Processing keyword: ~어/아 보다 [eo/a boda] (To try doing)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아 보다 [eo/a boda] (To try doing)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~어/아 보다 (~eo/a boda), which is used to express the idea of trying to do something. This is a common and useful construction that will help you talk about new experiences and encourage others to try activities.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The ~어/아 보다 grammar pattern is attached to the verb stem to indicate that someone attempts or tries doing an action. It conveys the meaning of "to try doing" something.

Meaning

• ~어/아 보다: To try doing [action]

Structure

To form this expression:

1. Take the verb stem of the action you want to express.
2. Add ~아 보다 if the last vowel of the stem is ㅏ or ㅗ.
3. Add ~어 보다 if the last vowel is anything other than ㅏ or ㅗ.
4. Add ~해 보다 if the verb stem ends with 하다.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 어/아 보다

Conjugation Rules:

Verb Stem Type	Ending	Example Verb	Conjugated Form	Meaning
Ends with ㅏ or ㅗ	~아 보다	가다	가 보다	To try going
Other vowels	~어 보다	먹다	먹어 보다	To try eating
하다 verbs	~해 보다	공부하다	공부해 보다	To try studying

Visual Aid

Conjugation Flowchart

                  +------------------------+
                  |        Verb Stem       |
                  +-----------+------------+
                              |
                   +----------+---------+
                   |                    |
        Last vowel ㅏ or ㅗ?      Last vowel ≠ ㅏ or ㅗ?
                   |                    |
            Add ~아 보다          Add ~어 보다
                   |                    |
              Conjugated Form     Conjugated Form

3. Comparative Analysis

The grammar point ~어/아 보다 should not be confused with:

• ~어/아 보이다: Meaning "to appear" or "to look" (e.g., 예뻐 보이다 - "looks pretty").
• ~어/아 주다: Meaning "to do something for someone". While ~어/아 보다 indicates trying an action, ~어/아 보이다 describes the appearance of something.

4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 이 케이크를 먹어봐.
   • I keikeureul meog-eobwa.
   • Try eating this cake.
2. 새로운 운동을 해봤어.
   • Saeroun undongeul haebwasseo.
   • I tried a new exercise.

Polite Speech

1. 그 영화를 한번 봐 보세요.
   • Geu yeonghwareul hanbeon bwa boseyo.
   • Please try watching that movie.
2. 한국 음식을 만들어 봤어요.
   • Hanguk eumsigeul mandeureo bwasseoyo.
   • I tried making Korean food.

Formal Speech

1. 다음 주에 이 프로젝트를 시작해 보겠습니다.
   • Daeum jue i peurojekteureul sijakae bogessseumnida.
   • I will try starting this project next week.
2. 문제를 다시 한번 해결해 보겠습니다.
   • Munjeleul dasi hanbeon haegyeolhae bogessseumnida.
   • I will try solving the problem once more.

Conversational Context

A: 이 책 정말 재미있어. 너도 읽어봐!

• I chaek jeongmal jaemiisseo. Neodo ilg-eobwa!
• This book is really interesting. You should try reading it! B: 그래? 그럼 한번 읽어볼게.
• Geurae? Geureom hanbeon ilg-eobolge.
• Really? Then I'll try reading it.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, encouraging someone to try something is common, especially with food or experiences. Using ~어/아 보다 softens the suggestion, making it polite and friendly.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Informal (반말): Used among close friends and those of the same age group.
• Polite (존댓말): Used in most everyday situations among adults.
• Formal: Used in official settings or when showing high respect.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 한번 해 보다: To give it a shot.
  • 예: 새로운 일에 도전해 봐.
    • Saeroun ire dojeonhae bwa.
    • Try challenging yourself with new things.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Misconjugating the stem
   • Incorrect: 먹아 보다
   • Correct: 먹어 보다 Tip: Remember that verbs whose stem does not end with ㅏ or ㅗ take ~어 보다.
2. Confusing with ~어/아 보이다
   • 행복해 봐요 (Incorrect if intending "looks happy")
   • 행복해 보여요 (Correct for "looks happy")

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: If the vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, it's "아 보다"; otherwise, it's "어 보다".
• Practice Conjugation: Write out conjugations for various verbs to become familiar with the pattern.
• Use in Sentences: Create your own sentences to internalize the grammar point.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~어/아 보다 is used to express trying or attempting an action.
• Conjugation depends on the last vowel of the verb stem:
  • ㅏ or ㅗ: Use ~아 보다
  • Other vowels: Use ~어 보다
  • 하다 verbs: Use ~해 보다
• Be mindful of the politeness level when using this grammar point.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "Try eating this" in polite Korean?
2. Conjugate the verb 보다 (to see) with ~어/아 보다.
3. What's the difference between ~어/아 보다 and ~어/아 보이다?

Answers:

1. 이것을 드셔 보세요. (Igeoseul deusyeo boseyo.)
2. 봐 보다 → 봐 보다 (since 보다 ends with ㅗ, it becomes 봐 보다)
3. ~어/아 보다 means "to try doing," whereas ~어/아 보이다 means "to look" or "to appear."

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Feel free to ask any questions or request further examples!

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