Processing keyword: ~고 보니 [go boni] (After doing, I noticed)

Korean Grammar Point: ~고 보니 [go boni] (After doing, I noticed)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the realization or discovery of something after completing an action is common in everyday conversations. The grammar pattern ~고 보니 is used to convey this meaning, similar to saying "After doing..., I realized..." in English. This lesson will explore the usage of ~고 보니, its formation, nuances, and how it differs from similar expressions.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~고 보니 is used to indicate that the speaker discovered or realized something after completing an action. It translates to "after doing..., I realized/noticed/found out..." and highlights a new understanding or information that was not apparent before the action took place.

Structure

Formation

To form ~고 보니, attach -고 보니 to the verb stem of the first action.

[Verb Stem] + -고 보니

Diagram

┌─────────────────────┐   ┌───────────┐
│   Action Verb Stem  │ + │  -고 보니  │
└─────────────────────┘   └───────────┘

Conjugation Example

Let's take the verb 읽다 (to read):

• 읽 (verb stem) + 고 보니
• Result: 읽고 보니 (After reading, I realized...)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~고 보니 with ~다 보니

While both expressions deal with realizing something, they differ in usage:

• ~고 보니: Used after completing an action, leading to a realization.
  • Focus on the discovery after the action.
• ~다 보니: Used during the process of an action, leading to a realization.
  • Emphasizes ongoing action and continuous realization. Example:
• 먹고 보니 맛이 이상했어요.
  • After eating it, I realized it tasted strange.
• 먹다 보니 배가 불렀어요.
  • As I was eating, I became full.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 책을 읽고 보니 이해가 더 잘 되었어요.
   • After reading the book, I understood it better.
2. 회의에 참석하고 보니 문제가 심각했어요.
   • After attending the meeting, I realized the problem was serious.

Informal Situations

1. 영화를 보고 보니 생각보다 재미있었어.
   • After watching the movie, it was more interesting than I thought.
2. 친구를 만나고 보니 기분이 좋아졌어.
   • After meeting my friend, I felt better.

Written Communication

1. 조사를 해보고 보니 기존 자료에 오류가 있었다.
   • After conducting the research, I found there were errors in the existing data.

Spoken Communication

1. 맛집이라고 해서 가고 보니 문을 닫았더라고요.
   • They said it's a famous restaurant, but after going, I found it was closed.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~고 보니 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust politeness by conjugating the verb in the second clause appropriately.
  • Formal: -았/었습니 다, -더라고요
  • Informal: -았어, -더라

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~고 보니

• 알고 보니: As it turns out; actually.
  • 그 사람이 알고 보니 유명한 배우였어요.
    • That person, as it turns out, was a famous actor.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Misusing with Ongoing Actions
   • Incorrect: 책을 읽다 보니 이해가 더 잘 되었어요. (If you mean after finishing the book)
   • Correct: 책을 읽고 보니 이해가 더 잘 되었어요.
2. Using with Adjectives
   • ~고 보니 is typically used with action verbs, not adjectives.

Tips

• Remember that ~고 보니 implies completion.
• Associate 고 (and/then) with 보니 (upon seeing/realizing) to recall that the realization comes after the action.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~고 보니 is used to express a realization after completing an action.
• Formed by attaching -고 보니 to the verb stem.
• Different from ~다 보니, which is used during an ongoing action.
• Can be adjusted for politeness and used in various contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~고 보니 with the verb 보다 (to see)?
2. Translate to Korean: "After listening to the song, I found it very touching."
3. What's the difference between 먹고 보니 and 먹다 보니?

Answers:

1. 보 (verb stem) + 고 보니 = 보고 보니
2. 노래를 듣고 보니 매우 감동적이었어요.
3. 먹고 보니: After eating, I realized...
   먹다 보니: While eating, I realized...

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Feel free to revisit this lesson for a better understanding of ~고 보니, and try creating your own sentences to practice!

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