🧪

Attempting and Trying: -아/어 보다

Keywords
-아/어 보다
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Basic Grammar
🧪
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧪 -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da] means to try doing something or to experience doing something.
  • 🧩 Attach it to the verb’s 아/어 [a/eo] form: 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat → 먹어 보다 [meo-geo bo-da] = to try eating.
  • 🕰️ In past tense, -아/어 봤어요 [-a/eo bwat-sseo-yo] often means I’ve tried / experienced doing it before.
  • 🤲 -아/어 보세요 [-a/eo bo-se-yo] is a gentle “Please try…” suggestion.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and listen to 먹어 봐요 [meo-geo bwa-yo], 마셔 봤어요 [ma-syeo bwat-sseo-yo], and 들어 보세요 [deu-reo bo-se-yo]. This grammar should sound like a tiny experiment. 🧫
 

🌈 The Big Picture

보다 [bo-da] usually means “to see,” but in -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da], it works as a helper verb. The main verb carries the real action, and 보다 [bo-da] adds the feeling of trying it out or experiencing it. 🧪
 
In Korean, the “try” part comes after the action:
  • 케이크를 먹어 봐요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bwa-yo] = I try eating cake. 🍰
  • 차를 마셔 봤어요. [cha-reul ma-syeo bwat-sseo-yo] = I’ve tried drinking tea. 🍵
  • 음악을 들어 보세요. [eu-ma-geul deu-reo bo-se-yo] = Please try listening to music. 🎵
 
A very natural companion word is 한번 [han-beon] = once / just once. Korean speakers often say 케이크를 한번 먹어 보세요 [ke-i-keu-reul han-beon meo-geo bo-se-yo] = Please try eating the cake once. It makes the suggestion feel lighter and friendlier. 🪶
 

🎨 The Core Trying Family

Main pattern
  • 동사 + 아/어 보다 [dong-sa + a/eo bo-da] = verb + try doing 🧩
 
Useful forms
  • -아/어 봐요 [-a/eo bwa-yo] = try doing / I try doing 🧪
  • -아/어 봤어요 [-a/eo bwat-sseo-yo] = tried doing / have tried doing 🕰️
  • -아/어 보세요 [-a/eo bo-se-yo] = please try doing 🤲
  • -아/어 볼게요 [-a/eo bol-ge-yo] = I’ll try doing 🚀
 
Vocabulary used in this lesson
  • 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat 🍚
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] = to drink 🥤
  • 읽다 [ik-da] = to read 📖
  • 듣다 [deut-da] = to listen 🎧
  • 걷다 [geot-da] = to walk 🚶
  • 묻다 [mut-da] = to ask ❓
  • 닫다 [dat-da] = to close 🚪
  • 받다 [bat-da] = to receive 🎁
  • 입다 [ip-da] = to wear clothes 👕
  • 신다 [sin-da] = to wear shoes 👟
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] = to write / use / wear a hat 🧢
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] = to make 🍰
  • 찾다 [chat-da] = to find / look for 🔎
  • 배우다 [bae-u-da] = to learn 🇰🇷
  • 가다 [ga-da] = to go 🏫
  • 오다 [o-da] = to come 🏠
  • 하다 [ha-da] = to do ✅
 
Nouns used in examples
  • 김치 [gim-chi] = kimchi 🌶️
  • 차 [cha] = tea 🍵
  • 책 [chaek] = book 📚
  • 음악 [eu-mak] = music 🎵
  • 길 [gil] = road / way 🛣️
  • 질문 [jil-mun] = question ❓
  • 문 [mun] = door 🚪
  • 선물 [seon-mul] = gift 🎁
  • 옷 [ot] = clothes 👕
  • 신발 [sin-bal] = shoes 👟
  • 모자 [mo-ja] = hat 🧢
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] = cake 🍰
  • 한국어 [han-gu-geo] = Korean language 🇰🇷
  • 학교 [hak-gyo] = school 🏫
 

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

1. Basic “try doing”
  • 케이크를 먹어 봐요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bwa-yo] = I try eating cake. 🍰
  • 차를 마셔 봐요. [cha-reul ma-syeo bwa-yo] = I try drinking tea. 🍵
 
2. Past experience: “have tried”
  • 이 책을 읽어 봤어요. [i chae-geul il-geo bwat-sseo-yo] = I’ve tried reading this book. 📚
  • 한국어를 배워 봤어요. [han-gu-geo-reul bae-wo bwat-sseo-yo] = I’ve tried learning Korean. 🇰🇷
 
3. Gentle suggestion: “please try”
  • 음악을 들어 보세요. [eu-ma-geul deu-reo bo-se-yo] = Please try listening to music. 🎧
  • 신발을 신어 보세요. [sin-ba-reul si-neo bo-se-yo] = Please try wearing the shoes. 👟
 
4. Future intention: “I’ll try”
  • 길을 찾아 볼게요. [gi-reul cha-ja bol-ge-yo] = I’ll try looking for the way. 🛣️
  • 한번 해 볼게요. [han-beon hae bol-ge-yo] = I’ll try doing it once. ✅
 

🚨 Exception Rule(s)

Most verbs use the normal 아/어 [a/eo] connection before 보다 [bo-da]. Some verbs change shape first. 🛠️
 

1. ㄷ-irregular verbs: ㄷ → ㄹ before 어

Common ㄷ-irregular verbs:
  • 듣다 → 들어 보다 [deut-da → deu-reo bo-da] = to listen → to try listening 🎧
  • 걷다 → 걸어 보다 [geot-da → geo-reo bo-da] = to walk → to try walking 🚶
  • 묻다 → 물어 보다 [mut-da → mu-reo bo-da] = to ask → to try asking ❓
 
Regular ㄷ look-alikes do not change:
  • 닫다 → 닫아 보다 [dat-da → da-da bo-da] = to close → to try closing 🚪
  • 받다 → 받아 보다 [bat-da → ba-da bo-da] = to receive → to try receiving 🎁
 

2. Common contractions

  • 마시다 → 마셔 보다 [ma-si-da → ma-syeo bo-da] = to drink → to try drinking 🥤
  • 쓰다 → 써 보다 [sseu-da → sseo bo-da] = to write / use / wear a hat → to try writing / using / wearing 🧢
  • 배우다 → 배워 보다 [bae-u-da → bae-wo bo-da] = to learn → to try learning 🇰🇷
  • 오다 → 와 보다 [o-da → wa bo-da] = to come → to try coming 🏠
  • 하다 → 해 보다 [ha-da → hae bo-da] = to do → to try doing ✅
 

📚 Cross-check note

The helper verb 보다 [bo-da] in the -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da] pattern was cross-checked against 국립국어원 / korean.go.kr, which explains that 보다 [bo-da] can be used as an auxiliary verb after -어 [-eo] to show experience. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

There is no perfect one-word English twin for -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da]. Choose the English translation by context:
  • try doing 🧪 — 케이크를 먹어 봐요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bwa-yo] = I try eating cake. 🍰
  • have tried / have experienced 🕰️ — 케이크를 먹어 봤어요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bwat-sseo-yo] = I’ve tried eating cake. 🍰
  • please try 🤲 — 케이크를 먹어 보세요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bo-se-yo] = Please try eating cake. 🍰
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 먹다 보다 [meok-da bo-da] → ✅ 먹어 보다 [meo-geo bo-da] = to try eating — use the 아/어 [a/eo] form, not dictionary form.
  • ❌ 마시어 보다 [ma-si-eo bo-da] → ✅ 마셔 보다 [ma-syeo bo-da] = to try drinking — this contracts naturally.
  • ❌ 듣어 보다 [deu-deo bo-da] → ✅ 들어 보다 [deu-reo bo-da] = to try listening — 듣다 [deut-da] is ㄷ-irregular.
  • ❌ Thinking 보다 [bo-da] always means “to see” → ✅ In -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da], it means “try doing / experience doing.”
  • ❌ Using -아/어 봤어요 [-a/eo bwat-sseo-yo] for a future plan → ✅ Use -아/어 볼게요 [-a/eo bol-ge-yo] = I’ll try doing.
 
🎉 -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da] is your “tiny experiment” grammar. Add it to a verb, and suddenly Korean becomes a lab coat with snacks. 🥼🍰
 

Try this exercise

Instructions
Complete each sentence with the correct “try doing” form. Read the Korean line, say the romanization line, then open the Answer toggle. 🧪
1. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try eating cake. 🍰
Answer
먹어 [meo-geo] — 먹다 [meok-da] = to eat → 먹어 보다 [meo-geo bo-da] = to try eating. 🍚
2. 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 마시다 [ma-si-da] = to drink → 마셔 보다 [ma-syeo bo-da].
3. 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried reading a book. 📚
Answer
읽어 [il-geo] — 읽다 [ik-da] = to read → 읽어 봤어요 [il-geo bwat-sseo-yo].
4. 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — 듣다 [deut-da] = to listen → 들어 보다 [deu-reo bo-da]. ㄷ changes to ㄹ.
5. 옷을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[o-seul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try wearing clothes. 👕
Answer
입어 [i-beo] — 입다 [ip-da] = to wear clothes → 입어 보다 [i-beo bo-da].
6. 신발을 ＿＿＿＿ 볼게요.
[sin-ba-reul ＿＿＿＿ bol-ge-yo]
I’ll try wearing shoes. 👟
Answer
신어 [si-neo] — 신다 [sin-da] = to wear shoes → 신어 볼게요 [si-neo bol-ge-yo].
7. 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — 쓰다 [sseu-da] = to wear a hat / write / use → 써 보다 [sseo bo-da].
8. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried making cake. 🍰
Answer
만들어 [man-deu-reo] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] = to make → 만들어 보다 [man-deu-reo bo-da].
9. 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 볼게요.
[gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bol-ge-yo]
I’ll try looking for the way. 🛣️
Answer
찾아 [cha-ja] — 찾다 [chat-da] = to find / look for → 찾아 보다 [cha-ja bo-da].
10. 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried learning Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
배워 [bae-wo] — 배우다 [bae-u-da] = to learn → 배워 보다 [bae-wo bo-da].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 입다 [ip-da] → to wear clothes
  • 신다 [sin-da] → to wear shoes
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to find / look for
  • 배우다 [bae-u-da] → to learn
  • 보다 [bo-da] → to try doing / experience doing in this pattern
Tip 💡 First make the verb’s 아/어 [a/eo] shape, then add 보다 [bo-da].
🚀
Want more reps? Keep scrolling to the Practice Hub when you’re ready!
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Attempting and Trying: -아/어 보다
 
Welcome to the Practice Hub for -아/어 보다 [-a/eo bo-da]. This section helps you practice the grammar as a real “try it out” pattern: present attempts, past experiences, polite suggestions, and “I’ll try” intentions. Keep the feeling light and experimental — tiny grammar lab coat, optional snack. 🧪🍪
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before checking the answer.
 
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank with the correct 아/어 [a/eo] form before 보다 [bo-da], 봐요 [bwa-yo], 봤어요 [bwat-sseo-yo], 보세요 [bo-se-yo], or 볼게요 [bol-ge-yo]. Read each Korean sentence aloud, check the romanization, and then open the Answer toggle.
 

Exercise 1 — Basic Try Forms 🧪

A. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try eating cake. 🍰
Answer
먹어 [meo-geo] — 케이크를 먹어 봐요. [ke-i-keu-reul meo-geo bwa-yo] = I try eating cake.
B. 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 차를 마셔 봐요. [cha-reul ma-syeo bwa-yo] = I try drinking tea.
C. 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try reading a book. 📚
Answer
읽어 [il-geo] — 책을 읽어 봐요. [chae-geul il-geo bwa-yo] = I try reading a book.
D. 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — 듣다 [deut-da] = to listen → 들어 보다 [deu-reo bo-da].
E. 옷을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[o-seul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try wearing clothes. 👕
Answer
입어 [i-beo] — 옷을 입어 봐요. [o-seul i-beo bwa-yo] = I try wearing clothes.
F. 신발을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[sin-ba-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try wearing shoes. 👟
Answer
신어 [si-neo] — 신발을 신어 봐요. [sin-ba-reul si-neo bwa-yo] = I try wearing shoes.
G. 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — For hats, 쓰다 [sseu-da] means “to wear.”
H. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try making cake. 🍰
Answer
만들어 [man-deu-reo] — 만들다 [man-deul-da] = to make → 만들어 보다 [man-deu-reo bo-da].
I. 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try looking for the way. 🛣️
Answer
찾아 [cha-ja] — 찾다 [chat-da] = to find / look for → 찾아 보다 [cha-ja bo-da].
J. 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try learning Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
배워 [bae-wo] — 배우다 [bae-u-da] = to learn → 배워 보다 [bae-wo bo-da].
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 옷 [ot] → clothes
  • 신발 [sin-bal] → shoes
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 길 [gil] → road / way
  • 한국어 [han-gu-geo] → Korean language
Tip 💡 봐요 [bwa-yo] is the friendly present/polite form.
 

Exercise 2 — Gentle Suggestions 🤲

A. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try eating cake. 🍰
Answer
먹어 [meo-geo] — 먹어 보세요 [meo-geo bo-se-yo] = please try eating.
B. 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 마셔 보세요 [ma-syeo bo-se-yo] = please try drinking.
C. 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try reading a book. 📚
Answer
읽어 [il-geo] — 읽어 보세요 [il-geo bo-se-yo] = please try reading.
D. 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — 들어 보세요 [deu-reo bo-se-yo] = please try listening.
E. 옷을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[o-seul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try wearing clothes. 👕
Answer
입어 [i-beo] — 입어 보세요 [i-beo bo-se-yo] = please try wearing clothes.
F. 신발을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[sin-ba-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try wearing shoes. 👟
Answer
신어 [si-neo] — 신어 보세요 [si-neo bo-se-yo] = please try wearing shoes.
G. 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — 써 보세요 [sseo bo-se-yo] = please try wearing / writing / using.
H. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try making cake. 🍰
Answer
만들어 [man-deu-reo] — 만들어 보세요 [man-deu-reo bo-se-yo] = please try making.
I. 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try looking for the way. 🛣️
Answer
찾아 [cha-ja] — 찾아 보세요 [cha-ja bo-se-yo] = please try looking for.
J. 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try asking a question. ❓
Answer
물어 [mu-reo] — 묻다 [mut-da] = to ask → 물어 보다 [mu-reo bo-da].
🤲
Vocabulary Box
  • -아/어 보세요 [-a/eo bo-se-yo] → please try doing
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 입다 [ip-da] → to wear clothes
  • 신다 [sin-da] → to wear shoes
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 만들다 [man-deul-da] → to make
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to find / look for
  • 묻다 [mut-da] → to ask
Tip 💡 보세요 [bo-se-yo] makes the suggestion polite and gentle.
 

Exercise 3 — Past Experience 🕰️

A. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried eating cake. 🍰
Answer
먹어 [meo-geo] — 먹어 봤어요 [meo-geo bwat-sseo-yo] = have tried eating.
B. 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 마셔 봤어요 [ma-syeo bwat-sseo-yo] = have tried drinking.
C. 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried reading a book. 📚
Answer
읽어 [il-geo] — Final ㄺ links into 어 [eo]: 읽어 [il-geo].
D. 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — 듣다 [deut-da] changes to 들어 [deu-reo].
E. 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried walking the road. 🛣️
Answer
걸어 [geo-reo] — 걷다 [geot-da] = to walk → 걸어 보다 [geo-reo bo-da].
F. 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried asking a question. ❓
Answer
물어 [mu-reo] — 묻다 [mut-da] = to ask → 물어 보다 [mu-reo bo-da].
G. 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — 써 봤어요 [sseo bwat-sseo-yo] = have tried wearing / writing / using.
H. 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried making cake. 🍰
Answer
만들어 [man-deu-reo] — 만들어 봤어요 [man-deu-reo bwat-sseo-yo].
I. 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried learning Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
배워 [bae-wo] — 배워 봤어요 [bae-wo bwat-sseo-yo].
J. 학교에 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[hak-gyo-e ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried going to school. 🏫
Answer
가 [ga] — 가다 [ga-da] = to go → 가 보다 [ga bo-da].
🕰️
Vocabulary Box
  • -아/어 봤어요 [-a/eo bwat-sseo-yo] → tried / have tried
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 차 [cha] → tea
  • 책 [chaek] → book
  • 음악 [eu-mak] → music
  • 길 [gil] → road / way
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
  • 모자 [mo-ja] → hat
  • 케이크 [ke-i-keu] → cake
  • 한국어 [han-gu-geo] → Korean language
  • 학교 [hak-gyo] → school
Tip 💡 Past tense often sounds like “I’ve tried it before.”
 

Exercise 4 — Shape-Shift Practice 🔄

A. 듣다 → 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[deut-da → eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들어 [deut-da → deu-reo].
B. 걷다 → 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[geot-da → gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try walking the road. 🛣️
Answer
걸어 [geo-reo] — ㄷ-irregular: 걷다 → 걸어 [geot-da → geo-reo].
C. 묻다 → 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[mut-da → jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try asking a question. ❓
Answer
물어 [mu-reo] — ㄷ-irregular: 묻다 → 물어 [mut-da → mu-reo].
D. 닫다 → 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[dat-da → mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try closing the door. 🚪
Answer
닫아 [da-da] — 닫다 [dat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays.
E. 받다 → 선물을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[bat-da → seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try receiving a gift. 🎁
Answer
받아 [ba-da] — 받다 [bat-da] is regular, so ㄷ stays.
F. 마시다 → 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[ma-si-da → cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 마시다 → 마셔 [ma-si-da → ma-syeo].
G. 쓰다 → 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[sseu-da → mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — 쓰다 → 써 [sseu-da → sseo].
H. 배우다 → 한국어를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[bae-u-da → han-gu-geo-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try learning Korean. 🇰🇷
Answer
배워 [bae-wo] — 배우다 → 배워 [bae-u-da → bae-wo].
I. 오다 → 학교에 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[o-da → hak-gyo-e ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try coming to school. 🏫
Answer
와 [wa] — 오다 → 와 보다 [o-da → wa bo-da].
J. 하다 → 한번 ＿＿＿＿ 볼게요.
[ha-da → han-beon ＿＿＿＿ bol-ge-yo]
I’ll try doing it once. ✅
Answer
해 [hae] — 하다 → 해 보다 [ha-da → hae bo-da].
🔄
Vocabulary Box
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 걷다 [geot-da] → to walk
  • 묻다 [mut-da] → to ask
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 배우다 [bae-u-da] → to learn
  • 오다 [o-da] → to come
  • 하다 [ha-da] → to do
  • 한번 [han-beon] → once / just once
  • 에 [e] → to / at
Tip 💡 ㄷ-irregular verbs change before 어 [eo], but regular ㄷ verbs do not.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 먹다 봐요 → ✅ 케이크를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[ke-i-keu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try eating cake. 🍰
Answer
먹어 [meo-geo] — Use the 아/어 [a/eo] form: 먹어 봐요 [meo-geo bwa-yo], not 먹다 봐요 [meok-da bwa-yo].
B. ❌ 마시어 봐요 → ✅ 차를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[cha-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try drinking tea. 🍵
Answer
마셔 [ma-syeo] — 마시다 [ma-si-da] naturally contracts to 마셔 [ma-syeo].
C. ❌ 듣어 봐요 → ✅ 음악을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[eu-ma-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try listening to music. 🎵
Answer
들어 [deu-reo] — 듣다 [deut-da] is ㄷ-irregular: 듣다 → 들어 [deut-da → deu-reo].
D. ❌ 받어 봐요 → ✅ 선물을 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[seon-mu-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try receiving a gift. 🎁
Answer
받아 [ba-da] — 받다 [bat-da] is regular: 받아 보다 [ba-da bo-da].
E. ❌ 쓰어 봐요 → ✅ 모자를 ＿＿＿＿ 봐요.
[mo-ja-reul ＿＿＿＿ bwa-yo]
I try wearing a hat. 🧢
Answer
써 [sseo] — 쓰다 [sseu-da] becomes 써 [sseo].
F. 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 봤어요.
[chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ bwat-sseo-yo]
I’ve tried reading a book. 📚
Answer
읽어 [il-geo] — Past experience uses -아/어 봤어요 [-a/eo bwat-sseo-yo].
G. 길을 ＿＿＿＿ 볼게요.
[gi-reul ＿＿＿＿ bol-ge-yo]
I’ll try looking for the way. 🛣️
Answer
찾아 [cha-ja] — Future intention uses -아/어 볼게요 [-a/eo bol-ge-yo].
H. 학교에 ＿＿＿＿ 볼게요.
[hak-gyo-e ＿＿＿＿ bol-ge-yo]
I’ll try going to school. 🏫
Answer
가 [ga] — 가다 [ga-da] becomes 가 보다 [ga bo-da].
I. 학교에 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[hak-gyo-e ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try coming to school. 🏫
Answer
와 [wa] — 오다 [o-da] becomes 와 보다 [wa bo-da].
J. 한번 ＿＿＿＿ 보세요.
[han-beon ＿＿＿＿ bo-se-yo]
Please try doing it once. ✅
Answer
해 [hae] — 하다 [ha-da] becomes 해 보다 [hae bo-da].
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 먹다 [meok-da] → to eat
  • 마시다 [ma-si-da] → to drink
  • 듣다 [deut-da] → to listen
  • 받다 [bat-da] → to receive
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to wear a hat / write / use
  • 읽다 [ik-da] → to read
  • 찾다 [chat-da] → to find / look for
  • 가다 [ga-da] → to go
  • 오다 [o-da] → to come
  • 하다 [ha-da] → to do
  • 선물 [seon-mul] → gift
  • 한번 [han-beon] → once / just once
Tip 💡 If you see dictionary form + 보다 [bo-da], pause. The verb usually needs its 아/어 [a/eo] form first.
 
🎉
Great work! You’ve tried the “try doing” grammar, tried the past-experience form, tried the suggestion form, and tried the little irregular goblins too. That’s a lot of trying — very heroic, very snack-worthy. 🍪