보여줘
boyeojwo
The English phrase "show me" is translated into Korean as 보여줘 (boyeojwo).
The phrase is a request for someone to let you see something. While it can function as a command, it is often used casually to mean "let me see" in social settings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of 보여주다 (to show) and the informal imperative ending -줘 (give/do for me).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or standard polite requests, you can use 보여주세요 or 알려주세요 (which can also mean "please let me know") to ask for information or assistance. If you want to ask someone to show or reveal something casually in an informal way, you can also use 보여 줄래?
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the level of politeness by adding suffixes. Adding the suffix -요 to the end of 보여줘 to make 보여줘요 makes the request polite and suitable for speaking to strangers or people older than you. The form 보여주세요 is a more standard and polite way to request that someone show you something.
How do you pronounce it?
boyeojwo
Did you know?
- In Korean, the verb 보여주다 literally means 'to give seeing'. It combines 보다 ('to see') with 주다 ('to give'), treating the act of showing as a gift of sight to the other person.
- The root verb 보다 ('to see') is used in phrases that English speakers would translate as 'to try' or 'to experience', such as when trying on clothes or tasting food.
- Using the informal 보여줘 with someone even one year older than you can be perceived as a significant social faux pas in traditional Korean settings.
Examples in context
- 보여줘.Show me.This sentence is useful for a simple command to show something.Tatoeba #8363378 by Eunhee, translation #1972649 by CK
- 더 보여줘.Show me more.This sentence is useful for asking to see more of something.Tatoeba #11110792 by intertime, translation #2249956 by CK
- 이 손상을 수리하는 방법을 알려주세요.Please show me how to fix this damage.
- 그 새로운 게임을 보여 줄래?Can you show me that new game?
- 사진 좀 보여줘.sajin jom boyeojwo.Show me the photo.
Example conversation
At a cafe, a friend asks to see a new photo.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그 사진 나도 보여줘.geu sajin nado boyeojwo.Show me that photo too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그래, 여기 있어.geurae, yeogi isseo.Sure, here it is.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋진 사진이네!jeongmal meotjin sajini ne!It is a really cool photo!
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워, 마음에 들어?gomawo, maeume deureo?Thanks, do you like it?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
