입어봐도 돼요?
ibeobwado dwaeyo?
In Korean, the phrase "can I try this on?" is expressed as 입어봐도 돼요? (ibeobwado dwaeyo?)
This phrase is used to request permission to wear a piece of clothing in a store to see if it fits or looks good. You can make your request more explicit by adding 이거 (this) to the beginning: 이거 입어봐도 돼요?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 입다 (to wear), the auxiliary -어 보다 (to try doing) and the grammar pattern -아/어도 되다 (to be okay/allowed to).
Which one should you use?
For a more formal approach, you can use 이거(를) 입어 볼 수 있을까요? Conversely, 이거(를) 입어 볼 수 있어? is the informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 입어봐도 돼요? uses the polite ending -요, making it appropriate for use with store clerks and strangers.
How do you pronounce it?
ibeobwado dwaeyo?
Did you know?
- When asking to try on clothes, you use the verb 입다, which is specifically for clothes worn on the torso or legs. If you wanted to try on a hat or shoes, you would have to use entirely different verbs like 쓰다 or 신다.
- The verb component 보다 in 입어봐도 돼요? literally means 'to see', so you are grammatically asking 'Is it okay if I try wearing and see?'
- If you are trying on something that is 'worn' rather than 'dressed' (like a ring or a watch), you would replace 입어봐도 돼요? with 껴봐도 돼요?
Examples in context
- 영수: 안녕하세요. 이거(를) 입어 볼 수 있을까요?
점원: 네, 물론입니다. 어떤 사이즈를 찾으세요?
영수: M 사이즈로 좀 봐 주세요.Youngsu: Hello. Can I try this on?
Clerk: Yes, of course. What size are you looking for?
Youngsu: Please show me the size M. - 지현: 이거(를) 입어 볼 수 있어?
친구: 응, 당연하지. 어때? 잘 어울릴까?
지현: 음, 좀 작아서 조금 아쉬워.Jihyun: Can I try this on?
Friend: Sure, of course. How does it look? Do you think it suits you?
Jihyun: Hmm, it's a bit small, so I'm a little disappointed. - 이 옷 입어봐도 돼요?i ot ibeobwado dwaeyo?Can I try this clothing on?
- 이 바지 입어봐도 돼요?i banji ibeobwado dwaeyo?Can I try these pants on?
- 저기요, 이것 좀 입어봐도 돼요?jeogiyo, igeot jom ibeobwado dwaeyo?Excuse me, can I try this on?
Example conversation
Subin is browsing clothes in a boutique and asks Minjun for his opinion.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 이 원피스 입어봐도 돼요?Minjun ssi, i wonpiseu ibeobwado dwaeyo?Minjun, can I try this dress on?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 탈의실은 저쪽에 있어요.ne, taluisireun jeojoge isseoyo.Yes, the fitting room is over there.
- 수빈 Su-bin입어보고 올게요!ibeobogo olgeyo!I will try it on and come back!
- 민준 Min-jun천천히 입어보세요.cheoncheonhi ibeoboseyo.Take your time trying it on.
