🎯 Try It Out! Using -아/어 보다 in Korean

Want to say “try doing something” in Korean? The grammar pattern -아/어 보다 is your go-to phrase! It’s super useful when you're testing something out, recommending a new experience, or giving friendly advice. Let’s dive into how it works — and by the end of this post, you’ll be ready to try using it yourself! 😉

📘 Table of Contents

1. What Does -아/어 보다 Mean?
2. How to Form -아/어 보다
3. Real-Life Examples
4. Cultural Tip: Trying New Things in Korea
5. Quiz Yourself: Can You Try?
6. Want to Learn More Korean?

1. What Does -아/어 보다 Mean?

In Korean, -아/어 보다 literally means "to try doing something." It’s added to a verb stem to show that you’re giving something a go or experiencing it for the first time. It’s very commonly used in everyday conversations.

🗣 Want to try kimchi for the first time? Want to suggest your friend try a new K-drama? Use this form!

2. How to Form -아/어 보다

Follow this simple rule to conjugate:

✅ If the verb stem ends in 아 or 오 → attach -아 보다
✅ All other cases → attach -어 보다
✅ 하다 verbs → change to 해 보다

Examples:

먹다 (to eat) → 먹어 보다 (try eating)
가다 (to go) → 가 보다 (try going)
하다 (to do) → 해 보다 (try doing)

3. Real-Life Examples

Here are practical sentences using -아/어 보다 in Korean, with pronunciation and translation!

김치를 먹어 봤어요.
Kimchi-reul meogeo bwasseoyo.
I tried eating kimchi.

한복을 입어 보세요!
Hanbogeul ibeo boseyo!
Try wearing hanbok!

한국어로 말해 보세요.
Hangugeoro malhae boseyo.
Try speaking in Korean.

이 노래를 들어 봐요.
I noraereul deureo bwayo.
Try listening to this song.

Notice how the verb gets combined naturally with 보다? You can use it in past, present, and even future tenses!

4. 🌏 Cultural Tip: Trying New Things in Korea

Koreans love to explore and share experiences. When you’re invited to try something in Korea — from spicy food 🌶️ to traditional games 🪀 — it’s often a gesture of welcome and bonding.

In fact, trying something together is part of 정 (jeong), the deep emotional connection in Korean culture.

So next time someone says “이거 한 번 해 보세요!” — take the chance!

5. 🧠 Quiz Yourself: Can You Try?

Translate these sentences using -아/어 보다:

Try reading this book.
Try going to Seoul.
Try making kimchi.

📌 Answer Key:
1. 이 책을 읽어 보세요.
2. 서울에 가 보세요.
3. 김치를 만들어 보세요.

6. 🎓 Want to Learn More Korean?

If you’re serious about learning Korean and want personalized help, I offer fun, engaging lessons on italki! Let’s try learning Korean together 😊

👉 Book a class with me on italki