🔍 Korean Descriptive Verb Practice: A/V-아/어 보이다

Have you ever wanted to describe how something looks, seems, or appears in Korean? Then the grammar pattern A/V-아/어 보이다 is perfect for you! It's commonly used to say that something “looks + adjective” or “seems like + action.”

📘 Table of Contents

1. What Does -아/어 보이다 Mean?
2. How to Use It with Adjectives
3. Can You Use It with Verbs?
4. Real-Life Examples
5. Did You Know?
6. Self-Study Tips
7. Want to Learn More Korean?

🧠 1. What Does -아/어 보이다 Mean?

This structure means "to look/seem + adjective or verb." It's based on what the speaker perceives visually or guesses. It’s mostly used with adjectives, and sometimes with action verbs in descriptive contexts.

🧩 2. How to Use It with Adjectives

Rule: Descriptive verb/adjective stem + 아/어 보이다

행복하다 → 행복해 보이다
Haengbokhada → Haengbokhae boida
Looks happy
맛있다 → 맛있어 보이다
Masitda → Masisseo boida
Looks delicious
피곤하다 → 피곤해 보이다
Pigonhada → Pigonhae boida
Looks tired

🏃‍♂️ 3. Can You Use It with Verbs?

Rarely. You may sometimes hear it with action verbs, but it usually requires context or a noun phrase.

그 사람이 운동을 자주 하는 것처럼 보여요.
Geu sarami undongeul jaju haneun geotcheoreom boyeoyo.
That person seems to exercise often.

🗣️ 4. Real-Life Examples

그 여자는 친절해 보여요.
Geu yeojaneun chinjeolhae boyeoyo.
She looks kind.
오늘 날씨가 좋아 보여요.
Oneul nalssiga joa boyeoyo.
The weather looks nice today.
그 음식이 정말 맛있어 보여요!
Geu eumsigi jeongmal masisseo boyeoyo!
That food looks really delicious!
그는 피곤해 보여요.
Geuneun pigonhae boyeoyo.
He looks tired.

💡 5. Did You Know?

In Korean culture, appearance matters in daily conversation — but it’s not just physical looks! Koreans often describe emotional and situational states based on how someone "looks." It’s a way of showing empathy and attentiveness without being intrusive.

📚 6. Self-Study Tips

Watch Korean vlogs and write down 5 "-아/어 보이다" expressions you hear.
Take pictures and describe them in Korean using this pattern.
Practice with a partner: show a photo and ask, “어떻게 보여요?” (What does it look like?)

🎓 7. Want to Learn More Korean?

Want to describe the world around you more naturally in Korean? 👉 Book a personalized lesson with me on italki. You’ll build confidence and express your thoughts more clearly every time!

Learning a language is a journey, and I’m honored to be part of yours. May each blog post bring you joy, inspiration, and a love for Korea. You’re always welcome here, so don’t be a stranger! 😊