness Levels
With 게다가
Formal (합니다체):
- 좋습니다. 게다가 저렴합니다 (It's good. Moreover, it's cheap)
Polite (해요체):
- 좋아요. 게다가 저렴해요 (It's good. Moreover, it's cheap)
Casual (반말):
- 좋아. 게다가 싸 (It's good. Moreover, it's cheap)
With 더욱이
Mostly formal styles:
- Rarely used in casual speech
- 합니다체 most common
- Written language preferred
Examples:
- 중요합니다. 더욱이 시급합니다 (It's important. Moreover, it's urgent)
Sentence Position
Beginning of New Sentence
Most common position:
Pattern: [Sentence 1]. 게다가/더욱이 [Sentence 2]
Examples:
- 날씨가 좋아요. 게다가 경치도 아름다워요 (The weather is nice. Moreover, the scenery is also beautiful)
- 효과적입니다. 더욱이 경제적입니다 (It's effective. Moreover, it's economical)
Beginning of Clause
Within compound sentence:
Pattern: [Clause 1], 게다가 [Clause 2]
Examples:
- 비싸고, 게다가 품질도 나빠요 (It's expensive, and moreover the quality is also bad)
With Other Connectors
Combining Patterns
Can use with other expressions:
Examples:
- 좋을 뿐만 아니라, 게다가 싸요 (Not only good, moreover also cheap)
- 맛있고, 게다가 건강하기까지 해요 (Delicious, and moreover even healthy)
Common Collocations
With Time Expressions
Examples:
- 늦었어요. 게다가 길도 막혀요 (We're late. Moreover, the road is also blocked)
- 바빠요. 더욱이 시간이 부족합니다 (I'm busy. Moreover, time is insufficient)
With Quantity/Degree
Examples:
- 많아요. 게다가 무거워요 (There's a lot. Moreover, it's heavy)
- 어려워요. 더욱이 복잡합니다 (It's difficult. Moreover, it's complicated)
Comparing 게다가 vs. 더욱이
Formality
게다가:
- Medium formality
- Both speech and writing
- Versatile contexts
- Daily conversation okay
더욱이:
- High formality
- Primarily writing
- Formal speeches
- Rare in casual speech
Emphasis Level
게다가:
- Standard addition
- Natural progression
- Equal weight
더욱이:
- Stronger emphasis
- Highlights importance
- Escalating weight
Usage Frequency
게다가:
- Very common
- All contexts
- Spoken and written
더욱이:
- Less common
- Formal contexts only
- Mostly written
Similar Expressions
그리고 (And)
Most basic connector:
Comparison:
- 맛있어요. 그리고 싸요 (It's delicious. And it's cheap - neutral)
- 맛있어요. 게다가 싸요 (It's delicious. Moreover, it's cheap - emphasizing additional benefit)
게다가 adds emphasis on positive accumulation
또한 (Also/In addition)
Formal alternative:
Comparison:
- 중요합니다. 또한 시급합니다 (It's important. Also, it's urgent - formal)
- 중요합니다. 더욱이 시급합니다 (It's important. Moreover, it's urgent - even more formal)
뿐만 아니라 (Not only... but also)
More structured:
Comparison:
- 좋을 뿐만 아니라 싸요 (Not only good but also cheap - in one sentence)
- 좋아요. 게다가 싸요 (It's good. Moreover, it's cheap - two sentences)
Negative Accumulation
Piling Problems
Examples:
- 어려워요. 게다가 시간도 없어요 (It's difficult. Moreover, there's no time)
- 비싸요. 게다가 멀어요 (It's expensive. Moreover, it's far)
- 아파요. 게다가 피곤해요 (I'm sick. Moreover, I'm tired)
Formal Complaints
With 더욱이:
Examples:
- 문제가 많습니다. 더욱이 해결책도 없습니다 (There are many problems. Moreover, there's no solution)
- 상황이 나쁩니다. 더욱이 악화되고 있습니다 (The situation is bad. Moreover, it's worsening)
In Lists
Multiple Additions
Can repeat for emphasis:
Examples:
- 좋아요. 게다가 싸요. 게다가 가까워요 (It's good. Moreover, it's cheap. Moreover, it's close)
- 효과적입니다. 더욱이 안전합니다. 더욱이 경제적입니다 (It's effective. Moreover, it's safe. Moreover, it's economical)
Usually limit to 2-3 times
Expressing Surprise
Unexpected Additional Information
Examples:
- 예뻐요. 게다가 똑똑하기까지 해요! (She's pretty. Moreover, she's even smart!)
- 공짜예요. 게다가 품질도 좋아요! (It's free. Moreover, the quality is also good!)
Written vs. Spoken
In Conversation (게다가)
Natural usage:
Examples:
- A: 이 식당 어때요? (How's this restaurant?)
- B: 맛있어요. 게다가 분위기도 좋아요 (It's delicious. Moreover, the atmosphere is also good)
In Writing (더욱이)
Formal documents:
Examples:
- 본 연구는 중요하다. 더욱이 시의적절하다 (This research is important. Moreover, it's timely)
Cultural Notes
Building Consensus
Korean communication style:
- Layer multiple reasons
- Build comprehensive case
- Show thorough consideration
Examples:
- 이 계획이 좋습니다. 게다가 실현 가능합니다. 더욱이 경제적입니다
- (This plan is good. Moreover, it's feasible. Furthermore, it's economical)
Softening Refusals
Adding reasons politely:
Examples:
- 죄송합니다. 바빠요. 게다가 약속도 있어요 (Sorry. I'm busy. Moreover, I also have an appointment)
Summary Table
| Expression | Formality | Context | Emphasis | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 게다가 | Medium | Speech & Writing | Standard | 좋아요. 게다가 싸요 | Good. Moreover cheap |
| 더욱이 | High | Mostly Writing | Strong | 중요합니다. 더욱이 시급합니다 | Important. Moreover urgent |
| 그리고 | Low | Any | Neutral | 좋아요. 그리고 싸요 | Good. And cheap |
| 또한 | High | Formal | Formal | 중요합니다. 또한 시급합니다 | Important. Also urgent |
Key point: Both 게다가 and 더욱이 add information to strengthen a point, but 게다가 is more versatile and common in everyday speech, while 더욱이 is more formal and primarily used in writing and formal speeches.