Processing keyword: 아/어/여 보다 [a/eo/yeo boda] (Try doing)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 보다 [a/eo/yeo boda] (Try doing)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point -아/어/여 보다 is used to express the idea of "trying" or "attempting" to do something. It allows speakers to indicate that they are giving something a try for the first time or experimenting with an action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• -아/어/여 보다 conveys the meaning of "to try doing something".
• It is used when the speaker wants to express an attempt or experience of an action.

Structure

The structure involves attaching -아/어/여 보다 to the verb stem of the action you're attempting. Formation:

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 보다

How to Form

1. Determine the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Choose the Correct Connector:
   • If the last vowel of the verb stem is ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아 보다.
   • If the last vowel is any other vowel, add -어 보다.
   • For verbs ending with 하다, add -여 보다, often contracted to -해 보다.

Formation Diagram

Verb Type	Ending	Example Verb	Verb Stem	Combined Form
Vowel ㅏ or ㅗ	-아 보다	가다 (to go)	가	가 + 아 보다 = 가 보다
Other vowels	-어 보다	먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹 + 어 보다 = 먹어 보다
하다 verbs	-여 보다	공부하다 (to study)	공부하	공부하 + 여 보다 = 공부해 보다

Note: In practice, -여 보다 is almost always contracted to -해 보다.

3. Comparative Analysis

• -아/어 보다 vs. -아/어 보세요:
  • -아/어 보다 is used to talk about oneself or third person trying an action.
  • -아/어 보세요 is the polite imperative form, used to suggest or recommend someone to try something.

4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech (반말)

• 이거 한번 먹어 봐.
  • Try eating this once.
• 새로운 게임을 해 봤어.
  • I tried playing a new game.

Polite Speech (존댓말)

• 한국 음식을 만들어 봤어요.
  • I tried making Korean food.
• 이 책을 읽어 보세요.
  • Please try reading this book.

Formal Speech (격식체)

• 저는 태권도를 배워 보았습니다.
  • I tried learning Taekwondo.
• 문의 사항이 있으시면 연락해 보십시오.
  • If you have any inquiries, please try contacting us.

Written Context

• 그 문제를 해결하기 위해 다양한 방법을 시도해 보았다.
  • Tried various methods to solve that problem.
• 저자는 새로운 글쓰기 스타일을 적용해 보았다.
  • The author tried applying a new writing style.

Spoken Context

• 저 식당 음식이 맛있대. 가 봐요.
  • They say that restaurant's food is delicious. Try going there.
• 시간 있으면 같이 영화 보러 가 볼래요?
  • If you have time, would you like to try going to watch a movie together?

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, there's an emphasis on experiencing and trying new things, especially when it comes to food and cultural activities.
• Using -아/어/여 보다 makes suggestions sound more polite and less demanding.

Levels of Politeness

• Casual (Informal): -아/어 봐
  • 친구한테 물어 봐. (Try asking a friend.)
• Polite: -아/어 보세요
  • 여기에서 기다려 보세요. (Please try waiting here.)
• Formal Honorific: -아/어 보십시오
  • 한번 생각해 보십시오. (Please try thinking about it.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 생각해 보다 (to consider)
  • 그 제안에 대해 생각해 볼게요. (I'll consider that suggestion.)
• 물어 보다 (to ask)
  • 선생님께 물어 봤어요. (I tried asking the teacher.)
• 알아보다 (to find out, look into)
  • 시간이 있으면 알아봐 주세요. (Please try looking into it when you have time.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using the Wrong Connector:
  • Incorrect: 받아 보다 (from 받다 - to receive)
  • Correct: 받아 보다
    • Actually, in this case, both are the same because 받다 ends with ㅏ.
  • Incorrect: 입어 보다 (from 입다 - to wear)
    • Since 입다 has the vowel ㅣ, we use -어 보다.
• Forgetting to Contract 하여 보다 to 해보다:
  • Less Natural: 공부하여 보다
  • Natural: 공부해 보다

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Vowel Harmony:
  • ㅏ, ㅗ ⇒ -아 보다
  • Others ⇒ -어 보다
• Practice with Common Verbs:
  • 만들다 (to make) ⇒ 만들어 보다 (to try making)
  • 배우다 (to learn) ⇒ 배워 보다 (to try learning)
• Visualize with Examples:

Verb Stem + 아/어/여 보다 = Trying the action

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• -아/어/여 보다 is used to express trying or attempting an action.
• The connector (-아/어/여) depends on the last vowel of the verb stem.
• Commonly used in suggestions, recommendations, and sharing experiences.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Conjugate the verb 보이다 (to be seen) using -아/어/여 보다.
2. How do you say "Try listening to this song" politely in Korean?
3. Identify and correct the mistake: 가르쳐아 보다

Answers:

1. 보이 + 어 보다 ⇒ 보여 보다
2. 이 노래를 들어 보세요.
3. Correct form: 가르쳐 보다

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By understanding and practicing -아/어/여 보다, you can express attempts and experiences more naturally in Korean. Remember to pay attention to the verb stem endings and practice with various verbs to become more fluent in usage.

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