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HOW TO USE 아/어 보다
The expression 아/어 보다 is commonly used when talking about trying new experiences or attempting an action to see the result.
It is a great structure to know for daily conversations, so we will teach you how to use it.
아/어 보다
This sentence structure is used to indicate trying or attempting something, similar to saying “try to…” or “give it a try” in English.
It is often used to suggest trying an action, typically implying curiosity or openness to new experiences.
PATTERN
Subject + Verb Stem + 아/어 보다
| 한번 읽어 보세요. | Try reading it once. |
| 그 옷을 입어 봐요. | Try wearing those clothes. |
| 이 길로 가 보세요. | Try going this way. |
View More Examples:
| 여기에 앉아 보세요. | Try sitting here. |
| 한번 해 보세요. | Give it a try. |
| 이 요리를 만들어 보세요. | Try making this dish. |
아/어 봤다
This sentence structure is the past form of 아/어 보다, used to talk about something one has tried in the past.
It describes a past experience of trying something, often used to share what one has experienced or tested.
PATTERN
Subject + Verb Stem + 아/어 봤다
| 그 책을 읽어 봤어요. | I’ve tried reading that book. |
| 그곳에 가 봤어요. | I’ve been to that place. |
| 저는 그 음식을 먹어 봤어요. | I’ve tried that food. |
View More Examples:
| 그 게임을 해 봤어요. | I’ve tried playing that game. |
| 이 영화를 본 적 있어요. | I’ve watched this movie before. |
| 이 음악을 들어 봤어요. | I’ve tried listening to this music. |
BONUS || Learn or review how to use the past tense in Korean in this free lesson.
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FAQs
What is the difference between 보다 and 봤다?
“보다” is used in the present or future tense (e.g., 해 보다 – “to try doing something”), while “봤다” is the past tense form (e.g., 해 봤다 – “I tried doing something”).
“보다” suggests an attempt, while “봤다” confirms that the attempt has already happened.
Can I use “보다” with all verbs?
Yes, “보다” can be used with most action verbs to indicate trying something. It is attached after the verb stem (e.g., 먹어 보다 – “to try eating”).
However, it is not typically used with descriptive verbs (adjectives) like 예쁘다 (“to be pretty”).
What difference between 해보다 and 해보세요?
“해 보다” simply means “to try doing something,” while “해 보세요” is a polite way to suggest or recommend trying something, similar to saying “You should try it” in English.
Doesn’t 봤다 have two meanings in Korean?
Yes, “봤다” is the past tense of “보다” (“to see”), but when combined with another verb (e.g., 먹어 봤다), it means “tried doing something.”
Context determines whether it means “saw” or “tried.”
How else to express trying in Korean?
Yes, you can also use 시도하다 (a more formal word meaning “to attempt”) or 도전하다 (which means “to challenge oneself”), but “보다” is the most commonly used and natural way to say “try” in everyday Korean.
Does LTL provide Korean courses?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.