This expression is used to state a characteristic in a non-decisive way, that is, that something is more a certain way than another or is closer to one characteristic than another. Here, 편 refers to belonging to one category out of a number of possible categories, and thus it means "generally so".

Details

1. When a verb precedes this expression, an adverb that modifies the verb is normally necessary.

가: 은혜 씨 회사 사람들은 회식을 자주 해요?

나: 네, 일주일에 한 번씩은 꼭 하니까 관준 하는 편이지요.

Yes, we do it at least once a week, so we do it regularly.

2. The negative forms of this expression are 안 -(으)ㄴ/는 편이다 and -(으)ㄴ/는 편이 아니다.

저는 많이 안 먹는 편이에요.

3. The expression -은/는 편이다 is not used when the characteristic or quality is an obvious or objectively verifiable fact or state of affairs.

내 동생은 키가 185cm인 편이에요. ✕

저는 학생이 아닌 편이에요. ✕

4. This expression is only used with reference to the present or past, not the future.

저는 쇼핑을 자주 하는 편일 거예요/편이겠어요. ✕

5. When used to describe a particular event or point of time in the past, the form -(으)ㄴ편이다 is used. However, in the case of past events which continued for a particular period of time or which occur regularly, the form -는 편이다 must be used.

오늘은 다른 때보다 일찍 일어난 편이야.

오늘 출근 시간에는 길이 안 막힌 편이야.

Here, -(으)ㄴ 편이다 must be used because the word 오늘 indicates a specific time.

나는 어렸을 때 공부를 잘하는 편이었어요.

옛날에는 고기를 자주 먹는 편이었어요.

Here, even though 어렸을 때 indicates a time in the past, -는 편이었다 must be used because there is a meaning of a regularly occurring experience.

Kimchi Reader

Expresses a tendency or habit to do or be something.

Details

Negative form

안 A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 편이다 or A/V-(으)ㄴ/는 편이 아니다.