-아/어 보이다
Used to express one's impression or conjecture based on the outward appearance of a person, object, or situation.
Summary
Equivalent
To look (like) / To seem
Also: -게 보이다 (To look... - Similar meaning, focuses on manner)
Example
Since you're wearing your newly bought clothes, you look much slimmer.
새로 산 옷을 입으니까 훨씬 날씬해 보여요.
Grammar rules
- Attach to adjective stems only.
- If the stem ends with 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ', use '-아 보이다'.
- Otherwise, use '-어 보이다'.
- Note that this cannot be used with verbs or nouns.
- This expression is used exclusively with adjectives. To express conjecture with verbs, use '-(으)ㄴ/는 것 같다' or '-(으)ㄴ/는 모양이다'.
비가 와 보여요 (X) -> 비가 오는 것 같아요 (O - It looks like it's raining).
Patterns
Adjectives (Present)
Present Appearance · Stem + 아/어 보이다
Adjectives (Past)
Past Appearance · Stem + 아/어 보였다
Conjecture
Future/Conjecture · Stem + 아/어 보일 것이다
Example sentences
Since you're wearing your newly bought clothes, you look much slimmer.
새로 산 옷을 입으니까 훨씬 날씬해 보여요.
The food at that restaurant looked really delicious.
그 식당의 음식은 정말 맛있어 보였습니다.
You look a little tired, so go home early and rest.
조금 피곤해 보이는데 일찍 집에 가서 쉬세요.
Conversation
A: How are these shoes? Do they suit me well?
이 구두 어때요? 저한테 잘 어울려요?
B: Yes, your feet look small and the color is pretty.
네, 발도 작아 보이고 색깔도 예쁘네요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct expression for outward appearance.
Sad.
Young.