여 보다¶

In this lesson, we will learn how to say "to try doing something" or "to experience something."

The structure is: -아/어/여 보다

This literally means "to do something and see (how it goes / what it's like)."

Conjugation Rules¶

You take the verb stem, conjugate it into the present tense (-아/어/여 form), and then add 보다.

가다 (to go) -> 가 + 아 보다 -> 가 보다 (to try going)
먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 어 보다 -> 먹어 보다 (to try eating)
하다 (to do) -> 해 보다 -> 해 보다 (to try doing)

Usages¶

1. Offering a suggestion or command¶

When you want to tell someone to try something, you use this structure as a command or suggestion. - 이거 먹어 보세요. (Try eating this.) - 저기에 가 보세요. (Try going there.) - 한 번 해 보세요. (Try doing it once.)

2. Talking about past experiences¶

When you want to say "I have (tried) done something" or "Have you ever done something?", you use the past tense of 보다 (봤어요). - 한국에 가 봤어요. (I have been to Korea. / I have tried going to Korea.) - 불고기 먹어 봤어요? (Have you tried eating Bulgogi? / Have you ever eaten Bulgogi?) - 저는 아직 안 해 봤어요. (I haven't tried doing it yet.)

3. Stating an intention¶

You can use it to say you want to try something. - 제주도에 가 보고 싶어요. (I want to try going to Jeju Island.) - 이 신발을 신어 볼래요. (I want to try wearing these shoes.)