Processing keyword: ~아/어 보다 [a/eo boda] (Try)

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

Grammar Point: ~아/어 보다 [a/eo boda] (Try)

1. Introduction

The expression ~아/어 보다 is used in Korean to indicate that someone is trying something out or attempting an experience. It’s a useful phrase for sharing experiences or suggesting activities.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure: The construction ~아/어 보다 combines the verb stem with ~아/어 and the verb 보다, which means "to see" or "to try."
• Form:
  • If the last vowel of the verb stem is ᅡ (a) or ᅩ (o), use ~아:
    • 가다 (gada - to go) → 가봐 (gabwa - try going)
    • 먹다 (meokda - to eat) → 먹어 봐 (meogeobwa - try eating)
  • If the last vowel of the verb stem is ᅥ (eo), ᅮ (u), or any other vowel, use ~어:
    • 보다 (boda - to see) → 봐 (bwa - try seeing)
    • 자다 (jada - to sleep) → 자봐 (jabwa - try sleeping)

Meaning

The primary meaning of ~아/어 보다 is to suggest trying something out. It can be thought of as "to try (doing something)" in English.

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem + (아/어) + 보다

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

~아/어 보다 is often compared with:

• ~고 싶다 [go sipda] (want to): While ~아/어 보다 expresses trying something, ~고 싶다 expresses a desire to do something.
  • Example:
    • ~아/어 보다: "영화를 봐 봐." (Try watching a movie.)
    • ~고 싶다: "영화를 보고 싶어." (I want to watch a movie.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 요리를 해 봤어요. (Yorireul hae bwayseoyo.)
   • Translation: I tried cooking.

2. Informal:

   • 이거 한번 먹어 봐. (Igeo hanbeon meogeobwa.)
   • Translation: Try eating this once.

3. Written:

   • 이 책을 읽어 보는 것도 좋습니다. (I chaegeul ilgeo boneun geotdo johseumnida.)
   • Translation: It is good to try reading this book.

4. Spoken:

   • 영화를 봐 봐. (Yeonghwareul bwa bwa.)
   • Translation: Try watching the movie.

5. Cultural Notes

• Cultural Relevance: In Korean culture, the act of "trying" something often implies a spirit of discovery or willingness to embrace new experiences. This expression can facilitate social interactions, suggesting activities among friends or family.
• Levels of Politeness: Using an informal form of ~아/어 보다 with peers or friends is common, while a formal ending is more respectful and suitable for unfamiliar individuals or elders.

Idiomatic Expressions

• “해 보다” (hae boda): it means "try doing it." This is commonly used to encourage someone to attempt something.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Common Mistake: Forgetting to match the ending vowel of the verb with the appropriate 아/어.
  • Incorrect: 만나다 (mannada - to meet) → 만나봐 (mannabwa) → should be 만나 봐 (mannabwa).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "Try the ‘A’ or ‘E’ path!"
  • If you hear an ‘A’ (ᅡ or ᅩ), think 'Try with 아'!
  • If you hear an ‘E’ (ᅥ, ᅲ, or any others), think 'Try with 어’!

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• The expression ~아/어 보다 means to try something.
• It changes form based on the vowel ending of the verb stem.
• It's used to encourage someone to experience something new.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ~아/어 보다 mean in English?
2. How do you conjugate the verb "가다" (to go) using this expression?
3. When would you use ~어 instead of ~아 in this structure?