이것 봐
igeot bwa
The English phrase 'look at this' is translated into Korean as 이것 봐 (igeot bwa).
This phrase is used to draw someone's attention to a specific object or thing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 이것 (this) and 봐 (look/see).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite approach suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you, you can use 이것 좀 봐요 by adding 좀 (a little/please) and the polite ending 요. For formal situations, you can use 이것을 봐주세요. to mean 'Please look at this.'
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 좀 (literally 'a little') is a very common way to soften the command and make it sound more natural and less blunt, as seen in 이것 좀 봐.
How do you pronounce it?
igeot bwa
Did you know?
- In Korea, pointing at a person or object with a single index finger can be considered rude or aggressive. Instead of using a finger to say 이것 봐, it is more polite to use an open hand with the palm facing up to indicate the object.
- While 'look' is the literal translation, Koreans often use the verb 보다 (to see) to mean 'to check' or 'to try something out'. If someone says 이것 봐, they might actually be asking you to 'check this out' or 'try this' rather than just using your eyes.
- The 'i' in 이것 (this) belongs to a set of demonstratives that function like a map: 'i' (this), 'geu' (that near you), and 'jeo' (that far from both of us). Choosing the wrong one can make you sound like you are pointing at something that isn't actually there.
Examples in context
- 이것 봐, 정말 예뻐.igeot bwa, jeongmal yeppeo.Look at this, it is really pretty.
- 이것 봐, 신기하지?igeot bwa, singihaji?Look at this, isn't it amazing?
- 이것 봐, 내가 만든 거야.igeot bwa, naega mandeun geoya.Look at this, I made it.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are looking at a photo album together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은, 이것 봐. 우리 어릴 때 사진이야.Jieun, igeot bwa. uri eoril ttae sajin-iya.Jieun, look at this. It's a photo from when we were young.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 귀엽다! 현우 너 정말 작았구나.wa, jeongmal gwiyeopda! Hyunwoo neo jeongmal jagatguna.Wow, so cute! Hyunwoo, you were really small.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그렇지? 여기 이 사진도 이것 봐.geureotji? yeogi i sajindo igeot bwa.Right? Look at this photo here too.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 사진은 정말 웃기다.i sajineun jeongmal utgida.This photo is really funny.
