어디 보자
eodi boja
The English phrase "let me see" can be translated into Korean as 어디 보자 (eodi boja).
The phrase is used as a filler when a person is searching for information or thinking before speaking, or when pausing to look at something before giving an answer.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 어디, which means "where" and 보자, which means "let's see".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 어디 보자 is informal and should be used with friends or those younger than you. For a polite version, use 어디 봅시다. Additionally, 보여 줘 is a casual way to say "let me see" that is suitable for close acquaintances or friends.
How do you pronounce it?
eodi boja
Did you know?
- Depending on the intonation, 어디 보자 can shift from a neutral 'let me see' to a skeptical 'let's see if you can actually do it', functioning as a challenge.
- Because 어디 보자 uses the 'let's' form, using it toward a superior can be a social faux pas, even if you add a polite particle, because you are technically suggesting a joint action.
- The word 어디 was recorded in the 1447 text Seokbo sangjeol as 어듸〮, reflecting the sounds of Middle Korean.
Examples in context
- 이거 좀 봐 줘.Let me see this for a moment.
- 한 번 봐 줘, 궁금해.Let me see it once, I'm curious.
- 어디 보자, 이게 진짜 맞나?eodi boja, ige jinja manna?Let me see, is this really correct?
- 어디 보자, 시간이 얼마나 남았지?eodi boja, sigani eolmana namatji?Let me see, how much time is left?
- 어디 보자, 가방에 뭐가 들어있지?eodi boja, gabang-e mwoga deureoitji?Let me see, what is inside the bag?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a menu together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은, 뭐 먹고 싶어?Jieun, mwo meokgo sipeo?Jieun, what do you want to eat?
- 지은 Ji-eun어디 보자, 파스타가 맛있어 보이네.eodi boja, paseutaga masisseo boine.Let me see, the pasta looks delicious.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나도 파스타 좋아해.nado paseuta joahae.I like pasta too.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 우리 파스타로 시키자.geureom uri paseutaro sikija.Then let's order the pasta.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어디, CC BY-SA 4.0.
