봐요
bwayo
In Korean, "I look" is translated as 봐요 (bwayo).
This phrase is used when you are watching, viewing or seeing something. In Korean, the subject I is often omitted from the sentence when it is clear from the context that you are talking about yourself.
What does it mean word for word?
봐요 is a conjugated version of the dictionary stem 보다, which means "to see" or "to watch".
Which one should you use?
While 봐요 is the standard polite form, other versions exist depending on the social context: 봅니다 is used for formal situations and 봐 is used for casual interactions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 보다 means "to see" or "to watch". If you wish to express the specific action of gazing or looking at something, the verb 바라보다 can also be used.
How do you pronounce it?
bwayo
Did you know?
- In Korean, when you say you are 'looking' at a movie or a play, the same verb 보다 is used as if you are 'seeing' it, but it also doubles as the word for 'taking' an exam.
- The verb 보다 is used as an auxiliary verb to express a trial or an attempt. For example, adding it to another action means you are doing something 'to see how it goes' or 'just to try it'.
- When asking for someone's opinion, Koreans often use a form of 보다 to mean 'to consider' or 'to think' about a matter.
Examples in context
- 나는 바라봅니다I look
- 저는 영화를 봐요.jeoneun yeonghwareul bwayo.I watch a movie.
- 텔레비전을 봐요.tellebijeoneul bwayo.I watch television.
- 유튜브를 봐요.yutyubeureul bwayo.I watch YouTube.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are talking about their hobbies.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo수빈 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?Subin ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Subin, what is your hobby?
- 수빈 Su-bin저는 유튜브 봐요.jeoneun yutyubeu bwayo.I watch YouTube.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 재미있겠네요.jeongmal jaemiitgenneyo.That sounds really interesting.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨도 같이 봐요.Hyunwoo ssido gatchi bwayo.Hyunwoo, you should watch it too.
