Diese Seite in deiner Sprache
English فارسی العربية Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A1 verb #1,800 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

물어보다

mureoboda
At the A1 beginner level, the verb 물어보다 is introduced as an absolute necessity for basic survival and interaction in a Korean-speaking environment. Beginners learn this word primarily to seek essential information, such as asking for directions, prices, or simple clarifications. The focus at this stage is on mastering the basic present and past tense conjugations (물어봐요, 물어봤어요) and understanding the fundamental sentence structure: [Person]한테 [Question]을/를 물어봐요. For example, a student might learn to say '선생님한테 물어봐요' (I ask the teacher) or '친구한테 물어봤어요' (I asked a friend). A critical learning point at the A1 level is the introduction of the ㄷ-irregular conjugation. Because the root is 묻다, beginners must memorize that the ㄷ changes to ㄹ, resulting in 물어보다 rather than the incorrect 묻어보다. This phonetic rule is foundational for many other Korean verbs. Furthermore, A1 learners are taught the polite request form '물어봐도 돼요?' (May I ask?), which is a highly practical phrase for initiating a conversation respectfully. While the honorific form 여쭤보다 might be briefly introduced, the primary emphasis remains on the standard polite form (해요체) to ensure the learner can function in everyday situations. The vocabulary is practiced through role-playing scenarios, such as shopping at a market ('이거 얼마인지 물어보세요' - Ask how much this is) or navigating a city ('경찰에게 길을 물어봤어요' - I asked the police for directions). By mastering 물어보다 at the A1 level, learners gain the confidence to actively engage with native speakers and take control of their own learning process by asking questions when they do not understand something.
As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, their use of 물어보다 becomes more nuanced and integrated into slightly more complex grammatical structures. While A1 focused on direct, simple questions, A2 learners begin to use 물어보다 in conjunction with indirect question forms. They learn to embed questions within larger sentences using patterns like '-는지 물어보다' (to ask whether/if) for action verbs, and '-(으)ㄴ지 물어보다' for descriptive verbs. For instance, an A2 learner can construct sentences like '친구가 언제 오는지 물어봤어요' (I asked when my friend is coming) or '그 식당이 맛있는지 물어볼게요' (I will ask if that restaurant is delicious). This represents a significant leap in communicative ability, allowing learners to report conversations and express curiosity about specific details. Additionally, A2 learners expand their conjugation repertoire to include future tense (물어볼 거예요) and imperative forms (물어보세요, 물어보지 마세요). The distinction between 물어보다 (to ask for information) and 부탁하다 (to ask for a favor) is heavily emphasized at this stage to correct common semantic errors made by English speakers. Furthermore, the cultural importance of honorifics is reinforced, and learners are expected to actively differentiate between using 물어보다 for peers and 여쭤보다 for elders or superiors in their daily practice. They also start encountering the base verb 묻다 in written texts or formal listening exercises, learning to recognize it as the root of 물어보다. Overall, the A2 level transforms 물어보다 from a simple survival tool into a versatile verb used for reporting, planning, and polite social interaction.
At the B1 intermediate level, the application of 물어보다 expands significantly as learners engage in more complex and abstract conversations. B1 learners are expected to handle a wider variety of social situations with appropriate nuance and register. They frequently use 물어보다 in conditional sentences, such as '모르는 것이 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요' (If there is anything you don't know, please ask anytime), or in expressions of regret or necessity, like '미리 물어볼 걸 그랬어요' (I should have asked in advance) and '꼭 물어봐야 해요' (I absolutely have to ask). The ability to quote others becomes crucial at this level, and learners master the indirect quotation forms specifically for questions: '-냐고 물어보다'. For example, '친구가 나한테 밥 먹었냐고 물어봤어요' (My friend asked me if I had eaten). This grammatical structure is essential for storytelling and recounting past events accurately. Furthermore, B1 learners develop a stronger grasp of synonyms and related vocabulary, learning when to substitute 물어보다 with more formal terms like 문의하다 (to inquire) in business contexts or 질문하다 (to question) in academic settings. They also become adept at using various particles and adverbs to modify the verb, such as '자세히 물어보다' (to ask in detail) or '조심스럽게 물어보다' (to ask cautiously). The cultural nuances of asking questions in Korea—such as avoiding overly direct or personal questions depending on the relationship—are also explored more deeply. By the end of B1, learners can seamlessly integrate 물어보다 into fluid, multi-clause sentences and use it to navigate both casual and moderately formal environments with confidence.
Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means the learner has achieved a high degree of fluency and accuracy in using 물어보다 across diverse and complex contexts. At this stage, the mechanical aspects of conjugation and basic grammar are fully internalized, and the focus shifts to stylistic choices, idiomatic usage, and advanced conversational strategies. B2 learners effortlessly employ complex quoting structures, including contracted forms like '-냐고 묻다/물어보다' in rapid speech. They are capable of discussing abstract topics, hypothetical situations, and professional matters, using 물어보다 to clarify complex arguments or solicit detailed opinions. For example, '그 정책의 실효성에 대해 전문가의 의견을 물어볼 필요가 있습니다' (There is a need to ask for an expert's opinion on the effectiveness of that policy). They also understand the subtle pragmatic differences between the compound verb 물어보다 and the base verb 묻다, often choosing 묻다 in formal writing, essays, or news reports for a more concise and objective tone. Furthermore, B2 learners are highly sensitive to register and hierarchy, flawlessly switching between 물어보다, 여쭤보다, and 문의하다 depending on the audience and the medium of communication (e.g., spoken vs. written, casual chat vs. formal email). They also encounter and use idiomatic expressions or collocations involving the concept of asking, such as '안부를 묻다' (to ask after someone's health/well-being). At this level, the ability to ask questions is not just about gathering information, but about guiding conversations, showing empathy, challenging assumptions, and participating fully in the intellectual and social life of the Korean-speaking community.
At the C1 advanced level, the use of 물어보다 and its related vocabulary is characterized by near-native precision, rhetorical sophistication, and a deep understanding of sociolinguistic nuances. C1 learners manipulate the language to achieve specific communicative goals, using questions not just for information, but for persuasion, polite confrontation, or subtle suggestion. They might use rhetorical questions or indirect phrasing to soften a critique: '그 결정이 과연 최선이었는지 조심스럽게 물어보고 싶습니다' (I would like to cautiously ask whether that decision was truly the best one). The distinction between 물어보다, 묻다, 여쭤보다, 문의하다, and 질의하다 (to formally query) is completely mastered, and the learner can select the perfect word to match the exact tone of a legal document, an academic dissertation, or a high-level corporate negotiation. In literature and advanced reading materials, C1 learners easily comprehend complex narrative structures where 묻다 is used metaphorically or in archaic forms. They are also adept at understanding the cultural subtext of questions in Korean society, recognizing when a question is actually a polite directive or a expression of concern rather than a literal request for information. For instance, asking '밥 먹었어?' (Did you eat?) is understood as a greeting rather than a strict inquiry about diet. The advanced learner uses 물어보다 fluidly within highly complex grammatical structures, such as double indirect quotations or embedded clauses with multiple modifiers. Their speech is natural, idiomatic, and culturally attuned, demonstrating a profound mastery of how the concept of 'asking' functions within the broader landscape of the Korean language and society.
At the C2 mastery level, the learner's command of 물어보다 and the entire semantic field of inquiry is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The usage is instinctive, elegant, and perfectly adapted to any conceivable situation, from the most intimate personal conversations to the most rigorous academic or diplomatic discourse. C2 users possess an exhaustive vocabulary of synonyms, archaic terms, and specialized jargon related to asking and questioning (e.g., 심문하다 for interrogate, 탐문하다 for inquire/investigate). They can analyze and critique the way questions are framed in media, politics, and literature, understanding the subtle biases or implications hidden within the choice of words (e.g., the difference in nuance between 묻다 and 따져 묻다 - to cross-examine or demand an answer). In their own production, C2 speakers use 물어보다 with absolute grammatical perfection, effortlessly weaving it into the most complex syntactic structures without hesitation. They are masters of pragmatic competence, knowing exactly how to formulate a question to achieve a desired psychological or social effect—whether to comfort, to challenge, to defer, or to assert authority. They intuitively navigate the complex web of Korean honorifics and politeness levels, adjusting their language dynamically based on subtle shifts in the social dynamic. At this ultimate stage of proficiency, the verb 물어보다 is merely one tool among many in a vast and finely tuned linguistic repertoire, used with the artistry and precision that characterizes true mastery of the Korean language.
Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

물어보다 in 30 Sekunden

  • The most common and natural way to say 'to ask' in everyday spoken Korean.
  • Formed by combining 묻다 (to ask) + 어 보다 (to try), literally 'to try asking'.
  • Follows the ㄷ-irregular conjugation rule, changing the ㄷ to ㄹ before vowels.
  • Must be replaced by the honorific 여쭤보다 when asking an elder or superior.

The Korean verb 물어보다 (mul-eo-bo-da) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to ask' or 'to inquire' in English. It is a compound verb formed by combining the base verb 묻다 (mut-da), which means 'to ask', with the auxiliary verb 아/어 보다 (a/eo bo-da), which means 'to try doing something'. Therefore, the literal translation of 물어보다 is 'to try asking', but in everyday conversational Korean, it is simply used as the standard way to say 'to ask a question'. Understanding this word is absolutely crucial for learners at the A1 level because asking questions is the primary way we navigate new environments, seek information, and build relationships. When you are in Korea, you will constantly need to ask for directions, prices, clarifications, and personal details, making this verb one of the most frequently used words in your daily vocabulary arsenal. The linguistic structure of this word also introduces learners to the highly common and useful grammatical pattern of adding 아/어 보다 to verbs to soften the action or indicate an attempt, which makes the language sound much more natural and polite compared to using the base verb alone. Furthermore, the verb 묻다 is a ㄷ-irregular verb, meaning that when it is followed by a vowel, the final consonant ㄷ changes to ㄹ. This is why 묻다 + 어 보다 becomes 물어보다 instead of 묻어보다. This phonetic shift is a critical pronunciation and conjugation rule that learners must master early on. The usage of 물어보다 is generally appropriate for situations where you are speaking to peers, friends, or individuals of a similar social standing. However, it is deeply important to note the cultural context of Korean honorifics. When you are asking a question to someone significantly older than you, a teacher, a boss, or a senior family member, you must use the honorific equivalent, 여쭤보다 (yeo-jjwo-bo-da). Using 물어보다 towards an elder can be perceived as disrespectful or overly casual. Therefore, mastering 물어보다 also involves understanding its boundaries and knowing when to switch to its honorific counterpart. In addition to simple questions, 물어보다 can be used in various complex sentence structures, such as indirect speech, where you report that someone asked a question, or in conditional sentences, where you suggest asking someone if a certain situation arises. The versatility of this verb allows it to be combined with numerous other grammatical particles and endings to express a wide range of nuances, from polite requests to casual inquiries. As you progress in your Korean learning journey, you will find that 물어보다 serves as a foundational building block for more advanced communication skills.

Morphology
묻다 (to ask) + 어 보다 (to try) = 물어보다
Irregularity
ㄷ-irregular verb (ㄷ changes to ㄹ before vowels)
Honorific Counterpart
여쭤보다 (used for elders and superiors)

선생님에게 모르는 것을 물어보세요.

Please ask the teacher what you don't know.

길을 잃어서 경찰관에게 물어봤어요.

I got lost, so I asked a police officer.

친구한테 내일 날씨를 물어볼게요.

I will ask my friend about tomorrow's weather.

이름이 뭔지 물어봐도 될까요?

May I ask what your name is?

그 사람에게 나이를 물어보지 마세요.

Don't ask that person their age.

Using the verb 물어보다 correctly involves understanding its conjugation patterns, the particles it pairs with, and the social context of the conversation. Because it is an action verb, it is typically preceded by an object particle (을/를) to indicate what is being asked, and a dative particle (에게/한테/께) to indicate who is being asked. For example, in the sentence '친구한테 질문을 물어봤어요' (I asked my friend a question), '친구한테' indicates the recipient of the question, and '질문을' indicates the content of the question. However, in casual conversation, these particles are frequently dropped, resulting in '친구한테 질문 물어봤어요' or simply '친구한테 물어봤어요' if the context is clear. The conjugation of 물어보다 follows standard regular verb rules because the irregular shift from ㄷ to ㄹ has already occurred in the base form of this compound verb. In the present tense polite form (해요체), it becomes 물어봐요. In the past tense polite form, it becomes 물어봤어요. In the future tense polite form, it becomes 물어볼 거예요. In the formal polite form (하십시오체), which is used in professional or public settings, it conjugates to 물어봅니다 (present), 물어봤습니다 (past), and 물어볼 겁니다 (future). For casual speech (해체) used with close friends or younger people, you simply drop the '요' from the polite form, resulting in 물어봐, 물어봤어, and 물어볼 거야. Another very common grammatical structure used with 물어보다 is the permission-seeking pattern '-아/어도 되다'. When you want to politely ask if it is okay to ask a question, you can say '물어봐도 돼요?' (Is it okay if I ask?) or '물어봐도 될까요?' (Might it be okay if I ask?). This is a highly recommended phrase for beginners to memorize, as it shows respect and consideration for the listener's time and boundaries. Additionally, 물어보다 is often used with indirect question forms, such as '-는지 물어보다' (to ask whether/if). For example, '그 식당이 맛있는지 물어봤어요' means 'I asked if that restaurant is delicious'. This structure is essential for reporting questions or expressing curiosity about a specific fact. It is also important to note that while 물어보다 means 'to ask', it is specifically used for asking questions to get information. It should not be confused with 부탁하다, which means 'to ask a favor' or 'to request'. If you want someone to do something for you, you use 부탁하다; if you want to know something, you use 물어보다. Mastering these nuances and conjugation patterns will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in Korean, allowing you to navigate various social situations with confidence and cultural appropriateness.

Present Tense
물어봐요 (Polite), 물어봅니다 (Formal), 물어봐 (Casual)
Past Tense
물어봤어요 (Polite), 물어봤습니다 (Formal), 물어봤어 (Casual)
Future Tense
물어볼 거예요 (Polite), 물어볼 겁니다 (Formal), 물어볼 거야 (Casual)

모르는 단어가 있으면 저한테 물어보세요.

If there is a word you don't know, please ask me.

어제 선생님께 시험 범위를 물어봤습니다.

Yesterday, I asked the teacher about the exam scope.

이거 얼마인지 점원에게 물어볼까요?

Shall we ask the clerk how much this is?

개인적인 질문을 하나 물어봐도 될까요?

May I ask you a personal question?

그 친구가 언제 오는지 물어봐 줘.

Please ask that friend when they are coming.

The verb 물어보다 is ubiquitous in the Korean language, echoing through classrooms, bustling markets, corporate offices, and casual gatherings alike. Its presence is a testament to the human need for connection, clarification, and information gathering. In an educational setting, such as a language school or university, you will frequently hear teachers encouraging students with phrases like '질문 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요' (If you have any questions, please ask anytime). This creates an open environment for learning and demonstrates the verb's role in facilitating education. Conversely, students will often say to each other, '이거 어떻게 하는지 선생님한테 물어보자' (Let's ask the teacher how to do this), highlighting its use in collaborative problem-solving. In commercial environments, such as retail stores, restaurants, or traditional markets, 물어보다 is essential for consumer interactions. Shoppers will ask clerks, '다른 색상 있는지 물어봐도 돼요?' (Can I ask if you have other colors?), while diners might ask waitstaff, '이 요리 맵나요? 직원에게 물어볼게요' (Is this dish spicy? I'll ask the staff). In these contexts, the verb bridges the gap between customer needs and service provision. In the workplace, the verb takes on a more professional tone, often used to coordinate tasks and clarify instructions. Colleagues might say, '그 프로젝트 진행 상황을 팀장님께 물어봤어요?' (Did you ask the team leader about the progress of that project?), although in highly formal corporate settings, the honorific 여쭤보다 or the more formal 문의하다 (to inquire) might be preferred depending on the hierarchy. Furthermore, in everyday social interactions among friends and family, 물어보다 is used to express care, curiosity, and engagement. Friends might say, '요즘 어떻게 지내는지 물어보고 싶었어' (I wanted to ask how you've been doing lately), or '그 영화 재미있는지 친구한테 물어봐야겠다' (I should ask my friend if that movie is good). The verb is also heavily featured in Korean media, including dramas, variety shows, and news interviews. In dramas, a dramatic turning point often hinges on a character finally asking a crucial question: '내가 누구인지 물어봐 줄래?' (Will you ask me who I am?). In variety shows, hosts constantly use the verb to prompt guests for anecdotes or opinions. Because it is such a core component of daily communication, exposing yourself to natural Korean conversations through listening practice, watching media, or interacting with native speakers will rapidly familiarize you with the myriad ways 물어보다 is deployed in real-life scenarios. It is a word that truly unlocks the ability to navigate the Korean-speaking world.

Classroom Context
Used by teachers to encourage questions and by students to seek help.
Shopping Context
Used to inquire about prices, sizes, stock, and product details.
Social Context
Used to catch up with friends, ask for opinions, and show interest.

수업이 끝난 후에 교수님께 물어보러 갔어요.

I went to ask the professor after class ended.

사이즈가 안 맞으면 직원에게 물어보세요.

If the size doesn't fit, please ask the staff.

길을 가는 사람에게 지하철역 위치를 물어봤다.

I asked a passerby the location of the subway station.

엄마한테 오늘 저녁 메뉴가 뭔지 물어볼게.

I'll ask mom what tonight's dinner menu is.

면접관이 저에게 어려운 질문을 물어보셨습니다.

The interviewer asked me a difficult question.

While 물어보다 is a basic and essential verb, learners frequently make several common mistakes regarding its conjugation, usage context, and distinction from similar verbs. The most prevalent error among beginners is failing to apply the ㄷ-irregular conjugation rule correctly. Because the root verb is 묻다, learners often mistakenly conjugate it as 묻어보다, 묻어요, or 묻어봤어요. It is crucial to remember that the ㄷ changes to ㄹ when followed by a vowel, making the correct forms 물어보다, 물어요, and 물어봤어요. Another significant mistake involves a lack of cultural awareness regarding honorifics. Using 물어보다 when speaking to or about someone of higher social status (such as a grandparent, a boss, or a teacher) is considered impolite. In these situations, learners must substitute 물어보다 with its honorific counterpart, 여쭤보다 (yeo-jjwo-bo-da). For instance, saying '할아버지한테 물어봤어요' (I asked grandfather) sounds slightly disrespectful; the correct phrasing is '할아버지께 여쭤봤어요'. Furthermore, learners often confuse the particles used with this verb. To indicate the person being asked, you should use 에게 (formal/written) or 한테 (casual/spoken), not 에 (which is for locations or time) or 을/를 (which is for direct objects). Saying '친구를 물어봤어요' literally means 'I asked the friend' (as in, the friend was the question itself, which makes no sense), whereas '친구한테 물어봤어요' correctly means 'I asked (a question to) my friend'. Additionally, English speakers often translate the English phrase 'to ask for a favor' directly into Korean using 물어보다. This is a critical semantic error. 물어보다 strictly means 'to ask a question to obtain information'. If you want to ask someone to do something for you, you must use 부탁하다 (to request) or the grammar pattern -아/어 주다 (to do something for someone). For example, 'I asked him for help' should be translated as '그에게 도움을 부탁했어요', not '그에게 도움을 물어봤어요'. Lastly, learners sometimes overuse the base verb 묻다 instead of the compound 물어보다 in casual conversation. While 묻다 is grammatically correct, 물어보다 sounds much softer, more natural, and less abrupt in everyday spoken Korean. By being mindful of these common pitfalls—irregular conjugation, honorific substitution, correct particle usage, semantic boundaries, and natural phrasing—learners can significantly improve the accuracy and fluency of their Korean communication.

Conjugation Error
Saying 묻어보다 instead of the correct 물어보다.
Honorific Error
Using 물어보다 for elders instead of 여쭤보다.
Semantic Error
Using 물어보다 to 'ask a favor' instead of 부탁하다.

❌ 선생님한테 물어봤어요. -> ⭕ 선생님께 여쭤봤어요.

Incorrect vs. Correct use of honorifics for a teacher.

❌ 길을 묻어봤어요. -> ⭕ 길을 물어봤어요.

Incorrect vs. Correct conjugation of the ㄷ-irregular verb.

❌ 친구를 물어봤어요. -> ⭕ 친구한테 물어봤어요.

Incorrect vs. Correct particle usage (Object vs. Dative).

❌ 도움을 물어봤어요. -> ⭕ 도움을 부탁했어요.

Incorrect vs. Correct verb for asking a favor.

❌ 돈을 빌려달라고 물어봤어요. -> ⭕ 돈을 빌려달라고 했어요.

Incorrect vs. Correct way to ask for an action/item.

The Korean language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing the concept of asking or inquiring, and understanding the nuances between 물어보다 and its synonyms is key to achieving fluency. The most direct synonym is the base verb 묻다 (to ask). While they share the same core meaning, 물어보다 (to try asking) is generally preferred in spoken Korean because the addition of '아/어 보다' softens the tone, making the inquiry sound less direct and more polite. 묻다 can sometimes sound a bit abrupt or formal, though it is frequently used in written texts, literature, and formal reporting. Another highly important related word is 여쭤보다 (to ask an elder/superior). As discussed previously, this is the strict honorific counterpart to 물어보다 and must be used when addressing someone of higher status to show proper respect. For more formal or official inquiries, the verb 문의하다 (to inquire) is commonly used. You will see this word frequently on websites, customer service portals, and business correspondence. For example, '자세한 사항은 고객센터로 문의해 주시기 바랍니다' (For details, please inquire at the customer service center). It carries a professional weight that 물어보다 lacks. Similarly, 질문하다 (to question / to ask a question) is a formal Sino-Korean word often used in academic, professional, or structured settings. While you can say '선생님한테 물어봤어요' (I asked the teacher), saying '선생님께 질문했어요' (I asked the teacher a question) sounds slightly more academic and formal. Another related concept is 알아보다 (to look into / to investigate / to find out). While not a direct synonym for asking a question, it is often the intended action behind asking. For instance, '비행기 표 가격을 알아볼게요' (I will look into the flight ticket prices) implies that you will ask around or search for the information. Lastly, 면담하다 (to have an interview/consultation) and 상담하다 (to consult) involve asking questions but within the specific context of seeking professional advice or having a formal discussion. By understanding these subtle distinctions, learners can choose the most appropriate verb for the specific context, whether they are chatting with a friend, writing a formal email, seeking customer support, or showing respect to an elder. This nuanced vocabulary usage is a hallmark of an advanced Korean speaker.

묻다
The base verb 'to ask'. More direct, often used in writing.
여쭤보다
The honorific form of 'to ask'. Essential for polite speech.
문의하다
To inquire. Used in formal, business, or customer service contexts.

친구에게 길을 물어봤다. (Casual, spoken)

I asked my friend for directions.

할아버지께 안부를 여쭤봤습니다. (Honorific, respectful)

I asked my grandfather how he was doing.

고객센터에 배송 조회를 문의했습니다. (Formal, business)

I inquired at the customer center about delivery tracking.

강연이 끝난 후 연사에게 질문했습니다. (Academic, structured)

After the lecture, I asked the speaker a question.

인터넷으로 기차 시간을 알아봤어요. (Investigating, finding out)

I looked up the train times on the internet.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

선생님한테 물어보세요.

Please ask the teacher.

Uses the polite imperative form -세요 and the dative particle 한테.

2

이거 얼마인지 물어봤어요.

I asked how much this is.

Uses the past tense polite form -았/었어요.

3

친구한테 물어볼게요.

I will ask my friend.

Uses the future tense / intention form -(으)ㄹ게요.

4

이름을 물어봐도 돼요?

May I ask your name?

Uses the permission-seeking grammar pattern -아/어도 되다.

5

길을 몰라서 물어봤어요.

I didn't know the way, so I asked.

Connects two clauses with the reason particle -아/어서.

6

엄마한테 물어봐.

Ask mom. (Casual)

Uses the casual imperative form (해체) without the -요 ending.

7

질문 하나 물어볼까요?

Shall I ask one question?

Uses the suggestive/asking opinion form -(으)ㄹ까요.

8

경찰관에게 물어보세요.

Please ask the police officer.

Uses the formal written dative particle 에게 instead of 한테.

1

그 영화가 재미있는지 친구한테 물어봤어요.

I asked my friend if that movie is interesting.

Uses the indirect question form -는지 for descriptive verbs.

2

내일 비가 오는지 물어볼 거예요.

I will ask if it will rain tomorrow.

Combines indirect question -는지 with future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요.

3

어디에 가는지 물어보지 마세요.

Please don't ask where I am going.

Uses the negative imperative form -지 마세요.

4

도서관이 어디 있는지 물어보고 싶어요.

I want to ask where the library is.

Uses the desire form -고 싶다.

5

시간이 있으면 저한테 물어보세요.

If you have time, please ask me.

Uses the conditional form -(으)면.

6

모르는 단어를 사전에서 찾아보고 선생님께 물어봤어요.

I looked up the unknown word in the dictionary and asked the teacher.

Uses -고 to connect sequential actions and honorific 께.

7

왜 늦었는지 물어봤지만 대답하지 않았어요.

I asked why they were late, but they didn't answer.

Uses the contrastive conjunction -지만.

8

그 사람 전화번호를 물어보는 것을 깜빡했어요.

I forgot to ask for that person's phone number.

Uses -는 것 to nominalize the verb phrase.

1

사장님께 회의 시간을 다시 한번 물어봐 주시겠어요?

Could you please ask the boss about the meeting time one more time?

Uses the polite request form -아/어 주시겠어요 and honorific 께.

2

친구가 저한테 주말에 뭐 할 거냐고 물어봤어요.

My friend asked me what I was going to do on the weekend.

Uses the indirect quotation form for questions -냐고 하다/물어보다.

3

너무 개인적인 질문이라서 물어보기가 좀 조심스럽네요.

Because it's a very personal question, I'm a bit cautious about asking.

Uses -기 to nominalize and -아/어서 for reason.

4

자세한 내용은 담당자에게 직접 물어보시는 것이 좋겠습니다.

It would be better to ask the person in charge directly for detailed information.

Uses -는 것이 좋다 to give advice or a recommendation.

5

제가 먼저 물어보지 않았더라면 큰일 날 뻔했어요.

If I hadn't asked first, it would have been a big disaster.

Uses the past conditional -았/었더라면 and -(으)ㄹ 뻔하다 (almost happened).

6

그 문제에 대해서는 아직 아무에게도 물어보지 않은 상태입니다.

I am in a state where I haven't asked anyone about that problem yet.

Uses -은 상태이다 to describe a current state resulting from an action.

7

길을 잃었을 때는 당황하지 말고 주변 사람들에게 물어보도록 하세요.

When you are lost, don't panic and try to ask people around you.

Uses -도록 하다 to strongly suggest or instruct an action.

8

어떻게 해결해야 할지 몰라서 전문가에게 조언을 물어보기로 결정했습니다.

I didn't know how to solve it, so I decided to ask an expert for advice.

Uses -기로 결정하다 to express a decision.

1

이번 프로젝트의 예산 삭감 이유에 대해 경영진에게 단도직입적으로 물어볼 계획입니다.

I plan to ask the management directly about the reason for the budget cut for this project.

Uses advanced vocabulary (단도직입적으로) and -(으)ㄹ 계획이다.

2

그녀는 자신이 왜 이 일을 해야 하는지 끊임없이 스스로에게 물어보며 답을 찾으려 노력했다.

She constantly asked herself why she had to do this work, trying to find the answer.

Uses the simultaneous action form -(으)며 and -려 노력하다.

3

면접관이 예상치 못한 질문을 물어보는 바람에 머릿속이 하얗게 변해버렸습니다.

Because the interviewer asked an unexpected question, my mind went completely blank.

Uses -는 바람에 to indicate an unexpected negative cause/reason.

4

아무리 궁금해도 상대방이 말하고 싶어 하지 않는 눈치라면 굳이 캐묻어보지 않는 것이 예의입니다.

No matter how curious you are, if the other person doesn't seem to want to talk, it is polite not to pry.

Uses 아무리 -아/어도 (no matter how) and -는 눈치다 (to sense/notice).

5

설문조사를 통해 소비자들에게 신제품에 대한 만족도를 물어본 결과, 긍정적인 답변이 압도적이었습니다.

As a result of asking consumers about their satisfaction with the new product through a survey, positive answers were overwhelming.

Uses -은 결과 to state the result of a completed action.

6

그는 마치 내 마음을 꿰뚫어 보듯 정곡을 찌르는 질문을 물어와서 당황할 수밖에 없었다.

He asked a question that hit the nail on the head as if seeing right through my mind, so I had no choice but to be flustered.

Uses -듯 (as if) and -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 (have no choice but to).

7

계약서에 서명하기 전에 모호한 조항들에 대해서는 반드시 법률 전문가에게 물어보고 확인 절차를 거쳐야 합니다.

Before signing the contract, you must ask a legal expert about ambiguous clauses and go through a verification process.

Uses -기 전에 (before) and -아/어야 하다 (must/have to).

8

혹시라도 일정에 변동이 생기면 언제든지 주저하지 말고 저에게 물어보시기 바랍니다.

If by any chance there are changes to the schedule, please do not hesitate to ask me anytime.

Uses 혹시라도 (by any chance) and -기 바라다 (formal request/hope).

1

해당 사안의 법적 책임 소재를 명확히 규명하기 위해 관계 당국에 공식적으로 질의를 물어볼 방침입니다.

In order to clearly establish the locus of legal responsibility for the matter, it is our policy to formally ask questions to the relevant authorities.

Uses highly formal vocabulary (책임 소재, 규명, 방침) and -(으)ㄹ 방침이다.

2

그 학자는 인간 존재의 근원적인 의미에 대해 끊임없이 질문을 던지며 스스로에게 물어보는 삶을 살았습니다.

That scholar lived a life of constantly throwing questions about the fundamental meaning of human existence and asking himself.

Uses metaphorical phrasing (질문을 던지다) and abstract concepts.

3

언론은 권력의 이면에 감춰진 진실을 파헤치기 위해 끊임없이 의문을 제기하고 물어보아야 할 의무가 있습니다.

The media has a duty to constantly raise doubts and ask questions in order to uncover the truth hidden behind power.

Uses advanced verbs (파헤치다, 제기하다) and -아/어야 할 의무가 있다.

4

상대방의 의도를 섣불리 넘겨짚기보다는 정중하게 그 진의를 물어보는 것이 오해를 방지하는 지름길입니다.

Rather than hastily jumping to conclusions about the other person's intentions, politely asking their true meaning is the shortcut to preventing misunderstandings.

Uses -기보다는 (rather than) and idiomatic expressions (넘겨짚다, 지름길).

5

과연 이 정책이 사회적 약자들을 진정으로 보호할 수 있는 실효성 있는 대안인지 우리는 심각하게 물어보지 않을 수 없습니다.

We cannot help but seriously ask whether this policy is truly an effective alternative that can protect the socially vulnerable.

Uses rhetorical structure -지 않을 수 없다 (cannot help but).

6

그녀의 소설은 독자들에게 '당신이라면 이 상황에서 어떤 선택을 하겠는가?'라는 묵직한 화두를 던지며 물어옵니다.

Her novel asks the readers, throwing a heavy topic of conversation: 'What choice would you make in this situation?'

Uses direct quotation embedded as a modifier and literary terms (화두).

7

역사는 우리에게 과거의 실수를 되풀이하지 않기 위해 끊임없이 성찰하고 물어볼 것을 요구하고 있습니다.

History demands that we constantly reflect and ask questions in order not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Uses personification (역사는 요구하다) and -지 않기 위해 (in order not to).

8

사태의 심각성을 인지한 이사회는 경영진에게 즉각적인 해명과 향후 대책 마련을 강력히 촉구하며 물어보았습니다.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the board of directors strongly urged and asked the management for an immediate explanation and the preparation of future countermeasures.

Uses formal corporate jargon (인지, 해명, 대책, 촉구).

1

이 철학적 담론은 단순히 지식의 축적을 넘어, 인식의 지평을 확장하기 위해 끊임없이 회의하고 물어보는 과정 그 자체를 중시합니다.

This philosophical discourse values the process itself of constantly doubting and asking in order to expand the horizons of perception, going beyond the mere accumulation of knowledge.

Uses highly abstract academic vocabulary (담론, 축적, 인식의 지평, 회의).

2

권력의 심장부를 향해 날카로운 비수를 꽂듯 정곡을 찌르는 질문을 물어보는 기자의 결연한 눈빛에서 시대의 양심을 읽을 수 있었습니다.

I could read the conscience of the times in the resolute eyes of the reporter asking a piercing question as if plunging a sharp dagger into the heart of power.

Uses complex metaphors (심장부, 비수를 꽂듯) and literary style.

3

인간의 본성에 대한 그의 집요한 탐구는, 결국 '우리는 어디에서 와서 어디로 가는가'라는 실존적 물음을 스스로에게 물어보는 고독한 여정이었습니다.

His persistent exploration of human nature was, in the end, a solitary journey of asking himself the existential question, 'Where do we come from and where are we going?'

Uses apposition and profound existential phrasing (실존적 물음).

4

해당 법안의 위헌 여부를 둘러싼 치열한 법리 공방 속에서, 재판부는 양측 대리인에게 법의 취지와 목적에 부합하는지 끈질기게 물어보며 심리를 이어갔습니다.

Amidst the fierce legal battle over the unconstitutionality of the bill, the court continued the hearing by persistently asking the representatives of both sides whether it conforms to the intent and purpose of the law.

Uses specialized legal terminology (위헌 여부, 법리 공방, 대리인, 심리).

5

예술은 정해진 해답을 제시하는 것이 아니라, 관객 각자의 내면에 잠재된 감각을 일깨우고 스스로에게 질문을 물어보도록 유도하는 촉매제 역할을 해야 합니다.

Art should not present fixed answers, but act as a catalyst that awakens the senses latent within each audience member and induces them to ask themselves questions.

Uses -는 것이 아니라 (not A but B) and sophisticated artistic concepts (촉매제).

6

그는 시대의 모순에 침묵하는 지식인 사회를 향해 뼈아픈 일침을 가하며, 지식인의 참된 역할이 무엇인지 준열하게 물어보았습니다.

He delivered a painful rebuke to the intellectual society that remains silent on the contradictions of the times, sternly asking what the true role of an intellectual is.

Uses strong idiomatic expressions (일침을 가하다, 준열하게).

7

우주 기원에 대한 인류의 끝없는 호기심은, 밤하늘의 별을 바라보며 우주의 섭리와 존재의 이유를 물어보았던 고대인들의 원초적 경외감에서 비롯되었습니다.

Humanity's endless curiosity about the origin of the universe originated from the primal awe of ancient people who asked about the providence of the universe and the reason for existence while looking at the stars in the night sky.

Uses majestic and historical vocabulary (기원, 섭리, 원초적 경외감).

8

급변하는 국제 정세 속에서 국가의 생존 전략을 모색하기 위해서는, 기존의 패러다임에 얽매이지 않고 끊임없이 새로운 가능성을 타진하며 물어보는 유연한 사고가 필수적입니다.

In order to seek a national survival strategy amidst the rapidly changing international situation, flexible thinking that constantly explores new possibilities and asks questions without being bound by existing paradigms is essential.

Uses geopolitical and strategic terminology (국제 정세, 모색, 패러다임, 타진).

Häufige Kollokationen

질문을 물어보다
길을 물어보다
가격을 물어보다
이름을 물어보다
나이를 물어보다
안부를 물어보다
의견을 물어보다
이유를 물어보다
자세히 물어보다
조심스럽게 물어보다

Häufige Phrasen

물어봐도 돼요?

한번 물어볼게요.

선생님한테 물어보세요.

뭐 하나 물어볼게.

다시 물어봐 주세요.

물어볼 것이 있습니다.

물어보지 마세요.

잘 모르겠으면 물어봐.

누구한테 물어봐야 해요?

물어보나 마나예요.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

물어보다 vs 부탁하다 (to ask a favor)

물어보다 vs 요구하다 (to demand/request)

물어보다 vs 알아보다 (to look into/investigate)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Leicht verwechselbar

물어보다 vs

물어보다 vs

물어보다 vs

물어보다 vs

물어보다 vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Softer and more conversational than 묻다.

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

semantic boundary

Do not use for asking favors. Use 부탁하다.

Häufige Fehler
  • Conjugating 묻다 as 묻어보다 instead of 물어보다.
  • Using 물어보다 to an elder instead of 여쭤보다.
  • Using 물어보다 to mean 'ask a favor' instead of 부탁하다.
  • Using the object particle 을/를 for the person being asked (e.g., 친구를 물어봤어요).
  • Writing it with a space as '물어 보다' instead of '물어보다'.

Tipps

The ㄷ to ㄹ Shift

Always remember that 묻다 is irregular. Practice saying 물어봐요 out loud to build muscle memory. Never say 묻어봐요. This rule applies to other common verbs like 듣다 (들어요) and 걷다 (걸어요). Master this early to sound natural.

Honorifics Matter

If the person you are asking has grey hair, is your boss, or is your teacher, switch to 여쭤보다. It shows you respect Korean culture. Using 물어보다 to a senior can make you seem rude or uneducated. When in doubt, be more polite.

Information vs. Favors

Stop translating the English 'ask' directly. If you want an answer, use 물어보다. If you want an action or help, use 부탁하다. This is the #1 mistake English speakers make with this word. Create a mental firewall between these two concepts.

The Polite Icebreaker

Memorize the phrase '뭐 하나 물어봐도 돼요?' (Can I ask you something?). It is the perfect, polite way to interrupt someone to ask a question. It softens your approach and makes native speakers more willing to help you. Use it constantly.

Spacing Rules

Write 물어보다 as one single word without spaces. Even though it's made of two verbs, it has become a single compound verb in the dictionary. Writing '물어 보다' with a space is technically a spelling error. Keep it together.

Pronunciation Linking

When listening to fast Korean, you won't hear '물.어.보.다'. You will hear '무러보다' (mu-reo-bo-da). The 'ㄹ' sound slides over to the empty 'ㅇ' consonant. Train your ears to catch this linked pronunciation, not the spelling.

Using the Right Particle

Always pair 물어보다 with 한테 (spoken) or 에게 (written) for the person you are asking. Do not use 에, which is for locations. Think of it as 'asking TO someone'. Example: 친구한테 (To a friend) 물어봐요.

Softening Your Tone

Even if you know the word 묻다, prefer 물어보다 in daily conversation. The '아/어 보다' ending literally means 'to try', which makes your question sound less demanding and more gentle. It's a key to sounding like a friendly native speaker.

Indirect Quotations

To level up, practice the '-냐고 물어보다' pattern. This is how you report what someone else asked. '친구가 언제 오냐고 물어봤어요' (My friend asked when I am coming). This is essential for storytelling and gossiping.

No Need to Ask

Learn the phrase '물어보나 마나예요'. It means 'There's no need to ask' or 'It's obvious'. Use this when the answer is a foregone conclusion. It will make you sound incredibly fluent and natural in casual conversations.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a MOOing cow (물 - mul) saying 'OH' (어 - eo) while looking at a BOARD (보다 - bo-da) to ASK a question.

Wortherkunft

Native Korean compound verb.

Kultureller Kontext

Koreans often prefer indirect questions (e.g., 'I was wondering if...') rather than blunt inquiries to maintain harmony.

Crucial distinction: Use 물어보다 for equals/juniors, 여쭤보다 for seniors/elders.

Asking about age is common early on to establish speech levels, but asking about weight or salary is generally taboo.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"저기요, 길 좀 물어봐도 될까요?"

"궁금한 게 있는데 하나 물어봐도 돼?"

"선생님, 질문 하나 물어봐도 되겠습니까?"

"이거 어떻게 하는지 아는 사람한테 물어보자."

"그 사람한테 내일 시간 있는지 물어봐 줘."

Tagebuch-Impulse

오늘 누구에게 무엇을 물어봤나요?

한국어로 길을 물어본 경험에 대해 써 보세요.

만약 유명한 사람을 만난다면 무엇을 물어보고 싶나요?

어릴 때 부모님께 가장 많이 물어봤던 질문은 무엇인가요?

스스로에게 자주 물어보는 질문이 있다면 무엇인가요?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Because the base verb 묻다 (to ask) is a ㄷ-irregular verb. When a ㄷ-irregular verb meets a vowel ending (like -어 보다), the ㄷ changes to ㄹ. Therefore, 묻 + 어 보다 becomes 물어보다. This is a strict pronunciation and spelling rule in Korean. You must memorize which verbs are irregular. Other examples include 듣다 (to listen) becoming 들어요.

It is generally not recommended. When speaking to someone of higher status, such as a boss, teacher, or elder, you should use the honorific verb 여쭤보다. Using 물어보다 might sound too casual or slightly disrespectful. Always default to 여쭤보다 in professional or formal hierarchical settings.

They both mean 'to ask'. However, 묻다 is the base verb and sounds more direct, formal, or literary. 물어보다 is a compound verb meaning 'to try asking', which softens the tone. In everyday spoken Korean, 물어보다 is overwhelmingly preferred because it sounds more natural and polite. 묻다 is more common in writing or formal news.

You cannot use 물어보다 for this. 물어보다 is strictly for asking questions to get information. To ask a favor, you must use the verb 부탁하다. You would say '부탁 하나 해도 될까요?' (May I ask a favor?). Mixing these up is a very common mistake for English speakers.

You use the dative particles. In spoken, casual Korean, use 한테 (e.g., 친구한테 물어봐요). In written or slightly more formal Korean, use 에게 (e.g., 학생에게 물어봅니다). If you are using the honorific 여쭤보다, you must use the honorific particle 께 (e.g., 선생님께 여쭤봐요). Do not use the object particle 을/를 for the person.

You use the indirect question grammar pattern -는지. For example, 'I asked if it is raining' would be '비가 오는지 물어봤어요'. For descriptive verbs, use -(으)ㄴ지. This pattern is essential for reporting questions or expressing curiosity about a specific fact.

It is considered a single compound word in the Korean dictionary, so it is written without a space: 물어보다. However, grammatically it is composed of 묻다 and 보다. Because it is an established compound verb, you should not put a space between 물어 and 보다.

The past tense is formed by conjugating the final verb 보다. The past tense of 보다 is 봤다. Therefore, the polite past tense is 물어봤어요, the formal past tense is 물어봤습니다, and the casual past tense is 물어봤어.

Yes, you can use it to describe the action of asking, but usually with a specific phrasing. For example, '데이트 신청을 하려고 물어봤어요' (I asked to ask them out on a date). However, the actual act of asking someone out is usually expressed with 데이트 신청하다 (to apply for a date) or 사귀자고 하다 (to ask to date).

This is a common idiomatic expression meaning 'It goes without saying' or 'There is no need to ask'. The pattern -으나 마나 means 'whether you do it or not'. So 물어보나 마나 means the answer is so obvious that asking is pointless.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Verwandte Inhalte

War das hilfreich?

Kommentare (0)

Zum Kommentieren Anmelden
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!