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-어 보다Korean expression · TOPIK 2

-eo boda

TOPIK 2 2급Expressions 표현2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-어 보다-아 보다-여 보다

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to indicate that one does the act mentioned in the preceding statement, as a test.

앞말이 나타내는 행동을 시험 삼아 함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.

끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

지수는 찌개가 간이 알맞은지 먹어 보았다.

Jisu tasted the stew to see if it was seasoned right.

손님, 그 원피스가 마음에 드시면 한번 입어 보세요.

If you like the dress, please try it on.

건강식품이나 약은 꼼꼼히 따져 보고 구입하는 것이 좋다.

It's better to carefully check health foods or medicines before buying them.

대화In conversation

와. 이 그림 네가 그린 거야?

Wow, did you draw this picture?

응. 그냥 심심풀이로 그려 본 거야.

Yeah, I just drew it to pass the time.

An expression used to indicate that one experienced the act mentioned in the preceding statement earlier.

앞말이 나타내는 행동을 이전에 경험했음을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ.

끝음절의 모음이 ‘ㅏ, ㅗ’가 아닌 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

나는 작년에 부산에 가 보았다.

I've been to Busan before.

너 학교에서 귀신 나온다는 이야기 들어 봤어?

Have you ever heard the story about the ghost at school?

나는 셰익스피어를 좋아해 그의 책은 다 읽어 봤다.

I've read all of Shakespeare's books because I like him.

대화In conversation

새로 나온 라면 먹어 봤어?

Have you tried the newly released ramen?

응. 맛있다고 소문이 나서 사 먹었는데 생각보다 별로였어.

Yeah, I bought it because I heard it was good, but it was just so-so.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-게 되다 -ge doeda An expression used to indicate that something will become the state or situation mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -기 때문에 -gi ttaemun -기 때문이다 An expression used to indicate that the preceding statement is the reason or cause for the following incident. TOPIK 2 -기로 하다 -giro hada An expression used to decide or promise the performance of the act mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 2 -는 것 -neun geot -은 것 · -ㄴ 것 · -을 것 An expression used to enable a non-noun word to be used as a noun in a sentence or to be used in front of '이다' (be). TOPIK 2 -는 것 같다 -neun geot gatda -ㄴ 것 같다 · -은 것 같다 · -ㄹ 것 같다 An expression used to indicate that the statement is a guess. TOPIK 2 -는 동안에 -neun dong-an -는 동안 An expression used to indicate the time, for which the act or state mentioned in the preceding statement lasts. TOPIK 2

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -어 보다 mean in Korean?

-어 보다 is a expression introduced at 2급 (TOPIK 2). An expression used to indicate that one does the act mentioned in the preceding statement, as a test. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -어 보다?

Attaches after verbs whose final vowel is not ㅏ or ㅗ. The other shape is -아 보다, -여 보다 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -어 보다 and -아 보다?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -어 보다?

2급 — TOPIK 2, elementary. It is one of 45 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.