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Korean Grammar Point
~아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Seems, looks like)

~아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Seems, looks like)

Short explanation:

Used to express that something appears, seems or looks a certain way based on the perception or assessment of the speaker.

Formation:

Verb stem + 아/어/여 보이다

Examples:

그 사람은 행복해 보여서 다른 사람들도 기분이 좋아지자나요.
Geu saram-eun haengbokhae boyeoseo dareun saramdeuldo gibun-i jo-ajijanayo.
That person looks happy, making other people feel good too.
이 음식은 맛있어 보이지만 실제로는 좀 짰어요.
I eumsik-eun masiss-eo boijiman siljeleoneun jom jjass-eoyo.
This food looks tasty, but it's actually a bit salty.
그 남자는 항상 기분이 나쁘게 보이는데 어떤 문제가 있나요.
Geu namja-neun hangsang gibun-i nappeuge boineunde eotteon munje-ga issnayo.
That man always looks upset, maybe there's a problem.
이 옷은 사진에서 볼 땐 예뻤는데, 실제로 보니깐 그저 그래 보여요.
I ot-eun sajin-eseo bol ttaen yeppeossneunde, siljelo bonikkan geujeo geulae boyeoyo.
This outfit looked pretty in the photos, but in reality, it just looks so-so.

Long explanation:

The grammar point '~아/어/여 보이다' in Korean is used to express the speaker's perception, conjecture or judgment based on the appearance or situation of something or someone. It can be translated as 'seems' or 'looks like' in English. It is used to demonstrate that the speaker is making an inference or commenting on something based on their own subjective perception, rather than stating an objective fact.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Seems, looks like)

Korean Grammar Point: ~아/어/여 보이다 [a/eo/yeo boida] (Seems, looks like)

Grammar Point: ~아/어/여 보이다 (Seems, Looks Like)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~아/어/여 보이다 is used to express that something appears to be a certain way or seems to have a specific quality based on observation. This is useful for describing appearances or giving opinions based on what you see.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure of ~아/어/여 보이다 combines the verb stem with the suffix 보이다, which means "to be seen" or "to seem." The ending changes depending on the vowel in the verb stem.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

  • Attachment:
    • Use ~아 if the last vowel of the verb stem is ㅏ or ㅗ.
    • Use ~어 if the last vowel of the verb stem is any other vowel.
    • Use ~여 when the verb stem ends in 하 (하다).

Formation Chart

Verb Stem Ending Suffix Example Translation
ㅏ / ㅗ -아 보이다 예쁘다 → 예뻐 보이다 It seems pretty.
Others -어 보이다 갇히다 → 갇혀 보이다 It seems trapped.
하 -여 보이다 하다 → 해 보이다 It seems to do.

Visual Aid

Verb Stem + 보이다 = Adjective/Description

3. Comparative Analysis

The expression ~아/어/여 보이다 is often confused with similar expressions like ~이다 (to be) or ~처럼 (like).

  • ~이다: States a fact or identity directly.
    • "그는 친구이다." (He is a friend.)
  • ~처럼: Compares something to another, suggesting similarity.
    • "그는 사자처럼 용감하다." (He is brave like a lion.)

Usage Nuance:

  • ~아/어/여 보이다 emphasizes perception based on appearance rather than stating fact or direct comparison.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Context Type Example Sentence Translation
Informal 너는 오늘 정말 피곤해 보여. You look really tired today.
Formal 그 사람은 매우 친절해 보입니다. That person seems very kind.
Spoken 이 음식은 맛있어 보인다. This food looks delicious.
Written 그녀는 행복해 보인다. She seems happy.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Describing someone's appearance or feelings using ~아/어/여 보이다 is common in Korean culture. It can reflect concern or interest in someone's well-being. Koreans typically value politeness, so using this structure appropriately is significant in both formal and informal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 좋아 보이다 (Seems nice)
  • 위험해 보이다 (Seems dangerous)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Common mistakes include forgetting to conjugate the verb correctly based on the last vowel or using an incorrect suffix. Example Mistakes:

  • Incorrect: "그 남자는 행복이다." (He is happy.)
  • Correct: "그 남자는 행복해 보여." (He looks happy.)

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember "look/seem" by associating 보이다 with "observe" – how you observe someone's appearance.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~아/어/여 보이다 is used to express appearance or seeming qualities.
  • Conjugation is based on the vowel ending of the verb stem.
  • It differs from direct statements and comparisons.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. How would you say "She seems busy" in Korean?
  2. What suffix would you use for the verb "가다" (to go)?
  3. Translate "They look sad" into Korean. Answers:
  4. 그녀는 바빠 보여.
  5. -아 보이다 (because 가다 ends with ㅏ).
  6. 그들은 슬퍼 보여.
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