Processing keyword: ~해 보다 [hae boda] (Try to do)
Korean Grammar Point: ~해 보다 [hae boda] (Try to do)
1. Introduction
In learning Korean, understanding auxiliary verbs and suffixes is crucial for expressing nuanced actions and intentions. One such grammar point is ~해 보다 [hae boda], which means "to try doing something". This construction allows speakers to express attempting an action or experiencing something for the first time.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The expression ~해 보다 is used to indicate that someone tries to do an action or experiments with something. It conveys the sense of making an effort to perform an activity, often to see the result or outcome.
Structure
The structure involves attaching 보다 to the verb stem of the main action verb. The verb 보다 here acts as an auxiliary verb meaning "to try".
Formation Diagram
[Verb Stem] + 아/어/해 + 보다
Verb Stem Ending Rules
- If the verb stem ends with 아 or 오 vowel:
Use 아 보다
Example: 가다 → 가 아 보다 → 가봐요 - If the verb stem ends with other vowels:
Use 어 보다
Example: 먹다 → 먹 어 보다 → 먹어봐요 - For 하다 verbs:
Use 해 보다
Example: 공부하다 → 공부 해 보다 → 공부해봐요
Conjugation Table
| Verb Infinitive | Verb Stem | + 아/어/해 보다 | Conjugated Form (Present Tense) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가 | 가 + 아 보다 | 가봐요 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹 | 먹 + 어 보다 | 먹어봐요 |
| 읽다 (to read) | 읽 | 읽 + 어 보다 | 읽어봐요 |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하 | 공부하 + 해 보다 | 공부해봐요 |
3. Comparative Analysis
- ~해 보다 vs. ~하려고 하다 (
~haryeogo hada- intending to do)- ~해 보다 implies trying out an action to see what it's like.
- ~하려고 하다 expresses intention or plan to do something.
- ~해 보다 vs. ~해 보이다 (
~hae boida- appears to be)- ~해 보다 means to try doing something.
- ~해 보이다 means to look or appear in a certain way.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 책을 읽어봤습니다.
- I tried reading the book.
- 한국 음식을 만들어보려고 합니다.
- I am going to try to make Korean food.
Informal Speech
- 이 영화 봤어? 한번 봐봐.
- Have you seen this movie? Try watching it.
- 저 식당에 가봐. 맛있어.
- Try going to that restaurant. It's delicious.
Questions
- 한복을 입어봤어요?
- Have you tried wearing a hanbok?
- 이 노래를 들어볼래요?
- Would you like to try listening to this song?
Suggestions
- 시간 있을 때 제주도에 가보세요.
- When you have time, try visiting Jeju Island.
- 이 책을 읽어보시는 게 어떨까요?
- How about trying to read this book?
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Korean culture, showing willingness to try new experiences is valued. Using ~해 보다 can express openness and curiosity, which are positive traits in social interactions.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- Casual (반말): 봐, 해봐
- Used among close friends and those younger.
- Polite Informal (해요체): 봐요, 해봐요
- Common in everyday conversations.
- Formal (합니다체): 봅니다, 해봅니다
- Used in formal settings and with those of higher status.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 맛을 보다
- Literally "to taste", but can mean to experience something.
- Example: 고생을 맛봐요. - "I try experiencing hardship."
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Mistake: Confusing 보다 (to see) with ~해 보다 (to try doing).
- Incorrect: 영화를 보아 봐요.
- Correct: 영화를 봐봐요. (보다 combines with 보다, so one is omitted.)
- Mistake: Using ~해 보다 with adjectives.
- Incorrect: 예뻐봐요.
- Tip: ~해 보다 is used with action verbs, not descriptive verbs (adjectives).
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 보다 as "to see what it's like," so 해 보다 is "do and see."
- Practice: Create sentences by combining various verbs with ~해 보다 to get comfortable with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~해 보다 means to try doing something.
- Attach 보다 to the verb stem with the appropriate connector (아/어/해).
- It is used with action verbs to express attempting or experiencing an action.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I want to try eating kimchi" in Korean?
- Answer: 김치를 먹어보고 싶어요.
- Is the following sentence correct? Why or why not?
그 신발을 예뻐봐요.- Answer: Incorrect. ~해 보다 is not used with adjectives. It should be 그 신발을 신어봐요. (Try wearing those shoes.)
- Fill in the blank: 한국어를 _____. (to try studying Korean)
- Answer: 한국어를 공부해봐요.
By understanding and practicing ~해 보다, you'll enhance your ability to express trying new actions and experiences in Korean, making your conversations more dynamic and authentic.