Processing keyword: ~아/어 보이다 [a/eo boida] (To seem, appear)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어 보이다 [a/eo boida] (To seem, appear)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~아/어 보이다 [a/eo boida] (To Seem, Appear)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing perceptions or impressions about someone or something is a common aspect of daily communication. The grammar structure ~아/어 보이다 is used to indicate that something "seems" or "appears" a certain way based on visual cues or impressions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The suffix ~아/어 보이다 attaches to the stem of descriptive verbs (adjectives) to express that someone or something seems or appears a certain way.

Structure

Verb Stem + ~아/어 보이다

Formation Diagram

[Descriptive Verb Stem] + [아/어 보이다] → "seems/appears to be..."

• 아 보이다: Used when the verb stem has the vowel ㅏ or ㅗ.
• 어 보이다: Used with all other vowel endings.

Detailed Explanation

1. Identify the Descriptive Verb Stem:
   • Remove 다 from the dictionary form of the adjective.
   • Example: 크다 (to be big) → 크.
2. Attach ~아/어 보이다:
   • If the stem ends with ㅏ or ㅗ, use 아 보이다.
     • Example: 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘 + 어 보이다 → 예뻐 보이다.
   • For other vowels, use 어 보이다.
     • Example: 춥다 (to be cold) → 춥 + 어 보이다 → 추워 보이다.
3. Conjugate if Necessary:
   • Adjust the ending for tense and politeness levels.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~아/어 보이다 with ~처럼 보이다

• ~처럼 보이다: Means "looks like" and is used with nouns.
  • Example: 학생처럼 보이다 (Looks like a student).
• ~아/어 보이다: Used with adjectives to describe the appearance of someone or something.
  • Example: 피곤해 보이다 (Looks tired).

4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 그 분은 정말 행복해 보입니다.
   • Geu buneun jeongmal haengbokhae boimnida.
   • He/She appears very happy.

Informal Speech

2. 너 오늘 피곤해 보여.
   • Neo oneul pigonhae boyeo.
   • You look tired today.

Written Context

3. 날씨가 좋아 보여서 기분이 좋다.
   • Nalssiga joa boyeoseo gibuni jota.
   • The weather seems good, so I feel happy.

Spoken Context

4. 이 옷이 너한테 잘 어울려 보여.
   • I osi neohante jal eoullyeo boyeo.
   • This clothes look good on you.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• The ending 보여요 is polite informal, suitable for most daily conversations.
• The formal polite form 보입니다 is used in more formal settings or with strangers.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 젊어 보이다
  • Jeolmeo boida
  • To look young.
• 맛있어 보이다
  • Masisseo boida
  • To look delicious.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~아/어 보다 Instead of ~아/어 보이다
   • ~아/어 보다 means "to try doing something."
   • Confusing these can lead to misunderstandings.
     • 잘 먹어 보이다 (Incorrect)
     • 잘 먹어 보인다 (Correct: "It looks tasty.")
2. Incorrect Vowel Harmony
   • Using 아 보이다 when 어 보이다 is needed.
     • 예쁘아 보이다 (Incorrect)
     • 예뻐 보이다 (Correct)

Tips

• Remember that ~아/어 보이다 attaches to adjectives, not verbs.
• Think of 보이다 as "appears to be" rather than "tries to."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어 보이다 is used to express that someone or something seems or appears in a certain way.
• Attach 아/어 보이다 to the stem of descriptive verbs (adjectives).
• Be mindful of vowel harmony when attaching 아/어 보이다.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "It looks delicious" using ~아/어 보이다?
2. What is the difference between ~아/어 보이다 and ~처럼 보이다?
3. Correct the mistake: 그는 피곤아 보여요. Answers:
4. 맛있어 보여요.
5. ~아/어 보이다 is used with adjectives to describe appearance, while ~처럼 보이다 is used with nouns meaning "looks like."
6. Corrected: 그는 피곤해 보여요.