나 어때 보여요?
na eottae boyeoyo?
The English phrase "how do I look?" is translated into Korean as 나 어때 보여요? (na eottae boyeoyo?)
This phrase is used specifically to ask for an opinion on one's appearance or how one is perceived visually, rather than asking for a general opinion on a situation.
Which one should you use?
While 나 어때 보여요? is a standard way to ask the question, you can use the more formal 제가 어떻게 보여요? or the much shorter informal 어때? depending on the social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the level of formality by changing the pronouns or the sentence endings. Additionally, replacing the pronoun 나 with the humble form 저 makes the question more polite.
How do you pronounce it?
na eottae boyeoyo?
Did you know?
- In Korean culture, asking 나 어때 보여요? often triggers a social ritual of 'modesty' where the respondent may hesitate to give a direct compliment to avoid sounding insincere.
- The pronouns 나, 너, and 누 may have all been formed from the same ancient root through a process called ablaut.
- While 나 어때 보여요? asks about your look, the verb 보이다 can also be used to describe a 'visible' feeling or aura, meaning you are asking how your current vibe is perceived.
Examples in context
- 어머니, 제가 어떻게 보여요?Mother, how do I look?
- 나 어때 보여요?na eottae boyeoyo?How do I look?
- 새 옷 입은 나 어때 보여요?sae ot ibeun na eottae boyeoyo?How do I look in these new clothes?
- 머리 스타일 바꾼 나 어때 보여요?meori seutail bakkun na eottae boyeoyo?How do I look with my new hairstyle?
Example conversation
Jihoon is showing Seoyeon his clothes before a date.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 나 어때 보여요?Seoyeon ssi, na eottae boyeoyo?Seoyeon, how do I look?
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋있어요, 지훈 씨!jeongmal meosisseoyo, Jihun ssi!You look really great, Jihoon!
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 다행이다.jeongmalyo? dahaengida.Really? That's a relief.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그 옷이 아주 잘 어울려요.geu osi aju jal eoullyeoyo.That outfit suits you very well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
