보는 것은
boneun geoseun
In Korean, "see is" is translated as 보는 것은 (boneun geoseun).
This phrase refers to the act of seeing or looking at something.
Which one should you use?
While 보는 것은 is the standard form, you may encounter its contracted version 보는 게 in informal speech or writing. If you want to use the act of seeing as the subject of a sentence without the specific emphasis provided by the marker 은, you should use 보는 것이 instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the act of seeing as a subject without the emphasis of the particle 은, use the subject marker -이 to form 보는 것이.
How do you pronounce it?
boneun geoseun
Did you know?
- In Korean, the verb for 'see' 보다 is used in phrases meaning 'to date' someone or 'to be in a relationship', as if you are constantly 'looking at' them.
- While 보는 것은 means 'seeing is', the root verb 보다 is also used to mean 'taking' an exam, rather than 'seeing' the test paper.
- The verb 'to see' in Korean, '보다', is also the word used for 'to try' something, such as 'to try eating' or 'to try wearing' something.
Examples in context
- 저는 그림을 봅니다.I see the picture.
- 이 책 좀 보아도 될까요?Can I look at this book?
- 하늘을 보는 것은 정말 힐링돼요.ha-neul-eul bo-neun geot-eun jeong-mal hil-ling-dwae-yo.Looking at the sky is truly healing.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are talking about their favorite activities.
- 서연 Seo-yeon지훈 씨는 취미가 뭐예요?jihun ssineun chwimiga mwoyeyo?Jihun, what is your hobby?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저는 풍경 보는 것을 좋아해요.jeoneun punggyeong boneun geoseul joahae-yo.I like looking at the scenery.
- 서연 Seo-yeon풍경 보는 것은 마음이 편해지죠.punggyeong boneun geoseun maeumi pyeonhaejijyo.Looking at scenery makes you feel at ease.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 정말 힐링 돼요.majayo. jeongmal hilling dwaeyo.That's right. It's really healing.
