Processing keyword: ~해 보이다 [hae boida] (Look/seem to be)
Korean Grammar Point: ~해 보이다 [hae boida] (Look/seem to be)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the grammar point 해 보이다 [hae boida] is used to express that someone or something appears or seems to be in a certain state based on visual perception. It translates to "looks" or "seems to be" in English and is commonly used to describe observations or first impressions.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
~해 보이다 is attached to the stem of an adjective to indicate that something appears or looks a certain way to the speaker. It conveys a subjective observation based on what the speaker sees.
Structure
Formation Diagram
[Adjective Stem] + 아/어 보이다
How to Attach 아/어 보이다
- For adjective stems ending with vowels ㅏ or ㅗ:
- Attach 아 보이다
- For adjective stems ending with other vowels:
- Attach 어 보이다
- For adjective stems ending with 하다:
- Replace 하다 with 해 보이다
Examples of Formation
| Adjective (Dictionary Form) | Adjective Stem | Ending | Conjugation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 작다 (to be small) | 작 | ㅏ | 작아 보이다 | Looks small |
| 크다 (to be big) | 크 | ㅡ | 커 보이다 | Looks big |
| 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘 | ㅡ | 예뻐 보이다 | Looks pretty |
| 피곤하다 (to be tired) | 피곤하 | 하 | 피곤해 보이다 | Looks tired |
3. Comparative Analysis
~해 보이다 vs. ~같다
While both grammar points express a perception or assumption, they are used differently:
- ~해 보이다: Used with adjectives to express that something looks or appears a certain way based on visual cues.
- 그 사람은 행복해 보여요.
(That person looks happy.)
- 그 사람은 행복해 보여요.
- ~같다: Used with nouns and verb stems to indicate that something is similar to something else or to speculate.
- 그 사람은 행복한 것 같아요.
(I think that person is happy.)
- 그 사람은 행복한 것 같아요.
Key Differences
| ~해 보이다 | ~같다 |
|---|---|
| Used with adjectives | Used with nouns and verb stems |
| Based on visual observation | Based on assumption or indirect evidence |
| Translates to "looks" or "seems to be" | Translates to "seems like" or "think that" |
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Formal Situations
- 그분은 젊어 보입니다.
(He/She looks young.) - 이 음식은 맛있어 보여요.
(This food looks delicious.)
Informal Situations
- 오늘 기분이 좋아 보여!
(You look happy today!) - 날씨가 추워 보여.
(The weather looks cold.)
Written Context
- 하늘이 맑아 보였다.
(The sky looked clear.) - 그들의 관계는 가까워 보였다.
(Their relationship seemed close.)
Spoken Context
- 너 피곤해 보여. 좀 쉬는 게 어때?
(You look tired. How about taking a rest?) - 그 영화 재미있어 보였어?
(Did that movie look interesting?)
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Visual Politeness: In Korean culture, commenting on someone's appearance is common but should be done politely, especially with elders or superiors.
- Indirect Communication: Using ~해 보이다 allows for indirect expression, which aligns with the Korean communication style of being less direct to maintain harmony.
Levels of Politeness
The verb 보이다 can be conjugated to match the appropriate level of politeness: | Politeness Level | Conjugation | Example | |------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------| | Formal | 보입니다 | 행복해 보입니다 (You look happy.) | | Standard | 보여요 | 행복해 보여요 (You look happy.) | | Informal | 보여 | 행복해 보여 (You look happy.) |
Idiomatic Expressions
- 수상해 보이다
(To look suspicious)- 그 사람이 좀 수상해 보여요.
(That person looks a bit suspicious.)
- 그 사람이 좀 수상해 보여요.
- 멀어 보이다
(To look distant/far)- 목적지가 아직도 멀어 보여요.
(The destination still looks far away.)
- 목적지가 아직도 멀어 보여요.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
1. Using ~해 보이다 with Action Verbs
Incorrect:
- 먹어 보이다
(Looks eat) Correct: - 맛있어 보이다
(Looks delicious) Explanation: - ~해 보이다 is generally used with adjectives, not action verbs.
2. Confusing with ~아/어 보다 (To Try)
Incorrect Usage:
- 그 옷을 예쁘어 봐요.
(Try being pretty in those clothes.) Correct Usage: - 그 옷이 예뻐 보여요.
(Those clothes look pretty.) Explanation: - ~아/어 보다 means "to try doing something," whereas ~아/어 보이다 means "to look/seem."
Learning Strategies
- Visual Association: Associate 보이다 with "to be seen" or "appears," helping you remember it's about perception.
- Practice with Adjectives: Make a list of common adjectives and practice conjugating them with ~해 보이다.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~해 보이다 is used to express that something looks or seems a certain way based on visual observation.
- It is attached to adjective stems with 아/어 보이다.
- Do not confuse with ~아/어 보다, which means "to try doing something."
- Be mindful of the level of politeness when using 보이다.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank:
The grammar structure used to express that something looks a certain way is [Adjective Stem] + __________. Answer: 아/어 보이다 - True or False:
You can use ~해 보이다 with action verbs. Answer: False - Choose the correct sentence:
a) 그 음식이 먹어 보여요.
b) 그 음식이 맛있어 보여요. Answer: b) 그 음식이 맛있어 보여요. - Translate to Korean using ~해 보이다:
"She looks busy." Answer: 그녀는 바빠 보여요.
By understanding and practicing ~해 보이다, you can better express your observations and perceptions in Korean, making your conversations more nuanced and natural.