Processing keyword: ~아/어 보다 [a/eo boda] (Try)
Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어 보다 [a/eo boda] (Try)
1. Introduction
The Korean grammar structure ~아/어 보다 is commonly used to express the idea of trying or attempting to do something. It's an essential grammatical construction for learners aiming to convey experiences or suggest trying new actions in Korean. Mastering this grammar point will enhance your ability to express attempts, experiences, and encourage others in everyday conversations.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~아/어 보다 means to try doing something or to have the experience of doing something.
- It indicates an attempt at an action or suggests that someone should attempt an action.
Structure
To use ~아/어 보다, attach it to the stem of an action verb.
Formation Steps
- Identify the verb stem: Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
- Determine the correct ending:
- If the verb stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, add -아 보다.
- If the last vowel is anything else (ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ, etc.), add -어 보다.
- For verbs ending in 하다, change to -해 보다.
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 아/어 보다
Visual Aid: Endings Selection
| Last Vowel of Verb Stem | Ending | Example Verb | Conjugated Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ㅏ or ㅗ | -아 보다 | 가다 (to go) | 가 + 아 보다 = 가보다 | To try going |
| Others | -어 보다 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 + 어 보다 = 먹어보다 | To try eating |
| -하다 Verbs | -해 보다 | 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 + 해 보다 = 공부해보다 | To try studying |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with Similar Grammar Points
- ~도록 하다: Means make sure to do or try to do, often used to give strong suggestions or instructions.
- Difference: ~아/어 보다 is more about attempting or experiencing an action, while ~도록 하다 emphasizes ensuring the action is completed.
- ~려고 하다: Means intend to do or plan to do.
- Difference: ~려고 하다 expresses intention, whereas ~아/어 보다 expresses trying or attempting, possibly without prior intention.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 이 약을 한번 드셔 보세요.
- Please try taking this medicine.
- 그 책을 읽어 봤습니다.
- I tried reading that book.
Informal Situations
- 한번 먹어봐!
- Give it a try! (Try eating it!)
- 새로운 게임을 해봤어.
- I tried playing a new game.
Written Context
- 한국어를 배워 보는 것은 어떨까요?
- How about trying to learn Korean?
Spoken Context
- 제가 만든 요리 좀 맛봐 보실래요?
- Would you like to try tasting the dish I made?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- In Korean culture, ~아/어 보다 is often used to politely suggest trying something, which reflects the indirect and polite communication style.
- Offering something to someone using ~아/어 보세요 softens the suggestion, making it more courteous.
Politeness Levels
- Formal Polite: ~아/어 보세요 (e.g., 드셔 보세요)
- Informal Polite: ~아/어 봐요 (e.g., 해봐요)
- Casual: ~아/어 봐 (e.g., 들어봐)
Idiomatic Expressions
- 생각해 봐요.
- Try thinking about it.
- 물어봐도 돼요?
- Can I try asking?
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the wrong ending:
- Incorrect: 마시다 → 마시아 보다 ❌
- Correct: 마시다 → 마셔 보다 ✅
- Reason: The stem vowel is ㅣ, so use -어 보다.
- Forgetting to conjugate 하다 verbs properly:
- Incorrect: 운동하다 → 운동하아 보다 ❌
- Correct: 운동하다 → 운동해 보다 ✅
- Reason: 하다 verbs become 해 보다.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic for Endings:
- "아-오-아" Rule: If the last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, use -아 보다.
- "Other Vowels" Rule: For any other vowel, use -어 보다.
- "하다 becomes 해": Remember that 하다 verbs change to 해 보다.
- Practice with Common Verbs:
- Write down verbs you frequently use and conjugate them with ~아/어 보다.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~아/어 보다 is used to express trying or attempting an action.
- The ending depends on the last vowel of the verb stem.
- ㅏ or ㅗ → -아 보다
- Other vowels → -어 보다
- 하다 verbs → -해 보다
- It can be adjusted for formality by changing the sentence ending.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Conjugate the verb 보다 (to see) using ~아/어 보다.
- Translate: "Please try speaking in Korean."
- Identify the error: 읽다 (to read) → 읽아 보다.
Answers
- 보다 → 봐 보다 (Try seeing)
- 한국어로 말해 보세요.
- Error: 읽아 보다 ❌ → Correct: 읽어 보다 ✅
By understanding and practicing ~아/어 보다, you'll enhance your ability to suggest and discuss experiences in Korean, making your conversations more dynamic and natural.