해봐
haebwa
In Korean, "try it" is 해봐 (haebwa).
This phrase is an encouraging command used to tell someone to attempt a task or experience something for the first time. While the English "try it" can refer to tasting a physical object like food, the Korean phrase 해봐 is a verbal command focused on the action of attempting a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb 하다 (to do) and the auxiliary verb 보다 (to try/to see), literally meaning "do and see".
Which one should you use?
The phrase 해봐 is the informal version. For a more respectful way to give an encouraging command or suggestion to an adult, you may use 해보세요.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the command polite and suitable for speaking to people you are not close with or who are older than you, add the suffix –요 to get 해봐요. For formal situations, you can use 한번 시도해 보세요 (Please try it once) or 해보세요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb form of "try" is 시도해. To express "please try it" in a polite or formal way, you can use 해보세요, where 보세요 is the formal imperative form of "see" or "try".
How do you pronounce it?
haebwa
Did you know?
- The phrase 해봐 can be used sarcastically to mean 'Just go ahead and try it (and see what happens)' when warning someone of a mistake.
- Because 해봐 is in the 'banmal' or informal speech style, using it with a stranger or a teacher could be perceived as a blunt or even rude command rather than a friendly encouragement.
- The auxiliary verb 보다 (to see) is used in many phrases to soften a command, making the suggestion feel like an experiment rather than a direct order.
Examples in context
- 다시 한번 해봐.Try it once more.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "Try it once more" using 해봐.Tatoeba #1036488 by Brian255, translation #433593 by CK
- 이것도 한번 해봐.igeodo hanbeon haebwa.Try this one too.
- 무서워하지 말고 해봐.museowohaji malgo haebwa.Don't be afraid and just try it.
Example conversation
Jihoon encourages Seoyeon to try a new game.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 게임 정말 재밌어. 너도 해봐.i geim jeongmal jaemisseo. neodo haebwa.This game is really fun. You try it too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon너무 어려워 보여요.neomu eoryeowo boyeoyo.It looks too difficult.
- 지훈 Ji-hun내가 도와줄게. 일단 해봐.naega dowajulge. ildan haebwa.I'll help you. Just try it first.
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아요, 한번 해볼게요.joayo, hanbeon haebolgeyo.Okay, I'll give it a try.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
