입어보다
ibeoboda
To try on (clothing) in Korean is 입어보다 (ibeoboda).
Use 입어보다 when you want to test the look or fit of clothing. If you are in a store and wish to ask for permission to try something on, you can say 입어 봐도 돼요? (May I try this on?).
Meaning: to test the look of (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 입어보다 is a combination of 입다 (to wear) and the grammar structure –어 보다 (to try doing something).
Which one should you use?
Korean uses different verbs depending on which part of the body the item is worn on. While 입어보다 is used for clothing worn on the torso or legs, use 신어보다 for items worn on the feet like shoes or socks and use 써보다 for items worn on the head or face, such as hats or glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a clothing store, staff members will often use the polite imperative form 입어 보세요 to suggest that a customer try something on.
How do you pronounce it?
ibeoboda
Did you know?
- In Korea, some traditional markets or small boutiques may not have fitting rooms, meaning 입어보다 is often done right over your existing clothes.
- The concept of 'trying something on' in Korean is linguistically tied to the concept of 'experience', as the suffix '-어 보다' literally means 'to do and see'.
- To 'try on' a necklace or a scarf, you must use the verb 차다 or 두르다 combined with the trial grammar, rather than the standard 'wear' verbs.
