Processing keyword: ~고 보면 [go bomyeon] (When you see/consider, upon closer look)

Korean Grammar Point: ~고 보면 [go bomyeon] (When you see/consider, upon closer look)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar point ~고 보면 is used to express that after completing an action or considering something more deeply, a new realization or result is made evident. It often corresponds to phrases like "when you see", "if you consider", or "upon closer look" in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~고 보면 conveys the idea that after doing something, one discovers or realizes something.
• It implies that a subsequent realization follows an initial action.

Structure

To form ~고 보면, attach it to the verb stem of the preceding verb.

[Verb Stem] + 고 보면

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem	+	고 보면
가	+	고 보면
먹	+	고 보면
생각하	+	고 보면

Detailed Explanation

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 고: A connective particle meaning "and" or used to link actions.
• 보면: From 보다 (to see) + -면 (if/when), meaning "if/when you see". So, ~고 보면 literally translates to "and if you see" or "and upon seeing", but it's understood as "once you do something and see, then...".

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~다 보면: Used to express that if one keeps doing something, eventually a result will occur.
  • Example: 연습하다 보면 실력이 늘 거예요.
    • "If you keep practicing, you'll improve."
• ~고 나면: Indicates that after completing an action, something happens.
  • Example: 일을 다 하고 나면 쉬어요.
    • "After finishing work, I rest."

Differences

• ~고 보면 focuses on the realization or discovery after an action.
• ~다 보면 emphasizes a result that comes from repeated or continuous action.
• ~고 나면 simply states that one action follows the completion of another, without the nuance of realization.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 이 책을 읽고 보면 많은 것을 배울 수 있습니다.
   • "When you read this book, you can learn a lot."
2. 사실을 알고 보면 오해였다는 것을 알게 될 것입니다.
   • "Upon knowing the facts, you'll realize it was a misunderstanding."

Informal Context

1. 그 사람을 만나고 보면 생각이 달라질 거야.
   • "Once you meet him, your thoughts will change."
2. 직접 해보고 보면 어렵지 않아.
   • "If you try it yourself, it's not difficult."

Spoken Language

1. 처음엔 이상한데 계속 듣고 보면 괜찮아져.
   • "At first it's weird, but as you keep listening, it gets better."
2. 자세히 살펴보고 보면 문제를 찾을 수 있을 거야.
   • "Upon examining closely, you'll be able to find the problem."

Written Language

1. 그 사건을 조사하고 보면 새로운 증거가 나타날 수 있다.
   • "Upon investigating the case, new evidence may emerge."
2. 역사를 공부하고 보면 현재를 더 잘 이해할 수 있다.
   • "By studying history, you can understand the present better."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, there's an emphasis on deep understanding and looking beyond the surface.
• ~고 보면 reflects the importance of experience and reflection leading to new insights.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The usage of ~고 보면 is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust the politeness level by conjugating the final verb appropriately.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 알고 보면 다 그래.
  • "Once you know, it's all like that."
  • Implies that things are similar when you look deeper.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with ~다 보면:
   • Incorrect: 열심히 공부하고 보면 합격할 거야.
   • Correct: 열심히 공부하다 보면 합격할 거야.
   • Explanation: Use ~다 보면 for actions leading to future results through repetition.
2. Misplacing the Connector:
   • Incorrect: 보고 가면 좋을 거야.
   • Correct: 가고 보면 좋을 거야.
   • Explanation: Ensure ~고 보면 follows the correct verb stem.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "do X and see..." to recall that ~고 보면 involves an action leading to a realization.
• Practice: Create sentences using daily activities to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~고 보면 is used to express realizations after an action.
• Formed by attaching ~고 보면 to the verb stem.
• It differs from similar grammar points like ~다 보면 and ~고 나면.
• Useful in both formal and informal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~고 보면?
   • Answer: Attach ~고 보면 to the verb stem.
2. What is the main use of ~고 보면?
   • Answer: To express that after doing something, a new realization or result occurs.
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence:
   • 그 영화를 보다 보면 재미있어요.
   • Answer: 그 영화를 보고 보면 재미있어요.

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Feel free to practice by making your own sentences using ~고 보면!

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