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시험을 보다

A2 verb #3,500 most common 8 min read

시험을 보다

siheomeul boda Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시험을 보다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시험을 보다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to basic daily activities. '시험을 보다' is one of the first compound verb phrases you learn. At this stage, you should focus on the simple present tense '시험을 봐요' and the past tense '시험을 봤어요'. You learn that '시험' means 'test' and '보다' means 'to see', but together they mean 'to take a test'. You might use this to tell your teacher or friends that you have a test today. The focus is on basic communication: '오늘 시험 봐요' (I take a test today). You don't need to worry about complex particles yet, just the basic S-O-V (Subject-Object-Verb) structure. It's important to remember not to use the English-style 'take' (가져가다). This level is about building the habit of using '보다' for tests.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your usage of '시험을 보다' by adding more details. You can now specify the subject of the test, such as '한국어 시험' (Korean test) or '수학 시험' (math test). You also start using adverbs to describe how the test went: '시험을 잘 봤어요' (I took the test well/I did well) or '시험을 못 봤어요' (I didn't do well on the test). You might also use simple conjunctions like '시험을 보고 나서 친구를 만났어요' (After taking the test, I met a friend). The A2 learner understands that '보다' is the standard verb and can conjugate it into various polite forms. You are also becoming aware that '을' can be dropped in casual speech, making you sound more natural.

At the B1 level, you use '시험을 보다' in more complex grammatical structures to express intentions, reasons, and conditions. You might say '시험을 보러 가야 해요' (I have to go take a test) or '시험을 보면 긴장돼요' (When I take a test, I get nervous). You are also introduced to the formal alternative '시험을 치다' and can distinguish when to use it. You start to understand the cultural context of exams in Korea, such as the importance of the Suneung. At this level, you can also talk about the process of preparing for the test using '시험 공부를 하다' in conjunction with '시험을 보다'. Your sentences become longer and more descriptive, allowing you to explain why you are taking a certain test and what your goals are.

At the B2 level, your understanding of '시험을 보다' becomes more nuanced. You can use it in the passive voice or with causative constructions if necessary, though they are less common. You are comfortable using the formal Sino-Korean synonym '응시하다' in professional or academic contexts, such as writing a resume or an official email. You can discuss the social implications of '시험을 보다', such as the pressure of the competitive education system. You use advanced connectors like '~음에도 불구하고' (despite taking the test...). You also understand idiomatic expressions related to tests and can use '시험을 보다' to describe not just school exams, but also professional certifications and civil service exams with the correct register.

At the C1 level, '시험을 보다' is used with high-level precision. You can discuss the philology of the word, exploring why '보다' (to see) is used instead of other verbs. You use this phrase in academic discussions about educational policy, assessment methods, and the validity of standardized testing. You can use the phrase in complex metaphorical ways or within literary contexts. Your vocabulary includes all related terms like '수험생', '고사', '평가', and you can switch between '시험을 보다', '치다', and '치르다' to change the tone and emphasis of your speech. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the examination system in Korea (like the Gwageo exams) and can use appropriate terminology when discussing it.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of '시험을 보다'. You can use it in any context, from highly technical educational research to poetic descriptions of life's trials. You understand the deepest cultural connotations of the phrase and how it resonates with the Korean psyche. You can critique the examination system using sophisticated language and use '시험을 보다' as a springboard for discussing meritocracy, social mobility, and psychological stress. You are indistinguishable from a native speaker in your choice of particles, honorifics, and register. You might even use the phrase in wordplay or advanced humor that relies on the multiple meanings of '보다'. Your usage is effortless, accurate, and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시험을 보다 in 30 Seconds

시험을 보다 is the primary Korean phrase for 'taking a test', combining the noun 'test' with the verb 'to see'.
It is used for all types of exams, including school finals, driving tests, and professional certifications.
In casual speech, the object marker '을' is frequently omitted, and '시험 봐요' is the common spoken form.
It differs from '시험 공부를 하다' (to study) and '시험에 합격하다' (to pass), focusing only on the act of taking it.

In the Korean language, the expression 시험을 보다 is the most standard and widely used way to say "to take an examination" or "to take a test." While the literal translation of the verb 보다 is "to see," in this specific idiomatic context, it functions as "to sit for" or "to undergo" an evaluation. This usage is fascinating because it suggests that the test-taker is 'observing' the questions or 'facing' the challenge presented on the paper. It is a foundational phrase for anyone navigating the Korean education system or workplace environment.

Core Meaning: The act of participating in a formal assessment to measure knowledge or skill.
Cultural Nuance: Korea is a highly academic-oriented society where 'taking tests' is a pivotal part of life, from kindergarten to professional certifications.

You will hear this phrase constantly in schools, universities, and private academies known as hagwons. It is not limited to academic subjects like math or science; it applies to driving tests (운전면허 시험), language proficiency tests (토픽 시험), and even personality tests in a more casual sense. The phrase is neutral and appropriate for almost all levels of formality, though more formal synonyms exist for official documents.

내일 학교에서 수학 시험을 봐요. (I am taking a math test at school tomorrow.)

The phrase is often shortened in casual conversation by dropping the object marker 을, resulting in 시험 봐요. This makes the sentence flow more naturally in spoken Korean. It is important to distinguish this from "studying for a test" (시험 공부를 하다) or "passing a test" (시험에 합격하다). 시험을 보다 refers specifically to the duration of time you are actually sitting in the chair, answering the questions.

어제 한국어 시험을 봤는데 너무 어려웠어요. (I took a Korean test yesterday, and it was very difficult.)

In summary, 시험을 보다 is the essential verb phrase for the act of testing. Whether you are a student, a job seeker, or an immigrant applying for a visa, this phrase will be central to describing your efforts to prove your capabilities in the Korean-speaking world. It encompasses the stress, the preparation, and the actual execution of the examination process.

Using 시험을 보다 correctly requires an understanding of Korean verb conjugation and particle usage. The word 시험 (test) is the object, marked by 을, and 보다 is the verb. Because 보다 is an irregular-acting verb in some contexts (though quite standard in its basic conjugation), you must learn its past, present, and future forms to speak accurately about your schedule.

Present Tense: 시험을 봐요 (Polite) / 시험을 본다 (Plain/Written)
Past Tense: 시험을 봤어요 (Polite) / 시험을 봤다 (Plain/Written)
Future Tense: 시험을 볼 거예요 (Polite) / 시험을 보겠다 (Formal/Determined)

When you want to specify what kind of test you are taking, you simply place the subject of the test before 시험. For example, 영어 시험 (English test), 기말 시험 (final exam), or 중간 시험 (midterm exam). You can also use the particle ~에 with the verb 응시하다 for more formal settings, but for daily life, ~을 보다 is your go-to structure.

이번 주말에 토픽 시험을 볼 계획이에요. (I plan to take the TOPIK test this weekend.)

You can also add adverbs to describe how you took the test. If you took it well, you say 시험을 잘 봤어요. If you performed poorly, you say 시험을 못 봤어요. Note that 못 보다 here implies a poor result, not necessarily that you were physically unable to see the paper. This is a very common way for students to report their results to friends and family.

졸업하려면 이 시험을 꼭 봐야 해요. (You must take this test in order to graduate.)

In complex sentences, 시험을 보다 often appears with connecting particles like ~러 (in order to). For example, 시험 보러 학교에 가요 (I'm going to school to take a test). This highlights the purpose of an action. Understanding these variations allows you to describe your academic life with precision and natural flair.

The phrase 시험을 보다 is ubiquitous in South Korea, a country often described as having "examination hell" due to the intense competition for university entrance and stable jobs. You will hear it in various social contexts, each carrying a different weight of importance. The most common place is, of course, within the school system.

At School: Teachers announcing upcoming evaluations or students discussing their performance in the hallway.
In the Media: News reports about the CSAT (Suneung), where the whole country focuses on high school seniors taking the big exam.

Beyond school, adults hear this phrase in the context of professional certifications and civil service exams. In Korea, many people spend years as gosi-saeng (students preparing for high-level exams), and their life revolves around the date they will 시험을 보다. It is a topic of conversation at family gatherings like Chuseok or Seollal, where relatives might ask, "When are you taking the exam?" (언제 시험 봐?).

공무원 시험을 보려고 노량진에서 공부하고 있어요. (I'm studying in Noryangjin to take the civil service exam.)

In K-Dramas and movies, the tension of 시험을 보다 is a frequent plot device. Whether it's a character trying to get into a prestigious law firm or a student struggling with grades, the act of taking the test represents a turning point in their destiny. The phrase is also used metaphorically in some contexts, though less frequently, to describe being tested by life or a person, but its primary home remains the world of structured evaluation.

운전면허 시험을 봤는데 한 번에 붙었어요! (I took the driver's license test and passed on the first try!)

Even in casual settings, like a hobby class for cooking or floral design, the final day often involves 시험을 보다. It is the universal marker for the end of a learning period and the beginning of a new qualification. Hearing this phrase usually triggers a sense of nervousness or focused energy in any Korean listener.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when trying to say "take a test" is a literal translation of the English verb "take." In English, we "take" a bus, "take" a medicine, and "take" a test. However, in Korean, these all use different verbs. Using 가져가다 (to carry/take away) or 취하다 (to take/choose) in the context of an exam is a major error that will confuse native speakers.

Mistake #1: Using '시험을 취하다'. This sounds like you are 'taking' an action or 'adopting' a test, which is incorrect.
Mistake #2: Confusing '시험을 보다' (to take) with '시험을 치다' (to take/hit). While both are correct, learners often mix up the particles.

Another common point of confusion is the use of 보다 versus 치다. While 시험을 치다 is also a very natural and common way to say "take a test," some learners use them interchangeably in ways that don't fit the regional dialect or personal style of the speaker. 보다 is generally safer and more universal across all regions of Korea, whereas 치다 (literally "to hit") can sound more colloquial or emphatic.

Wrong: 시험을 가져갔어요.
Correct: 시험을 봤어요.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 시험을 보다 and 시험이 있다. If you say 시험이 있어요, you are saying "I have a test" (existence). If you say 시험을 봐요, you are focusing on the active participation in the test. Beginners often use 있다 when they want to describe the action of taking the test, which lacks the dynamic quality of the actual event.

Wrong: 어제 시험을 했어요. (I did a test.)
Correct: 어제 시험을 봤어요.

Lastly, don't confuse 시험을 보다 with 시험을 채점하다 (to grade a test). Students 보다 the test, while teachers 채점하다 the test. If a student says they are going to 시험을 채점하다, it sounds like they are going to mark their own or someone else's paper, which is a different activity entirely.

While 시험을 보다 is the most versatile phrase, the Korean language offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the assessment. Understanding these synonyms will help you move from an A2 level to a more advanced B1 or B2 proficiency by allowing you to choose the word that best fits the context.

시험을 치다 (Si-heom-eul chi-da): Very common, slightly more active sounding. Used interchangeably with '보다' in most casual and semi-formal settings.
응시하다 (Eung-si-ha-da): A formal Sino-Korean verb meaning 'to apply for and take an exam.' You will see this on official applications and news reports.
테스트를 받다 (Te-seu-teu-reul bat-da): Used for less formal 'tests' or 'trials,' like a level test at a gym or a quick check of skills. It literally means 'to receive a test.'

For extremely formal or academic contexts, you might encounter 고사를 치르다. This is often used for major institutional exams or historical contexts. On the other hand, if you are undergoing a medical test, you would use 검사를 받다 (to receive an examination/check-up), not 시험을 보다. Confusing a medical 'test' with an academic 'test' is a common pitfall for beginners.

자격증 시험에 응시하는 사람이 많아요. (There are many people applying to take the certification exam.)

There is also 수험하다, which is a formal noun-derived verb meaning 'to be an examinee.' You might see the word 수험표 (examinee slip) or 수험생 (student preparing for an exam). These are all part of the same semantic field but serve different grammatical functions. Choosing 보다 is usually the safest bet for daily conversation, while 치다 adds a bit of natural, native-like flavor to your speech.

병원에서 건강 검사를 받았어요. (I had a health check-up/test at the hospital.)

In conclusion, while 시험을 보다 is your primary tool, being aware of 응시하다 for forms and 검사 for medical contexts will significantly improve your communicative competence in Korean. Always consider the setting before choosing your verb.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korea, the civil service exams (Gwagoe) were so important that people would travel for weeks to the capital just to 'see the test' (시험을 보다).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi.ɦʌm.ɯl bo.da/

US /ʃi.hʌm.əl boʊ.dɑ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'Si' (시) and the first syllable of the verb 'Bo' (보).

Rhymes With

기억을 보다 (gieogeul boda) 마음을 보다 (maeumeul boda) 거울을 보다 (geoureul boda) 하늘을 보다 (haneureul boda) 지도를 보다 (jidoreul boda) 시계를 보다 (sigyereul boda) 책을 보다 (chaegeul boda) 영화를 보다 (yeonghwareul boda)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'si' as 'see' instead of 'shee'.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'heom'.
Failing to link 'heom' and 'eul' (should sound like 'heo-meul').
Pronouncing 'eul' as 'el'.
Making the 'd' in 'da' too hard/aspirated like 'ta'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation of '보다' and use of the object marker '을'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but learners must remember not to say 'take'.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood in context, though '을' is often dropped.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시험 (test) 보다 (to see) 공부하다 (to study) 학교 (school) 학생 (student)

Learn Next

시험에 합격하다 (to pass a test) 시험에 떨어지다 (to fail a test) 성적표 (report card) 장학금 (scholarship) 졸업하다 (to graduate)

Advanced

변별력 (discriminatory power of a test) 상대평가 (relative evaluation) 절대평가 (absolute evaluation) 수능 (CSAT) 고시 (high-level civil service exam)

Grammar to Know

Object Marker (을/를)

시험을 봐요.

Irregular Verb '보다' (though mostly regular)

봐요, 봤어요, 보세요.

Adverbial usage of '잘' and '못'

시험 잘 봤어요.

Connecting particle ~러 가다

시험 보러 가요.

Temporal marker ~ㄴ 후에

시험을 본 후에 쉬었어요.

Examples by Level

오늘 시험을 봐요.

I take a test today.

Simple present tense using the polite ending ~아요/어요.

어제 시험을 봤어요.

I took a test yesterday.

Past tense conjugation of 보다 (봤어요).

내일 시험을 볼 거예요.

I will take a test tomorrow.

Future tense using ~(으)ㄹ 거예요.

학교에서 시험을 봐요.

I take a test at school.

Location particle ~에서 indicates where the action happens.

친구하고 시험을 봐요.

I take a test with a friend.

Particle ~하고 means 'with'.

시험을 잘 봐요.

Take the test well. (Good luck!)

Adverb '잘' (well) modifies the verb '보다'.

무슨 시험을 봐요?

What test are you taking?

Interrogative word '무슨' means 'what' or 'what kind of'.

시험을 안 봐요.

I don't take a test.

Negation '안' is placed before the verb.

한국어 시험을 보고 싶어요.

I want to take a Korean test.

~고 싶다 expresses desire.

시험을 본 후에 점심을 먹었어요.

After taking the test, I ate lunch.

~(으)ㄴ 후에 means 'after doing'.

이번 시험을 잘 못 봤어요.

I didn't do well on this test.

못 indicates inability or poor performance.

시험을 보러 도서관에 가요.

I'm going to the library to take a test.

~(으)러 가다 indicates the purpose of going somewhere.

운전면허 시험을 보기가 힘들어요.

It is hard to take the driver's license test.

~기(가) 힘들다 means 'it is difficult to...'.

선생님, 언제 시험을 봐요?

Teacher, when do we take the test?

Using '언제' for 'when'.

시험을 보지 마세요.

Please don't take the test.

~지 마세요 is a negative command.

매주 금요일에 시험을 봐요.

I take a test every Friday.

~마다 or '매주' indicates frequency.

시험을 보느라고 잠을 못 잤어요.

I couldn't sleep because I was taking tests.

~느라고 indicates a reason for a negative result.

시험을 볼 때마다 너무 긴장돼요.

Every time I take a test, I get so nervous.

~(으)ㄹ 때마다 means 'whenever' or 'every time'.

졸업하기 위해서 이 시험을 봐야 해요.

In order to graduate, I must take this test.

~기 위해서 expresses purpose or intention.

시험을 보다가 펜을 떨어뜨렸어요.

While taking the test, I dropped my pen.

~다가 indicates an action interrupted by another.

시험을 봐도 점수가 안 올라요.

Even if I take the test, my score doesn't go up.

~아/어도 means 'even if' or 'even though'.

내일 시험을 본다고 들었어요.

I heard that we are taking a test tomorrow.

~ㄴ다고 듣다 is used for indirect speech/hearsay.

시험을 볼 수밖에 없어요.

I have no choice but to take the test.

~(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 means 'have no choice but to'.

이미 시험을 본 것 같아요.

It seems like they already took the test.

~(으)ㄴ 것 같다 expresses a supposition about the past.

시험을 보기도 전에 포기하지 마세요.

Don't give up even before taking the test.

~기도 전에 means 'even before doing'.

시험을 보는 것보다 준비하는 것이 더 힘들어요.

Preparing for the test is harder than taking it.

~는 것보다... ~는 것이 더 ~다 is a comparison structure.

자격증 시험을 보려면 미리 신청해야 합니다.

If you want to take the certification exam, you must apply in advance.

~(으)려면... ~아야/어야 하다 means 'if you intend to..., you must...'.

시험을 보는 도중에 정전이 됐어요.

In the middle of taking the test, there was a power outage.

~는 도중에 means 'in the middle of' or 'during'.

시험을 볼 기회가 다시 주어졌어요.

The opportunity to take the test was given again.

Passive voice '주어지다' (to be given).

충분히 공부했으니까 시험을 잘 볼 거예요.

Since you studied enough, you will take the test well.

~(으)니까 provides a reason or basis for a judgment.

시험을 보는 방식이 작년과 달라졌어요.

The way of taking the test has changed from last year.

~는 방식 (way of doing) and 달라지다 (to become different).

긴장하지 말고 평소처럼 시험을 보세요.

Don't be nervous and take the test as you usually do.

~지 말고... ~세요 is 'don't do A, but do B'.

시험을 보는 행위 자체가 학생들에게 큰 압박이 됩니다.

The act of taking a test itself becomes a great pressure for students.

~는 행위 자체 (the act itself) used as a subject.

시험을 보기에 앞서 유의 사항을 숙지하시기 바랍니다.

Prior to taking the test, please be familiar with the precautions.

~기에 앞서 (prior to) and ~기 바랍니다 (formal request).

컴퓨터로 시험을 보는 방식이 점차 보편화되고 있습니다.

The method of taking tests via computer is gradually becoming common.

보편화되다 (to become generalized/common).

시험을 보면서 자신의 실력을 객관적으로 파악할 수 있습니다.

While taking a test, one can objectively understand their own skills.

~면서 (while) and 객관적으로 (objectively).

어떤 마음가짐으로 시험을 보느냐가 결과에 영향을 미칩니다.

What kind of mindset you have when taking a test affects the result.

~느냐가 (indirect question as a subject) and 영향을 미치다 (to influence).

시험을 본다는 것은 단순히 지식을 확인하는 것 이상입니다.

Taking a test is more than just simply checking knowledge.

~ㄴ다는 것은... ~ 이상이다 (Doing A is more than B).

부정행위를 하며 시험을 보는 것은 정당하지 않습니다.

Taking a test while cheating is not justifiable.

부정행위 (cheating/improper act) and 정당하다 (to be fair/just).

철저한 준비 없이 시험을 보는 것은 무모한 일입니다.

Taking a test without thorough preparation is a reckless thing.

철저한 (thorough) and 무모하다 (to be reckless).

시험을 보는 과정에서 겪는 심리적 갈등은 성장의 밑거름이 됩니다.

The psychological conflict experienced in the process of taking a test becomes the foundation for growth.

밑거름 (foundation/fertilizer) used metaphorically.

평가자가 의도한 바를 파악하며 시험을 보는 능력이 요구됩니다.

The ability to take a test while grasping what the evaluator intended is required.

의도한 바 (what was intended) and 요구되다 (to be required).

시험을 보는 이들의 다양성을 고려한 평가 시스템이 구축되어야 합니다.

An evaluation system that considers the diversity of those taking the test must be established.

~는 이들 (those who...) and 구축되다 (to be built/established).

인생이라는 긴 여정 속에서 우리는 끊임없이 시험을 보며 살아갑니다.

In the long journey called life, we live constantly taking tests.

인생이라는 (called life) - metaphorical usage.

시험을 보는 형식이 교육의 질을 좌우한다는 비판이 제기되었습니다.

Criticism has been raised that the format of taking tests determines the quality of education.

좌우하다 (to influence/determine) and 비판이 제기되다 (criticism is raised).

전통적인 방식에서 벗어나 창의성을 측정하며 시험을 보는 시도가 필요합니다.

An attempt to take tests while measuring creativity, breaking away from traditional methods, is necessary.

~에서 벗어나 (breaking away from) and 측정하다 (to measure).

시험을 보는 동안의 집중력은 평소의 훈련을 통해 길러집니다.

Concentration during a test is developed through regular training.

길러지다 (to be raised/developed).

국가 고시를 보는 수험생들의 간절함은 이루 말할 수 없습니다.

The desperation of examinees taking national exams is beyond words.

이루 말할 수 없다 (cannot be expressed in words/beyond description).

Common Collocations

시험을 잘 보다

시험을 못 보다

시험을 보러 가다

시험을 다시 보다

시험을 미리 보다

시험을 같이 보다

시험을 억지로 보다

시험을 떨면서 보다

시험을 밤새워 보다

시험을 대충 보다

Common Phrases

시험 잘 봐!

— Good luck on your test! (Literally: Take the test well!)

내일 시험이라며? 시험 잘 봐!

시험을 망치다

— To mess up or ruin a test completely.

공부를 안 해서 시험을 완전히 망쳤어요.

시험에 떨어지다

— To fail a test. (Literally: To fall from a test.)

운전면허 시험에 또 떨어졌어요.

시험에 붙다

— To pass a test. (Literally: To stick to a test.)

드디어 원하는 시험에 붙었어요!

시험 기간

— Exam period/season.

지금은 시험 기간이라서 도서관에 자리가 없어요.

시험 문제

— Test questions.

이번 시험 문제는 너무 꼬아서 냈어요.

시험 범위

— The scope or range of the test material.

시험 범위가 너무 넓어서 다 못 읽었어요.

시험 공부

— Studying for a test.

어제 새벽까지 시험 공부를 했어요.

시험지

— The physical test paper.

시험지를 받자마자 이름을 쓰세요.

시험 감독

— Exam proctoring/supervision.

선생님이 시험 감독을 엄격하게 하세요.

Often Confused With

시험을 보다 vs 시험을 공부하다

Incorrect. Use '시험 공부를 하다' (to do test-study).

시험을 보다 vs 시험을 가지다

Incorrect. Use '시험이 있다' (to have a test) or '시험을 보다' (to take a test).

시험을 보다 vs 검사를 보다

Incorrect. For medical or technical inspections, use '검사를 받다' (to receive an inspection).

Idioms & Expressions

"시험대에 오르다"

— To be put to the test or to be under scrutiny.

새로운 정책이 시험대에 올랐습니다.

Formal/Journalistic

"눈을 씻고 보다"

— To look closely (often used when checking test results).

내 점수가 맞는지 눈을 씻고 봤어요.

Colloquial

"미역국을 먹다"

— To fail an exam (slippery seaweed soup implies slipping).

이번에도 미역국을 먹어서 속상해요.

Informal/Idiomatic

"떡하니 붙다"

— To pass an exam easily or impressively.

그는 명문대 시험에 떡하니 붙었다.

Colloquial

"엿을 먹다"

— While '엿' is given for luck to 'stick' to the test, this phrase can also be an insult, so be careful.

시험 잘 보라고 엿을 선물했어요.

Cultural

"찍다"

— To guess an answer on a test (literally 'to poke').

모르는 문제는 그냥 찍었어요.

Slang/Student

"벼락치기"

— Cramming for a test (literally 'lightning strike').

어제 벼락치기로 시험을 봤더니 너무 피곤해요.

Colloquial

"머리가 하얘지다"

— One's mind going blank during a test.

시험지를 받으니 머리가 하얘졌어요.

Informal

"한 우물을 파다"

— To focus on one thing (often said to students focusing on one exam).

공무원 시험만 한 우물을 팠더니 결국 합격했어요.

Proverbial

"산 넘어 산"

— One challenge after another (e.g., midterm after midterm).

이번 시험을 봐도 다음 주에 또 시험이라 산 넘어 산이에요.

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

시험을 보다 vs 보다 vs 치다

Both mean 'to take a test'.

'보다' is universal and standard. '치다' is slightly more colloquial and active.

시험을 봤어요 vs 시험을 쳤어요.

시험을 보다 vs 보다 vs 받다

In English, we 'take' (receive) a test.

'보다' is for the act of answering questions. '받다' is for receiving a grade or a level test.

시험을 봐요 vs 테스트를 받아요.

시험을 보다 vs 시험 vs 퀴즈

Both are assessments.

'시험' is more formal/major. '퀴즈' is informal/minor.

기말 시험 vs 팝 퀴즈.

시험을 보다 vs 공부 vs 시험

Both are related to learning.

'공부' is the process of learning. '시험' is the evaluation of that learning.

공부해요 vs 시험 봐요.

시험을 보다 vs 합격 vs 보다

Both relate to the outcome.

'보다' is the action. '합격' is the successful result.

시험을 봐요 vs 시험에 합격해요.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 [Time]에 시험을 봐요.

저는 내일 시험을 봐요.

[Subject]은/는 [Kind] 시험을 봤어요.

민수는 영어 시험을 봤어요.

시험을 잘 보려고 [Action].

시험을 잘 보려고 밤을 새웠어요.

시험을 보고 나서야 [Result].

시험을 보고 나서야 안심이 됐어요.

시험을 보는 것의 장점은 [Point]입니다.

시험을 보는 것의 장점은 실력을 확인하는 것입니다.

시험을 보느니 차라리 [Alternative].

시험을 보느니 차라리 과제를 제출하겠어요.

시험을 봐요?

오늘 시험을 봐요?

시험을 잘 못 봤어요.

수학 시험을 잘 못 봤어요.

Word Family

Nouns

시험 (test/exam)

시험지 (test paper)

수험생 (examinee)

고사 (formal exam)

평가 (evaluation)

Verbs

시험하다 (to test something)

시험해보다 (to try testing out)

응시하다 (to take an exam - formal)

채점하다 (to grade/score)

출제하다 (to set/create questions)

Adjectives

시험적인 (experimental/tentative)

시험해 볼 만한 (worth testing)

공부 (study)

합격 (passing)

불합격 (failing)

성적 (grade/result)

자격증 (certification)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in educational and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

시험을 가져갔어요. → 시험을 봤어요.
You cannot use 'take' (carry) for an exam. Use '보다'.
시험을 했어요. → 시험을 봤어요.
'하다' (to do) is not the standard verb for taking a test.
시험에 봤어요. → 시험을 봤어요.
Use the object marker '을', not the location marker '에', with '보다'.
테스트를 보다 (for medical). → 검사를 받다.
Use '검사' for medical tests, not '시험'.
시험을 잘 못 봤어요 (meaning I couldn't see). → 시험을 잘 못 봤어요 (meaning I did poorly).
In this context, '못 보다' almost always refers to performance, not physical sight.

Tips

Drop the Particle

In casual conversation, drop the '을'. '시험 봐' is much more natural than '시험을 봐' when talking to friends.

Use '잘' and '못'

Always pair '시험을 보다' with '잘' (well) or '못' (poorly) to describe your performance. It's the standard way to report results.

Avoid Seaweed Soup

Don't eat '미역국' (seaweed soup) on the day you '시험을 보다'. It's a superstition that you will 'slip' and fail!

Intonation Matters

When asking '시험 잘 봤어요?', use a warm, curious tone. Exams are stressful, so showing empathy is culturally important.

Formal Contexts

If you are writing a formal essay or a report, consider using '응시하다' or '치르다' instead of '보다' for a more professional tone.

Identify the Test

The word right before '시험' tells you what the test is about. Listen for '수학', '영어', or '운전' to get the context.

Visualize the Paper

Visualize your eyes (보다) looking at a test paper (시험). This direct mental link helps bypass the English 'take'.

Encouragement

Before someone takes a test, say '시험 잘 봐!' (Take the test well!). It's the most common way to say 'Good luck!'.

Job Interviews

Interviews are often called '면접 시험'. So you can say '면접 시험을 봐요' for a job interview.

No 'Take'

Never use '가져가다' or '취하다'. Korean verbs are specific to the action; for tests, it's always 'seeing' or 'hitting'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are 'seeing' (보다) the answers on the 'test' (시험) paper. You aren't just taking it; you are looking at your future!

Visual Association

Picture a large eye (for '보다') looking through a magnifying glass at a paper with a big 'A+' on it.

Word Web

시험 보다 학교 공부 점수 선생님 합격 긴장

Challenge

Try to use '시험을 보다' in three different tenses today: 'I take a test', 'I took a test', and 'I will take a test'.

Word Origin

The word '시험' (試驗) is a Sino-Korean word. '試' (si) means to try or test, and '驗' (heom) means to examine or verify. The verb '보다' is a native Korean word meaning 'to see'.

Original meaning: To observe the trial or to see the results of an examination.

Sino-Korean (Noun) + Native Korean (Verb)

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking about test results in Korea; it can be a very stressful and private topic if someone didn't do well.

In English, we 'take' or 'sit' for a test. Using 'see' sounds like you are just looking at the paper without answering.

The movie 'Parasite' features characters lying about '시험을 보다' to get tutoring jobs. The drama 'Sky Castle' revolves entirely around the pressure of preparing to '시험을 보다'. The song 'Exam Song' by various artists often parodies the stress of test-taking.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/University

기말 시험을 봐요.
시험을 잘 봤어요?
시험 범위가 어디예요?
시험이 너무 어려워요.

Job Hunting

입사 시험을 봐요.
면접 시험을 봤어요.
인적성 시험을 준비해요.
영어 시험 점수가 필요해요.

Driving School

운전면허 시험을 봐요.
도로주행 시험을 봤어요.
필기 시험에 합격했어요.
기능 시험을 다시 봐요.

Language Learning

토픽 시험을 봐요.
레벨 테스트를 봤어요.
말하기 시험이 떨려요.
단어 시험을 매일 봐요.

General/Life

건강 검진 시험을 봐요. (Note: usually '검사' is better here)
심리 테스트를 봤어요.
퀴즈 시험을 봐요.
오디션 시험을 봤어요.

Conversation Starters

"오늘 시험 잘 봤어요? (Did you do well on the test today?)"

"언제 한국어 시험을 볼 거예요? (When are you going to take the Korean test?)"

"시험을 볼 때 가장 힘든 게 뭐예요? (What is the hardest thing when taking a test?)"

"운전면허 시험을 본 적이 있어요? (Have you ever taken a driver's license test?)"

"내일 시험을 보는데 너무 긴장돼요. (I'm taking a test tomorrow and I'm so nervous.)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 시험을 본 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about your experience of taking a test today.)

가장 기억에 남는 시험은 무엇이었나요? (What was the most memorable test you took?)

시험을 잘 보기 위해 어떤 노력을 하나요? (What efforts do you make to do well on a test?)

만약 시험이 없는 세상이라면 어떨까요? (What would it be like if there were no tests in the world?)

시험을 본 후에 기분이 어땠는지 묘사해 보세요. (Describe how you felt after taking a test.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '시험을 들어요' is incorrect. You '수업을 들어요' (take a class) but you '시험을 봐요' (take a test).

Yes, '시험을 치다' is very common in Gyeongsang province, but it is understood and used widely throughout Korea.

'시험을 보다' is the common, everyday expression. '응시하다' is formal and typically used in official settings or written reports.

You say '시험에 합격했어요' or more casually '시험에 붙었어요'.

You say '시험에 불합격했어요' or more casually '시험에서 떨어졌어요'.

No, for a medical check-up, you should use '검사를 받다' or '검진을 받다'.

It usually means you feel you performed well, but the actual grade might not be out yet.

Yes, you can say '말하기 시험을 봐요'.

Yes, but it's more polite to say '시험을 봅니다' or '시험을 봐요' with a polite tone. If the teacher is taking it (unlikely), use '보십니다'.

It likely comes from the idea of 'viewing' the questions and 'witnessing' the challenge. It's an idiomatic use of the native verb '보다'.