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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 4 min de lecture

바라보다

baraboda Top 1,500

At the A1 level, '바라보다' is introduced as a slightly more advanced version of '보다' (to see). Students learn it primarily in the context of looking at beautiful scenery like the sea, mountains, or the sky. The focus is on the physical act of looking at something for a few seconds or more. Simple sentences like '바다를 바라봐요' (I look at the sea) are common. Learners are taught that it implies a sense of appreciation or steady attention compared to the quick glance of '보다'. It is a 'scenery verb' at this stage, helping students describe their environment in a more descriptive way than just saying they 'see' something.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use '바라보다' to describe looking at people and objects with more intent. They learn to use it with adverbs like '따뜻하게' (warmly) or '조용히' (quietly). The distinction between '바라보다' and '쳐다보다' (to stare) is often introduced here to prevent social awkwardness. A2 students use it to describe scenes in stories or daily life, such as '어머니가 아이를 바라봐요' (The mother looks at the child). They also start to see it in present continuous forms like '바라보고 있어요' to describe ongoing actions in pictures or real-time observations.

At the B1 level, the metaphorical uses of '바라보다' start to appear. Students learn that it can mean 'to view' or 'to regard' a situation. For example, '문제를 긍정적으로 바라보다' (to look at a problem positively). The emotional depth of the word is explored further in the context of literature and song lyrics, where it often signifies longing or unrequited love ('멀리서 바라만 보다'). Grammatically, B1 learners use it in more complex structures, such as '바라보고 있으면' (if I am looking at...) or '바라보게 되었다' (came to look at).

At the B2 level, '바라보다' is used frequently in discussions about perspectives and social issues. Learners are expected to use it to express how different groups 'view' a particular phenomenon. It becomes a key verb for analytical speaking and writing. Phrases like '사회적 관점에서 바라보다' (to view from a social perspective) are common. The nuance of 'expectation' or 'outlook' also becomes clearer, where looking toward the future ('미래를 바라보다') implies planning or having a vision. Learners also distinguish it from more formal synonyms like '응시하다' or '주시하다' in specific contexts.

At the C1 level, '바라보다' is used with high precision in academic and professional settings. It describes the 'outlook' or 'perspective' of an entire field or philosophy. For example, '인간의 본성을 바라보는 다양한 시각' (various perspectives on viewing human nature). C1 learners understand the subtle poetic nuances it carries in high literature, where it might represent a character's entire life philosophy or a silent confrontation with fate. They can use it to describe complex psychological states, such as '자기 자신을 객관적으로 바라보다' (to view oneself objectively).

At the C2 level, the word is mastered in all its abstract and philosophical glory. It is used in deep philosophical discourse to discuss the nature of perception itself. A C2 speaker might use '바라보다' to discuss how history is viewed across generations or how existential crises involve '바라보다'-ing the void. The word's connection to the root '바라다' (to hope/wish) is understood at a linguistic level, allowing for wordplay or deep literary analysis. It is used to convey the most subtle shifts in perspective in high-level diplomatic or academic writing.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

바라보다 en 30 secondes

바라보다 means to look steadily or gaze at something, often with intention, emotion, or from a distance, distinguishing it from the simple '보다'.
It is commonly used for beautiful scenery (sea, sky), looking at loved ones, or describing a mental perspective on life and problems.
Grammatically, it is a transitive verb taking the -을/를 particle and conjugates regularly as 바라봐요, 바라봤어요, and 바라볼 거예요.
Key nuances include contemplation, observation, and outlook, making it a vital word for both daily descriptions and abstract discussions.

The Korean verb 바라보다 is a multifaceted term that transcends the simple act of seeing. While the basic verb '보다' refers to the general act of sight, '바라보다' implies a level of intention, duration, and often, emotional weight. It is composed of the root '바라-' (related to wishing or looking toward) and '보다' (to see). This combination suggests not just a glance, but a steady gaze directed at an object, a person, or even an abstract concept like the future.

Visual Depth: It describes looking at something from a distance or for a sustained period, such as gazing at the stars or looking out over the ocean.

우리는 함께 저녁 노을을 바라보았다. (We gazed at the sunset together.)

Emotional Connection: When used with people, it often implies looking with affection, longing, or deep interest. It is the 'gaze' of a lover or a parent.

어머니는 잠든 아이를 따뜻하게 바라보셨다.

Perspective and Outlook: Metaphorically, it refers to how one views a situation, a problem, or the future. It aligns with the English 'to look at' in the sense of 'to regard'.

우리는 긍정적인 마음으로 미래를 바라봐야 합니다.

그는 창밖의 풍경을 멍하니 바라보고 있었다.

두 사람은 서로의 눈을 바라보며 웃었다.

Using 바라보다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and its collocational patterns. As a transitive verb, it always takes an object. The most common structure is [Noun]을/를 바라보다. However, the nuance changes significantly depending on what that noun is.

Physical Direction: When looking at scenery or objects, it suggests a panoramic or contemplative view. You '바라보다' the mountains, the sea, or the city lights.

산 정상에서 아래를 바라보니 가슴이 뻥 뚫리는 것 같았다.

Interpersonal Gaze: In social contexts, it implies paying attention or showing emotion. '서로를 바라보다' (looking at each other) is a common phrase in romantic or dramatic settings.

그녀는 슬픈 눈으로 나를 바라보았다.

Abstract Perspective: In business or academic Korean, it means to analyze or view a situation from a certain standpoint. '문제를 바라보는 관점' (the perspective from which a problem is viewed).

이 현상을 다른 각도에서 바라볼 필요가 있습니다.

먼 곳을 바라보며 깊은 생각에 잠겼다.

거울 속에 비친 제 모습을 바라봤어요.

You will encounter 바라보다 in a wide variety of contexts, from the poetic lyrics of K-pop to the formal analysis of economic trends. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday observation and deep contemplation.

In Literature and Media: Novelists use it to describe a character's internal state. If a character '바라보다s' something, they are usually thinking or feeling something significant.

드라마에서 주인공이 바다를 바라보는 장면이 자주 나와요.

In K-Pop Lyrics: Songs about unrequited love often use '멀리서 바라보다' (to look from afar), signifying a longing that cannot be fulfilled.

'난 너를 바라만 봐도 행복해' (I'm happy just looking at you.)

In Daily Conversation: It's used when pointing out scenery or when someone is staring off into space. '뭘 그렇게 열심히 바라보고 있어?' (What are you looking at so intently?)

친구들과 함께 밤하늘을 바라보며 이야기했어요.

아이들이 창밖의 눈을 신기하게 바라보고 있네요.

전문가들은 이번 사태를 심각하게 바라보고 있습니다.

While 바라보다 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other 'seeing' verbs or use it in contexts where a simpler word would suffice. Understanding the nuances is key to sounding natural.

바라보다 vs. 보다: '보다' is the general term for seeing. '바라보다' implies a fixed gaze. You wouldn't say '영화를 바라보다' (to gaze at a movie); you would say '영화를 보다' (to watch a movie).

❌ 영화를 바라봤어요. (I gazed at the movie.)
✅ 영화를 봤어요. (I watched the movie.)

바라보다 vs. 쳐다보다: '쳐다보다' usually implies looking up or staring directly at someone, sometimes rudely. '바라보다' is more poetic or neutral.

모르는 사람이 나를 기분 나쁘게 쳐다봤다. (A stranger stared at me unpleasantly.)

Confusion with '바라다': Because '바라다' means 'to hope', some learners think '바라보다' means 'to look with hope'. While there is a historical connection, '바라보다' is primarily about the physical or metaphorical act of looking.

성공을 바라보다 (To look toward success - metaphorical gaze) vs. 성공을 바라다 (To hope for success).

하늘을 바라보며 소원을 빌었다.

상대방의 입장에서 상황을 바라보세요.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for the act of seeing. Understanding how 바라보다 compares to its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

응시하다 (To Stare/Gaze Intently): This is a more formal and intense version of 바라보다. It is often used in exams (looking at a paper) or when someone is staring fixedly at a point.

그는 한 점을 응시하고 있었다.

주시하다 (To Observe Closely): This implies watching something with great attention, often to see if it changes or to monitor it. Used in news about stock markets or political situations.

경찰은 용의자의 움직임을 주시하고 있다.

관찰하다 (To Observe/Study): Scientific or objective observation. You '관찰하다' an experiment or an animal's behavior.

아이들은 개미의 움직임을 관찰했다.

멀리서 산을 바라보는 것과 가까이서 보는 것은 다르다.

그녀는 거울을 바라보며 머리를 만졌다.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

저는 바다를 바라봐요.

I look at the sea.

Present tense: 바라보다 -> 바라봐요.

하늘을 바라보세요.

Please look at the sky.

Imperative: -으세요.

친구가 저를 바라봅니다.

A friend is looking at me.

Formal polite: -ㅂ니다.

꽃을 바라보고 있어요.

I am looking at the flowers.

Present continuous: -고 있다.

산 위에서 마을을 바라봤어요.

I looked at the village from the mountain.

Past tense: -았어요.

강아지가 창밖을 바라봐요.

The puppy looks out the window.

Subject: 강아지 (puppy).

우리는 같이 사진을 바라보았다.

We looked at the photo together.

Past tense (written): -았다.

저기 예쁜 별을 바라봐.

Look at that pretty star.

Informal: 바라봐.

그는 멍하니 창밖을 바라보고 있었다.

He was staring vacantly out the window.

Adverb: 멍하니 (vacantly).

어머니가 아기를 따뜻하게 바라보세요.

The mother looks at the baby warmly.

Adverb: 따뜻하게 (warmly).

서로의 눈을 바라보며 이야기해요.

Talk while looking into each other's eyes.

Connector: -(으)며 (while).

거울 속의 제 모습을 바라봤어요.

I looked at myself in the mirror.

Object: 제 모습 (my appearance).

멀리서 기차가 오는 것을 바라보았다.

I watched the train coming from afar.

Noun clause: -는 것.

그녀는 슬픈 표정으로 나를 바라봤다.

She looked at me with a sad expression.

Phrase: 슬픈 표정으로 (with a sad expression).

우리는 지는 해를 조용히 바라보았다.

We quietly watched the setting sun.

Adjective: 지는 (setting).

선생님을 똑바로 바라보세요.

Look straight at the teacher.

Adverb: 똑바로 (straight).

미래를 긍정적으로 바라보는 것이 중요해요.

It is important to look at the future positively.

Metaphorical use of 'look'.

그는 아무 말 없이 바다만 바라보고 있었다.

He was just looking at the sea without saying anything.

Particle: -만 (only).

상황을 다른 관점에서 바라볼 필요가 있어요.

There is a need to look at the situation from a different perspective.

Phrase: 다른 관점에서 (from another perspective).

그녀는 멀리서 그를 바라볼 뿐이었다.

She was only looking at him from a distance.

Structure: -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 (only/just).

아이들이 꿈을 바라보며 자라길 바랍니다.

I hope children grow up looking toward their dreams.

Metaphorical: 꿈을 바라보다.

그 사건을 심각하게 바라보는 사람들이 많다.

There are many people who view the incident seriously.

Adverb: 심각하게 (seriously).

창가에 앉아 비 오는 거리를 바라보았다.

Sitting by the window, I looked at the rainy street.

Participial: 앉아 (sitting).

서로를 바라보는 두 사람의 눈빛이 달랐다.

The look in the eyes of the two people looking at each other was different.

Noun: 눈빛 (look in eyes).

정부는 이 문제를 매우 신중하게 바라보고 있습니다.

The government is looking at this issue very cautiously.

Formal context.

예술가는 세상을 독특한 시각으로 바라본다.

Artists view the world through a unique lens.

Phrase: 독특한 시각으로.

과거를 돌아보고 미래를 바라봐야 합니다.

We must look back at the past and look forward to the future.

Contrast: 돌아보다 vs 바라보다.

그는 자신의 한계를 묵묵히 바라보았다.

He silently faced (looked at) his own limitations.

Abstract object: 한계 (limitations).

경기가 회복될 것으로 바라보는 전문가들이 많다.

Many experts view the economy as likely to recover.

Usage as 'predict/view'.

우리는 같은 곳을 바라보며 걸어가고 있다.

We are walking while looking toward the same place.

Metaphor for shared goals.

그녀는 거울 속에 비친 낯선 자신을 바라보았다.

She looked at the stranger in the mirror who was herself.

Complex object.

환경 문제를 전 지구적인 차원에서 바라봐야 한다.

Environmental issues must be viewed from a global perspective.

Phrase: 전 지구적인 차원에서.

인간의 존엄성을 어떤 가치로 바라볼 것인가?

With what value shall we view human dignity?

Interrogative: -ㄴ가?

작가는 사회의 부조리를 냉철하게 바라본다.

The writer looks at the absurdities of society with a cool head.

Adverb: 냉철하게 (cool-headedly).

그의 작품은 죽음을 삶의 일부로 바라보게 한다.

His work makes one view death as a part of life.

Causative: -게 하다.

역사를 바라보는 사관에 따라 해석이 달라진다.

Interpretations vary depending on the historical perspective from which one views history.

Noun: 사관 (historical view).

현대인들은 성공을 오직 물질적인 것으로만 바라보는 경향이 있다.

Modern people tend to view success only as something material.

Noun: 경향 (tendency).

기술의 발전을 인류의 축복으로 바라볼 수 있을까?

Can we view the development of technology as a blessing for humanity?

Structure: -(으)ㄹ 수 있을까?

그는 노을이 지는 수평선을 하염없이 바라보았다.

He gazed endlessly at the horizon where the sun was setting.

Adverb: 하염없이 (endlessly).

상대방의 침묵을 긍정적인 신호로 바라보기는 어렵다.

It is difficult to view the other party's silence as a positive signal.

Nominalizer: -기.

존재의 근원을 바라보는 철학적 성찰이 필요하다.

Philosophical reflection on viewing the source of existence is necessary.

Noun: 성찰 (reflection).

그는 시대의 흐름을 꿰뚫어 보듯 세상을 바라보았다.

He looked at the world as if piercing through the flow of the times.

Structure: -듯 (as if).

문학은 인간의 내면을 깊숙이 바라보는 거울이다.

Literature is a mirror that looks deeply into the inner self of humans.

Metaphorical definition.

고통을 성장의 밑거름으로 바라보는 지혜가 요구된다.

Wisdom to view suffering as a foundation for growth is required.

Noun: 밑거름 (foundation/manure).

우주는 우리가 그것을 바라보는 방식에 따라 변화한다.

The universe changes according to the way we view it.

Philosophical concept.

그의 눈빛은 마치 영원을 바라보는 듯 고요했다.

His gaze was as calm as if looking at eternity.

Noun: 영원 (eternity).

권력의 속성을 냉소적으로 바라보는 시각이 지배적이다.

A cynical perspective on viewing the nature of power is dominant.

Adverb: 냉소적으로 (cynically).

자연을 정복의 대상이 아닌 공존의 파트너로 바라봐야 한다.

Nature should be viewed as a partner for coexistence, not an object of conquest.

Contrast: A가 아닌 B.

Collocations courantes

바다를 바라보다

미래를 바라보다

멍하니 바라보다

따뜻하게 바라보다

앞을 바라보다

서로를 바라보다

창밖을 바라보다

긍정적으로 바라보다

뚫어지게 바라보다

멀리 바라보다

Phrases Courantes

바라만 보다

똑바로 바라보다

물끄러미 바라보다

흐뭇하게 바라보다

안타깝게 바라보다

먼 산을 바라보다

거울을 바라보다

하늘을 바라보다

꿈을 바라보다

진실을 바라보다

Souvent confondu avec

바라보다 vs 보다

바라보다 vs 쳐다보다

바라보다 vs 훑어보다

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

바라보다 vs 바라다

바라보다 vs 보이다

바라보다 vs 내다보다

바라보다 vs 돌아보다

바라보다 vs 둘러보다

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Implies duration and focus.

restriction

Not for media like movies or books.

Erreurs courantes

Using '바라보다' for watching a movie.
Confusing it with '바라다' (to hope).
Using the wrong particle (e.g., -에 instead of -를).
Using it for a quick, accidental glance.
Using it interchangeably with '쳐다보다' in a rude context.

Astuces

Object Marking

Always use 을/를 with the thing you are looking at. For example, '하늘을 바라보다'.

Adding Adverbs

Make your sentences richer by adding adverbs like '물끄러미' (staringly) or '흐뭇하게' (with satisfaction).

Scenery

Use this word when describing nature. It sounds much more natural than just using '보다'.

Avoid Rudeness

If you want to say someone is staring, use '쳐다보다'. '바라보다' is too soft for a rude stare.

Perspective

Use it to talk about your 'view' on life. '인생을 즐겁게 바라보세요'.

K-Pop

Listen for this word in slow ballads; it's almost always there!

Descriptive Writing

In stories, use '바라보다' to show a character is thinking deeply.

Eye Contact

Use '서로를 바라보며' to describe meaningful eye contact.

Root Link

Remember the link to '바라다' (hope) to remember the 'looking toward' aspect.

No Media

Don't use it for books, movies, or YouTube videos.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Native Korean

Contexte culturel

Frequently used in ballad song titles.

Staring (쳐다보다) is rude, but 바라보다 is often seen as caring.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"바다를 바라보는 걸 좋아하세요?"

"미래를 어떻게 바라보고 있나요?"

"창밖을 바라보며 무슨 생각을 하세요?"

"서로를 바라보는 눈빛이 어때요?"

"이 문제를 어떻게 바라보시나요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 창밖을 바라보며 느낀 점을 써보세요.

내가 가장 좋아하는 풍경을 바라볼 때의 기분.

10년 후의 내 모습을 바라본다면?

누군가를 따뜻하게 바라본 경험.

세상을 긍정적으로 바라보는 방법.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, for TV or movies, use '보다' or '시청하다'. '바라보다' implies a steady gaze at a fixed object or scenery, not following a moving narrative on a screen.

Usually it is neutral or positive, but it can be negative if paired with adverbs like '차갑게' (coldly). However, it is rarely used for rude staring like '쳐다보다'.

응시하다 is much more formal and implies a very fixed, almost unblinking stare, often used in medical or testing contexts. 바라보다 is more natural and emotional.

Yes, this is a very common metaphorical expression meaning to keep one's eyes on a goal or dream.

It conjugates to '바라봤어요' in polite speech and '바라보았다' in written form.

Yes, to describe how a company 'views' a market or a problem. '시장을 긍정적으로 바라보고 있습니다.'

It is a transitive verb, so it takes the object particle 을/를.

Indirectly, yes. Looking toward the future implies a level of expectation or outlook.

Yes, and it often implies a meaningful or emotional look.

It means 'to only look' without taking action, often used in songs about sad love.