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)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing perceptions about how something appears or seems is essential in daily communication. The grammar pattern ~아/어/여 보이다 allows speakers to convey that someone or something looks or seems a certain way based on observation.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• ~아/어/여 보이다 is used to indicate that something appears or seems to be in a certain state.
• It reflects the speaker's subjective impression based on visual or sensory information.
• Equivalent expressions in English include "looks like," "seems," or "appears to be."

Structure

Formation

[Adjective Stem] + 아/어/여 보이다

Conjugation Rules

1. Identify the adjective stem by removing the -다 ending.
2. Add:
   • 아 보이다 if the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • 어 보이다 if the last vowel is NOT ㅏ or ㅗ.
   • 여 보이다 for stems ending with 하, forming -해 보이다.

Formation Diagram

Adjective Ending Vowel	Connection	Result
ㅏ or ㅗ	아 보이다	예쁘 아 보이다 → 예뻐 보이다
Others	어 보이다	높 어 보이다 → 높아 보이다
하	여 보이다	건강하 여 보이다 → 건강해 보이다

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~처럼 보이다: Means "looks like" but often compares to another noun.
  • 그는 배우처럼 보인다. (He looks like an actor.)
• ~게 보이다: Similar meaning but focuses on the manner or degree.
  • 하늘이 어둡게 보인다. (The sky looks dark.)

Differences

• ~아/어/여 보이다 is mainly used with adjectives to express a general appearance.
• ~처럼 보이다 compares with something else, using nouns.
• ~게 보이다 modifies the manner and is used with adverbs.

---

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Informal Speech

1. 너 오늘 행복해 보여.
   • You look happy today.
2. 그 음식 맛있어 보여.
   • That food looks delicious.

Polite Speech

1. 오늘 날씨가 좋아 보여요.
   • The weather looks nice today.
2. 그 책은 어려워 보여요.
   • That book seems difficult.

Formal Speech

1. 선생님은 바빠 보입니다.
   • The teacher appears to be busy.
2. 제품은 품질이 좋아 보입니다.
   • The product looks to be of good quality.

Various Contexts

• Written Context: 그의 눈빛은 슬퍼 보였다.
  • His eyes appeared sad.
• Spoken Context: 이 옷 어때? 나한테 작아 보여?
  • How about this clothes? Do they look small on me?

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Commenting on someone's appearance is common in Korean culture, often as a way to express concern or give compliments.
• Using ~아/어/여 보이다 softens the statement, making it less direct.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Politeness levels are crucial in Korean.
  • Informal: 보여
    • 친구는 행복해 보여. (Friend looks happy.)
  • Polite: 보여요
    • 어머니는 피곤해 보여요. (Mother looks tired.)
  • Formal: 보입니다
    • 상황이 어려워 보입니다. (The situation appears difficult.)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 젊어 보이다: To look young.
  • 그분은 나이보다 젊어 보여요. (He looks younger than his age.)

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Using with Action Verbs Incorrectly
  • Incorrect: 그는 먹어 보여요. (He looks eat.)
  • Correct: 그는 배고파 보여요. (He looks hungry.)

    Tip: Use ~아/어/여 보이다 mainly with adjectives or certain state verbs, not action verbs.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think "보이다" (to be seen) is like how something "shows" itself.
• Practice: Conjugate adjectives you know with ~아/어/여 보이다 to become familiar with the pattern.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~아/어/여 보이다 is used to express that something seems or looks a certain way.
• Attach it to adjective stems following vowel harmony rules.
• Mind the politeness level by adjusting the ending.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 그 아이는 ____ 보여요. (The child looks sick.)
2. Translate: 이 음식은 매워 보여요.
3. Correct the mistake: 날씨가 비 와 보여요.

Answers

1. 아파 (아프다 → 아파 보여요)
2. This food looks spicy.
3. Corrected: 날씨가 흐려 보여요. (The weather looks cloudy.)

---

By mastering ~아/어/여 보이다, you'll enhance your ability to describe perceptions and make observations in Korean, making your expressions more natural and native-like.

---

© Hanabira.org