The most natural and common way to ask a question in everyday Korean conversation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to ask someone for information or help.
- Commonly used in daily conversations.
- Often used with the particle '-에게' for the recipient.
개요
'물어보다'는 '묻다'와 '보다'가 결합된 형태입니다. 상대방에게 질문을 던져 정보를 얻고자 할 때 쓰는 일상적인 표현입니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 '-에게'를 사용하여 질문의 대상을 나타내며, 목적어로는 '무엇을'에 해당하는 내용이 옵니다. 예: '선생님께 질문을 물어보다'. 3) 일반적인 맥락: 길을 찾을 때, 모르는 단어의 뜻을 질문할 때, 상대방의 의견을 묻는 상황 등 아주 광범위하게 쓰입니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '묻다'는 기본형으로 더 간결한 느낌을 주며, '질문하다'는 조금 더 격식 있는 자리에서 사용됩니다. '물어보다'는 구어체에서 가장 자연스럽게 사용되는 형태입니다.
Examples
길을 물어봐도 될까요?
everydayMay I ask for directions?
담당자에게 문의해 주십시오.
formalPlease ask the person in charge.
친구한테 물어봤어.
informalI asked my friend.
교수님께 질문을 드렸습니다.
academicI asked the professor a question.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
한번 물어볼게요.
I will ask once.
물어봐서 미안해요.
Sorry for asking.
물어볼 게 있어요.
I have something to ask.
Often Confused With
This is the root verb. It is slightly more concise and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
This is the humble honorific form of '물어보다'. Use this when speaking to elders or superiors.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '물어보다' in casual or semi-formal settings. For professional settings, '문의하다' is better. Always pair with the particle '-에게' or '-한테' for the target.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget the particle '-에게' when addressing the person. Also, avoid using '물어보다' when talking to a boss; use '여쭤보다' instead to avoid sounding rude.
Tips
Use honorifics for superiors
When asking someone older or in a higher position, use '여쭤보다' instead of '물어보다'. This shows proper respect in Korean culture.
Avoid using '물어보다' in formal writing
In formal reports or academic writing, use '질문하다' or '문의하다' to maintain a professional tone.
Indirect questioning
Koreans often use '물어봐도 될까요?' (May I ask?) as a polite opening before asking a personal question.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb '묻다' (to ask) combined with the auxiliary verb '보다' (to try/see). It implies testing or checking by asking.
Cultural Context
Asking questions is generally encouraged in social settings, but personal questions about age or salary can be sensitive. Always use polite forms when approaching strangers.
Memory Tip
Think of '물어보다' as 'ask and see' (묻다 + 보다). It is like asking to see the answer you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions두 단어 모두 질문한다는 의미로 거의 동일하게 쓰입니다. 다만 '물어보다'가 일상적인 대화에서 조금 더 부드럽고 자연스럽게 들리는 경향이 있습니다.
네, 아주 자연스러운 문장입니다. 상대방이 누구인지 모를 때 사용하는 전형적인 표현입니다.
사용 가능하지만, 격식 있는 자리에서는 '여쭤보다'라는 높임말을 사용하는 것이 훨씬 예의 바르게 들립니다.
Test Yourself
선생님께 모르는 것을 ___.
선생님께는 높임말인 '-세요'를 사용하는 것이 적절합니다.
Score: /1
Summary
The most natural and common way to ask a question in everyday Korean conversation.
- Used to ask someone for information or help.
- Commonly used in daily conversations.
- Often used with the particle '-에게' for the recipient.
Use honorifics for superiors
When asking someone older or in a higher position, use '여쭤보다' instead of '물어보다'. This shows proper respect in Korean culture.
Avoid using '물어보다' in formal writing
In formal reports or academic writing, use '질문하다' or '문의하다' to maintain a professional tone.
Indirect questioning
Koreans often use '물어봐도 될까요?' (May I ask?) as a polite opening before asking a personal question.
Examples
4 of 4길을 물어봐도 될까요?
May I ask for directions?
담당자에게 문의해 주십시오.
Please ask the person in charge.
친구한테 물어봤어.
I asked my friend.
교수님께 질문을 드렸습니다.
I asked the professor a question.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
~대해서
A2About; a particle indicating the subject of discussion.
~ 에 대해
A2About; concerning; regarding.
~쯤
A2About; approximately (quantity, time)
동의
B1The act of agreeing with someone's opinion or a proposal. A core functional word for IELTS Writing Task 2 'agree or disagree' questions.
모호성
B2The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or lack of clarity.
그리고
A1And/and then
공지
A2A formal announcement or notification.
답하다
A1To answer
대답하다
A1To answer
대답
A1Answer; Reply (response to a question)
