Processing keyword: 아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Looks, seems)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Looks, seems)

아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Looks, Seems)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing perceptions or assumptions about something's appearance is common in daily conversations. The grammatical structure 아/어/여 보이다 is used to convey that someone or something "looks" or "seems" a certain way based on visual or sensory perception. This lesson will delve into the usage of 아/어/여 보이다, helping you understand its formation, application, and nuances.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar point 아/어/여 보이다 is used to express that something appears or seems to be in a certain state. It translates to "looks" or "seems" in English.

Structure

Verb Stem + 아/어/여 보이다

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• 아/어 보이다 vs. (으)ㄴ 것 같다
  • 아/어 보이다 is based on visual perception; it's used when making judgments from what you see.
  • (으)ㄴ 것 같다 means "seems like" or "I think that," and is used more broadly for assumptions, not just visual. Example:
• 그 사람은 피곤해 보여요. (He looks tired.) - Based on appearance.
• 그 사람은 피곤한 것 같아요. (I think he is tired.) - General assumption.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 저 건물이 정말 높아 보입니다.
   • That building looks really tall.
2. 선생님께서 기분이 좋아 보이세요.
   • The teacher seems to be in a good mood.

Informal Situations

1. 너 오늘 피곤해 보여.
   • You look tired today.
2. 이 음식 맛있어 보여!
   • This food looks delicious!

Written Context

1. 그의 작품은 매우 독특해 보인다.
   • His work appears very unique.

Spoken Context

1. 밖에 날씨가 추워 보여요.
   • It looks cold outside.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

The verb 보다 (to see) changes formality levels through conjugation:

• 보여요 - Polite informal
• 보입니다 - Formal Understanding the appropriate level of politeness is crucial in Korean culture, which places a strong emphasis on respect and hierarchy.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 겉은 멀쩡해 보여도 속은 썩었다.
  • Even if it looks fine on the outside, it's rotten inside. (Meaning appearances can be deceiving.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Errors

1. Using the wrong vowel connector.
   • Incorrect: 맛있아 보여요.
   • Correct: 맛있어 보여요. Tip: Remember that verbs not ending with ㅏ or ㅗ use 어 보이다.
2. Confusing with 아/어 보다 (to try doing something).
   • 아/어 보다: 영화를 봤어요. (I watched a movie.)
   • 아/어 보이다: 피곤해 보여요. (You look tired.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: For verbs ending with 하다, think of 해 보여요 as "Hey, it looks!"

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여 보이다 is used to express that something looks or seems a certain way.
• The connector between the verb stem and 보이다 depends on the vowel in the last syllable of the verb stem.
• It's primarily based on visual perception.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "The flower looks pretty" using 아/어/여 보이다?
2. What is the correct form of 작다 (to be small) with 아/어/여 보이다?
3. Is 맛있어 보여요 correctly formed? If yes, what does it mean?