Try doing: 아/어/여 보다

This pattern combines a verb with the word 보다. Usually, 보다 means "to see" or "to watch." But here, it loses that literal meaning. Instead, it adds the flavor of "trying." You are "seeing" what happens when you do something. It is like saying "do it and see." When used in the past tense, it means "have done." This is how you share your life stories. It is a very versatile and friendly structure. You can use it with almost any action verb. It works for small tasks and big life events.

1. 1Find the basic stem of your verb.
2. 2Look at the last vowel in that stem.
3. 3If the vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, add 아 보다.
4. 4If the vowel is anything else, add 어 보다.
5. 5If the verb ends in 하다, change it to 해 보다.
6. 6To talk about the past, use 아/어/여 봤어요.
7. 7To make a suggestion, use 아/어/여 보세요.
8. 8For future intent, use 아/어/여 볼 거예요.

Use this when trying food for the first time. It is perfect for ordering a new dish. Use it when you are trying on clothes. It fits perfectly in a fitting room scenario. Use it when suggesting a movie to a friend. It sounds much softer than a direct command. Use it to talk about your travel history. "I have been to Paris" uses this pattern. Use it when you attempt a difficult task. It shows you are making an effort. It is great for job interviews too. You can talk about your past work experiences. It makes you sound proactive and experienced.

Do not use this with adjectives like "pretty." You cannot "try" being tall or short. It only works with actions you can control. Avoid using it for things you do daily. Do not say "I try breathing" every morning. That would sound very strange to locals. Avoid it if the action is involuntary. You cannot "try" to have a headache. It is also not for serious, life-long commitments. You do not "try" to get married normally. Use it for experiences and attempts only.

Many people forget the space after the first part. It should be 먹어 보다, not 먹어보다. However, some common words are now written together. Don't worry, even native speakers mess this up. Another mistake is using it with 있다 or 없다. These do not pair well with this grammar. Some people use the wrong vowel conjugation. Remember the ㅏ/ㅗ rule very carefully. Do not use it when you already finished. If you are already eating, don't say "try." Just say you are enjoying the meal.

Compare 아/어 보다 with (으)ㄴ 적이 있다. Both can talk about the past. 아/어 봤어요 is much more common in speech. It feels more casual and natural. (으)ㄴ 적이 있다 feels a bit more formal. It focuses on the fact of the record. 아/어 보다 focuses on the experience itself. Also, compare it with (으)려고 노력하다. That means "to make a big effort." 아/어 보다 is much lighter and easier. It is a simple "give it a go."