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

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

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point 아/어/여 보다 is used to express the act of trying or attempting to do something. It conveys the meaning of performing an action to see what happens or to experience it. This construction is commonly used in everyday Korean to suggest trying something new or to encourage someone to give something a go.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• "To try to [verb]" or "to attempt to [verb]"

Structure

To form this expression, you attach 아/어/여 보다 to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 아/어/여 + 보다

How to Form

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Determine the Connecting Vowel (아/어/여):
   • If the last vowel of the verb stem is 아 or 오, add 아.
   • If the last vowel is any other vowel (e.g., 우, 으, 이), add 어.
   • If the verb is 하다, it becomes 해 (하 + 여).
3. Add 보다 after the connecting vowel.

Conjugation Table

Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem	Last Vowel	Connecting Vowel	Result
가다 (to go)	가	아	아	가 + 아 보다 = 가아보다 → 가 봐
먹다 (to eat)	먹	어	어	먹 + 어 보다 = 먹어 보다
쓰다 (to write/use)	쓰	으	어	쓰 + 어 보다 = 써 보다
하다 (to do)	하	하	여	하 + 여 보다 = 해 보다

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3. Comparative Analysis

아/어/여 보다 vs. V~려고 하다

• 아/어/여 보다: Emphasizes trying something to see the result or experience.
  • Example: 한국 음식을 먹어 봤어요. (I tried eating Korean food.)
• 려고 하다: Indicates intention or plan to do something.
  • Example: 내일 영화를 보려고 해요. (I intend to watch a movie tomorrow.)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Trying New Experiences

• 한국에서 김치를 꼭 먹어 보세요.
  • Please try eating kimchi in Korea.
• 한번 이 옷을 입어 볼게요.
  • I'll try wearing these clothes once.

2. Offering Suggestions

• 시간이 있으면 이 책을 읽어 보세요.
  • If you have time, try reading this book.
• 맛있어 보여요. 저도 만들어 봐야겠어요.
  • It looks delicious. I should try making it too.

3. Reflecting on Past Attempts

• 어제 처음으로 운전을 해 봤어요.
  • I tried driving for the first time yesterday.
• 그 게임을 해 봤는데 정말 재미있었어요.
  • I tried that game, and it was really fun.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Speech Level	Korean Sentence	English Translation
Informal	이거 한번 먹어 봐.	Try eating this once.
Polite	이거 한번 먹어 보세요.	Please try eating this once.
Formal	이거 한번 먹어 보십시오.	Please try eating this once.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Emphasis on Experience: Korean culture often values experiencing things firsthand. Using 아/어/여 보다 encourages someone to engage directly with an activity or experience.

Politeness Levels

• The grammar can be adjusted to match the appropriate level of politeness:
  • -아/어/여 봐요: Polite informal.
  • -아/어/여 보세요: Polite formal suggestion.
  • -아/어/여 보십시오: Formal honorific command/suggestion.

Idiomatic Expressions Using 보다

• 생각해 보다: To think about (literally, try thinking)
  • 그 문제에 대해 한번 생각해 보세요.
    • Please try thinking about that problem.
• 알아 보다: To find out, to look into
  • 제가 그 일에 대해 알아볼게요.
    • I will look into that matter.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Vowel Harmony
   • Incorrect: 마시아 보다 ❌
   • Correct: 마셔 보다 ✅
     • Explanation: The verb 마시다 (to drink) stem is 마시. Since the last vowel is 이, which is not 아 or 오, we add 어 → 마시 + 어 보다 → 마셔 보다.
2. Forgetting Contracted Forms
   • Incorrect: 가아 보다 ❌
   • Correct: 가 봐 ✅
     • Explanation: 가아 보다 contracts to 가 봐 in spoken Korean.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Common Verbs: Start by conjugating frequently used verbs to get accustomed to the pattern.
• Memorize Irregulars: Be aware of verbs like 듣다 (to listen) which becomes 들어 보다.
• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the verb on one side and its 아/어/여 보다 form on the other.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여 보다 is used to express trying or attempting an action.
• Formed by attaching 아/어/여 to the verb stem, followed by 보다.
• Pay attention to vowel harmony when adding 아/어/여.
• Can be adjusted for different levels of politeness.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: "Try calling me tomorrow." → 내일 저에게 전화___.
   • Answer: 전화해 보세요.
2. True or False: The expression 먹어 보다 means "to try to eat."
   • Answer: True.
3. Conjugate 보다 (to see) using 아/어/여 보다 to mean "try to see."
   • Answer: 봐 보다

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By understanding and practicing 아/어/여 보다, you can confidently express attempts and encourage others to try new experiences in Korean.

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