Processing keyword: ~아/어 보이다 [a/eo boida] (Looks/seems like)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어 보이다 [a/eo boida] (Looks/seems like)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing how something appears or seems is essential for effective communication. The grammar point ~아/어 보이다 ([a/eo boida]) is commonly used to convey that someone or something looks or seems a certain way based on visual perception.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ~아/어 보이다 is attached to descriptive verbs (adjectives) to indicate that the speaker perceives someone or something to look or seem a certain way.

• Usage: To express the speaker's impression or guess about the appearance or state of someone or something.
• Translation: "looks", "seems", "appears"

Structure

1. Identify the Descriptive Verb Stem:
   • Remove 다 from the dictionary form.
2. Add:
   • -아 보이다 if the stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • -어 보이다 for all other vowels.

Formation Diagram

[Descriptive Verb Stem] + 아/어 보이다
Examples:
- 크다 (to be big) → 크 + 어 보이다 → 커 보이다 (looks big)
- 작다 (to be small) → 작 + 아 보이다 → 작아 보이다 (looks small)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~아/어 보다

• ~아/어 보다: Means "to try doing something" and is used with action verbs.
  • Example: 먹어 보다 (to try eating)
• ~아/어 보이다: Means "looks/seems" and is used with descriptive verbs.
  • Example: 맛있어 보이다 (looks delicious)

Key Differences

Grammar Point	Used With	Meaning	Example
~아/어 보다	Action Verbs	To try doing something	책을 읽어 보세요. (Try reading the book.)
~아/어 보이다	Descriptive Verbs	Looks/seems like	피곤해 보여요. (You look tired.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Style

1. 이 음식은 맛있어 보입니다.
   • Translation: This food looks delicious.
2. 하늘이 맑아 보입니다.
   • Translation: The sky looks clear.

Polite Style

1. 그 영화가 재미있어 보여요.
   • Translation: That movie seems interesting.
2. 피곤해 보여요. 일찍 쉬세요.
   • Translation: You look tired. Rest early.

Informal Style

1. 너 오늘 행복해 보인다.
   • Translation: You look happy today.
2. 밖이 추워 보여. 코트 입자.
   • Translation: It looks cold outside. Let's wear coats.

Written Context

1. 그는 새로운 일을 시작해서 기뻐 보였다.
   • Translation: He seemed happy because he started a new job.

Spoken Context

1. A: 왜 그렇게 슬퍼 보여?
   • B: 조금 안 좋은 일이 있었어.
   • Translation:
     • A: Why do you look so sad?
     • B: I had a bit of bad news.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, commenting on someone's appearance using ~아/어 보이다 is a polite way to express concern or compliment.
• It reflects the indirect communication style, allowing for observations without being too direct.

Levels of Politeness

• Formal High Respect: Used in formal settings or with elders/superiors.
  • 예: 건강해 보입니다. (You look healthy.)
• Polite: Commonly used in daily conversations.
  • 예: 피곤해 보여요. (You look tired.)
• Informal: Used among close friends or younger people.
  • 예: 심심해 보이네. (You look bored.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 당황해 보여요.
  • Translation: You look flustered.
• 의심스러워 보입니다.
  • Translation: It seems doubtful.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using with Action Verbs
   • Incorrect: 공부해 보이다.
     • Error: Using ~아/어 보이다 with an action verb.
   • Correct: 열심히 공부하는 것 같아요.
     • Translation: You seem to be studying hard.
2. Confusing with ~게 보이다
   • Incorrect: 행복하게 보이다.
     • Explanation: While grammatically correct, 행복해 보이다 is more natural.

Tips

• Only use with Descriptive Verbs: Ensure the verb is an adjective.
• Vowel Harmony:
  • ㅏ, ㅗ → -아 보이다
    • 예: 작다 → 작아 보이다
  • Other vowels → -어 보이다
    • 예: 예쁘다 → 예뻐 보이다

Mnemonic Device

• "보이다" means "to be seen": So, [Adjective] + 보이다 indicates how something is seen.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어 보이다 is used with adjectives to express that something looks or seems a certain way.
• Formed by attaching -아 보이다 or -어 보이다 to the adjective stem.
• Reflects the speaker's perception or impression.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What's the correct form of "춥다" using ~아/어 보이다?
2. Translate to Korean: "She looks busy."
3. Is "맛있어 보이다" used correctly in the sentence "음식이 맛있어 보여요"?

Answers

1. 추워 보이다
2. 그녀는 바빠 보여요.
3. Yes, it means "The food looks delicious."

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By understanding and practicing ~아/어 보이다, you can express perceptions and make observations more naturally in Korean.

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