Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 시도하다 | sidohada | [ˈɕʰi(ː)do̞ɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 시험하다 | siheomhada | [ɕʰiɦʌ̹mɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 노력하다 | noryeokhada | [no̞ɾjʌ̹kʰa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 보다 | boda | [po̞da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word for 'try' in Korean varies significantly based on whether you are making a formal attempt, testing a product, exerting effort or simply trying an action to see the result.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of 'try' are used for distinct purposes: 시도하다 is used for making a formal or deliberate attempt at a task or an experiment. 시험하다 is used when you are testing the quality, function or validity of something, such as a product or a theory. 노력하다 is used when the focus is on the exertion of effort or working hard toward a goal rather than the act of attempting it. Finally, 보다 literally means 'to see' or 'to look', but it can function as 'to try' when attached to another verb as an auxiliary to express experiencing or testing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of 'trying' an action to see what the result is like, you can use the auxiliary verb 보다 in the form -어/아 보다.
How do you pronounce it?
sidohada
Did you know?
- The term 시험하다 is used for both 'to try/test a product' and 'to take an exam', showing how the concept of 'trial' encompasses both functional testing and academic evaluation.
- The word 보다 is among the oldest documented Korean verbs, appearing in the 1447 text Yongbi eocheon'ga.
- When using -어/아 보다 to say 'try', the phrase can also imply that you have 'had the experience' of doing something in the past.
Examples in context
- 지난 주에 한국어 수업을 시작했어요. 이제 한국어로 말해볼까요?Last week, I started Korean classes. Shall I try speaking Korean now?
- 오늘부터 운동을 시작해보겠어요. 제가 자전거 여행을 계획하고 있거든요.I will start exercising from today. I am planning a bicycle trip.
- 미용실에서 머리 스타일을 좀 바꿔 보려고 해.I want to try changing my hairstyle at the salon.
- 이번 주말에 새로운 음식을 한 번 해보자.Let's try a new dish this weekend.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- 민지 Min-ji이 퍼즐 너무 어려워요.i peojeul neomu eoryeowoyo.This puzzle is too hard.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo포기하지 말고 다시 시도하다.pogihaji malgo dasi sidohada.Don't give up and try again.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨 말이 맞아요.Hyunwoo ssi mari majayo.You are right, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo함께 시도해 봐요.hamkke sidohae bwayo.Let's try it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “try” translations and entries 시도하다, 시험하다, 노력하다, 보다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 노력하다, 보다, 시도하다, 시험하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
