This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Korean
Vocabulary
시험보다

A2 verb 9 min read

시험보다

siheom-boda

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시험보다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시험보다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that '시험보다' is the standard way to say 'to take a test.' You should focus on simple present and past tense conjugations. Beginners often find it strange that the verb '보다' (to see) is used instead of 'take.' Think of it as 'I see the test paper.' You will use this to talk about your weekly quizzes or basic language tests. It's a key verb for any student starting their Korean journey, allowing you to describe your daily school or study routine.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '시험보다' with specific subjects like '수학 시험' (math test) or '한국어 시험' (Korean test). You also learn to add adverbs like '잘' (well) and '못' (poorly) to describe how you performed. You should be comfortable using this verb in the future tense ('시험 볼 거예요') to discuss upcoming plans. At this level, you also learn the difference between '시험보다' and '시험기간' (exam period), and you can express basic feelings about tests using '~기 싫다' (don't want to).

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple classroom tests and start using '시험보다' in professional and official contexts, such as '자격증 시험' (certification exam) or '운전면허 시험' (driver's license test). You start to understand the nuance of dropping the object marker '을' in casual speech. You also learn related grammar like '시험 보느라고' (because of taking a test), which is used to explain why you were busy or couldn't do something. You begin to notice the cultural importance of exams in Korea.

At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish between '시험보다' and more formal alternatives like '응시하다' and '치르다.' You use '시험보다' in complex sentences involving hypothetical situations (e.g., '시험을 잘 봤더라면...'). You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions related to tests, such as '시험을 망치다' (to mess up a test). Your understanding of the word includes the societal pressure and the specific vocabulary of the Korean education system, like '수능' (CSAT).

At the C1 level, '시험보다' is a basic building block for discussing deep academic and social issues. You can analyze the 'examination hell' (입시 지옥) culture in Korea using this verb. You understand the subtle shift in tone when a speaker chooses '시험을 치르다' over '시험보다' to emphasize the gravity of the event. You can use the verb in high-level writing, such as essays about educational reform, and you understand its use in historical contexts regarding the 'Gwageo' (civil service exams of the Joseon Dynasty).

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '시험보다.' You understand its metaphorical uses and can identify it in various registers, from slang to highly technical educational discourse. You are aware of the subtle linguistic nuances between '시험을 보다' (focus on the object) and '시험보다' (focus on the action). You can debate the merits of different testing systems and use the verb fluently in any context, including legal, medical, or highly specialized professional examinations, while perfectly maintaining the appropriate level of politeness and formality.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시험보다 in 30 Seconds

시험보다 is the standard Korean verb for 'to take a test,' literally meaning 'to see a test.'
It is used for all types of exams, from school quizzes to professional certifications and licenses.
Performance is described using '잘 보다' (did well) or '못 보다' (did poorly) rather than 'did.'
It is a versatile verb that conjugates regularly and is essential for anyone in a learning environment.

The Korean verb 시험보다 is a fundamental expression used by students, professionals, and language learners alike. At its core, it translates to 'to take an exam' or 'to sit for a test.' However, for an English speaker, the literal construction is quite fascinating. It combines the noun 시험 (si-heom), meaning 'test' or 'examination,' with the verb 보다 (bo-da), which usually means 'to see,' 'to look,' or 'to watch.' Therefore, in the Korean mindset, you are not 'taking' a test in the sense of grabbing it, but rather 'seeing' or 'experiencing' the test. This reflects a broader linguistic pattern in Korean where many experiential actions use the verb 'to see.'

Daily Life Usage: You will hear this word constantly in school settings. Whether it is a small pop quiz or the life-changing Suneung (CSAT), '시험보다' is the go-to verb. It is used when you are the person answering the questions, not the person creating them.

내일 한국어 시험봐요. (I am taking a Korean test tomorrow.)

In South Korea, education is a central pillar of society, making this verb culturally heavyweight. It isn't just about school; it applies to driver's license tests, professional certifications, and employment exams. When someone says they are 'seeing a test,' there is an implied level of preparation and pressure. The verb can be used in its combined form '시험보다' or with the object marker '시험을 보다.' Both are correct, though the latter is slightly more formal or emphatic about the 'test' being the object of the action.

Grammatical Nuance: As an active verb, it follows standard conjugation rules. In the present tense, it becomes '시험 봐요' (polite) or '시험 본다' (plain). In the past, '시험 봤어요'. In the future, '시험 볼 거예요'.

어제 운전 면허 시험봤어. (I took the driver's license test yesterday.)

When discussing the act of taking an exam, Koreans also use the verb '치르다' (chi-reu-da) for more formal or large-scale examinations, like the national civil service exam. However, for 90% of daily conversations, '시험보다' is the most natural and frequently used term. It covers everything from a 10-minute vocabulary check to a 4-hour university entrance exam. The versatility of '보다' here is key to understanding the Korean language's focus on sensory experience as a metaphor for participation.

Colloquial Context: In casual speech, the '을' is almost always dropped. You'll hear '나 오늘 시험 봐' (I'm taking a test today) rather than the textbook perfect '나는 오늘 시험을 봅니다.'

Using 시험보다 correctly involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with the subject. In Korean, the person taking the test is the subject. The sentence structure typically follows [Subject] + [Test Type] + [시험보다]. Because Korean is a pro-drop language, the subject is often omitted if it is clear from the context that you are talking about yourself or the person you are addressing.

Standard Conjugations: Present: 시험 봐요 (si-heom bwa-yo)
Past: 시험 봤어요 (si-heom bwas-seo-yo)
Future: 시험 볼 거예요 (si-heom bol geo-ye-yo)
Honorific: 시험 보세요 (si-heom bo-se-yo)

중간고사를 잘 봤어요? (Did you do well on your midterm exam?)

One important aspect of using this verb is the addition of adverbs like '잘' (well) or '못' (poorly/badly). In English, we say 'I did well on the test.' In Korean, you say 'I saw the test well' (시험을 잘 봤어요). Conversely, if you failed or struggled, you would say '시험을 못 봤어요' (I didn't see the test well). This 'well/not well' construction is the standard way to describe performance.

Specifying the Subject: You can specify the subject of the exam by placing it before '시험'. For example: 수학 시험 (Math test), 영어 시험 (English test), 기말 시험 (Final exam). '수학 시험을 봐요' means 'I am taking a math test.'

내일은 중요한 자격증 시험을 보는 날이에요. (Tomorrow is the day I take an important certification exam.)

Furthermore, '시험보다' can be used with the intent or planning grammar '~러 가다' (to go in order to). For instance, '시험 보러 가요' (I am going to take a test). This is a very common phrase on university campuses during finals week. Understanding that '보다' is the engine of the phrase allows you to apply all standard verb endings, such as '~고 싶다' (want to) or '~야 하다' (must), creating complex and useful sentences for any academic situation.

Negative Form: To say you didn't take a test (perhaps you were sick), you would say '시험을 안 봤어요'. To say you cannot take a test, use '시험을 못 봐요'.

In South Korea, you will hear 시험보다 everywhere, but the context changes depending on the time of year. During 'Sihum Gigan' (Exam Period), which happens twice a semester in schools, the word dominates conversations in cafes, libraries, and subways. Students will be heard complaining '시험 보기 싫어' (I don't want to take the test) or asking each other '시험 공부 했어?' (Did you study for the test?).

In the Media: K-Dramas often feature scenes where characters are stressed about the Suneung. You'll hear parents praying while their children '시험보고 있어요' (are taking the test). In news reports, you'll hear about the thousands of students '시험에 응시하다' (applying/taking the exam), which is the formal broadcast version of '시험보다'.

이번 토픽 시험보는 사람이 정말 많네요. (There are so many people taking the TOPIK exam this time.)

Workplace environments also frequently use this word. Employees often take internal exams for promotions or external language exams like TOEIC to improve their resumes. A manager might ask, '이번에 승진 시험 봐요?' (Are you taking the promotion exam this time?). Even in the military, soldiers '시험 봐요' for various certifications or specialized roles. It is a word that follows a Korean person from early childhood through their entire professional career.

Social Media & Apps: On apps like Instagram or KakaoTalk, students post photos of their study materials with hashtags like #시험기간 (Exam period) or #시험공부 (Studying for exam). They might status update '시험 보는 중...' (Taking a test... / In the middle of exams).

나 내일 시험보니까 연락하지 마. (I'm taking a test tomorrow, so don't contact me.)

Finally, in language exchange settings, your Korean friends will inevitably ask you 'TOPIK 시험 봤어요?' (Have you taken the TOPIK exam?). It is the standard way to gauge someone's proficiency level or academic progress. Whether you are in a classroom, a corporate office, or a casual chat, '시험보다' remains one of the most practical and high-frequency verbs you will encounter in South Korea.

The most common mistake English speakers make when learning 시험보다 is trying to translate the English verb 'take' literally. In English, we 'take' a test. In Korean, the verb for 'to take' (in the sense of picking something up) is '들다' or '가져가다.' However, saying '시험을 가져가다' would mean you are physically picking up the paper and walking away with it, perhaps stealing it! This is a classic 'Konglish' error that can lead to confusion.

Confusing 시험보다 with 시험하다: '시험하다' (si-heom-ha-da) means 'to test' or 'to experiment.' You '시험하다' a new smartphone to see if it works, or a scientist '시험하다' a hypothesis. You do NOT '시험하다' when you are a student sitting in a chair answering questions. That is strictly '시험보다.'

❌ 저는 수학을 시험했어요.
✅ 저는 수학 시험을 봤어요.

Another mistake involves the particles. While '시험보다' is often used as a single unit, if you use the object marker, it must be '시험을 보다.' Beginners sometimes use the subject marker '이/가' by mistake (e.g., '시험이 봐요'), which would nonsensically imply that the test itself is looking at something. Always remember that you (the person) are the one doing the 'seeing' (보다).

Tense Misuse: Students often use the present tense '시험 봐요' to mean they just finished a test. In Korean, once the test is over, you MUST use the past tense '시험 봤어요'. The present tense '시험 봐요' is for habits, current actions, or the immediate future.

질문: 시험 잘 봤어요? (Did you see the test well?)
대답: 네, 잘 봤어요. (Yes, I saw it well.)

Finally, watch out for the adverb placement. In English, we say 'I did the test well.' In Korean, '잘' (well) must come directly before the verb: '시험을 잘 봤어요.' Putting '잘' at the beginning of the sentence or after the verb is a common structural error for English speakers. Mastering these small distinctions will make your Korean sound much more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

While 시험보다 is the most common way to say 'take a test,' the Korean language offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the examination. Knowing these will help you navigate different social and professional settings.

응시하다 (Eung-si-ha-da): This is a formal Sino-Korean word. It translates to 'to apply for and take an exam.' You will see this on official documents, news reports, and university applications. It sounds more professional than '시험보다.' Example: '공무원 시험에 응시하다' (To sit for the civil service exam).
치르다 (Chi-reu-da): '치르다' generally means 'to undergo' or 'to carry out' an event or ceremony. When used with '시험', it emphasizes the process or the ordeal of the exam. It is often used for major life events like the Suneung. Example: '수능을 치르다' (To undergo the CSAT).

그는 어제 변호사 시험을 치렀다. (He sat for the bar exam yesterday.)

Comparison table for clarity:

Word	Nuance	Setting
시험보다	General 'taking a test'	Everyday/Casual
응시하다	Official application/sitting	Professional/Formal
치르다	Undergoing a major event	Literary/Formal
테스트받다	Being tested/evaluated	Casual/Loanword

Another casual alternative is 테스트받다 (te-seu-teu-bat-da), which comes from the English 'test.' This is used more for skills or performance evaluations, like a level test at a gym or a quick check of your coding skills at a new job. It feels less like a 'paper and pen' exam and more like an assessment of ability. However, for any academic or official context, sticking to '시험보다' or its formal counterparts is your best bet.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because '보다' (to see) is used, it implies that the act of taking a test is an observation of one's own skills. Historically, the 'Gwageo' exams were the only path to success, making '시험' a word of life and death.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi.hʌm.bo.da/

US /ɕi.hʌm.bo.da/

Korean is not a stress-timed language, but a slight emphasis often falls on the first syllable '시'.

Rhymes With

경험하다 (gyeong-heom-ha-da) 모험하다 (mo-heom-ha-da) 위험하다 (wi-heom-ha-da) 가보다 (ga-bo-da) 해보다 (hae-bo-da) 먹어보다 (meok-eo-bo-da) 입어보다 (ib-eo-bo-da) 물어보다 (mul-eo-bo-da)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '시험' as 'shm' (too fast).
Making the 'b' in 'bo-da' too heavy like an English 'b'; it should be slightly softer.
Over-emphasizing the 'h' so it sounds like two separate words 'si' and 'heom'.
Confusing the 'eo' sound in 'heom' with an 'o' sound.
Failing to connect the 'm' in 'heom' to the 'b' in 'bo' smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it combines two common words.

Writing 3/5

Need to remember the 'eo' sound in 'heom' and the irregular-looking 'bwa' conjugation.

Speaking 2/5

Very natural flow, easy to pronounce for most learners.

Listening 2/5

Highly frequent in school and drama contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시험 (Test) 보다 (To see) 공부하다 (To study) 학교 (School) 선생님 (Teacher)

Learn Next

합격하다 (To pass) 떨어지다 (To fail) 성적 (Grades) 장학금 (Scholarship) 졸업하다 (To graduate)

Advanced

응시하다 (To sit for an exam) 치르다 (To undergo) 수험표 (Examinee slip) 가채점 (Self-grading) 변별력 (Discriminating power of a test)

Grammar to Know

보다 as an auxiliary verb

먹어 보다 (try eating), 가 보다 (try going).

Object marker dropping

시험(을) 보다.

Future tense ~(으)ㄹ 거예요

시험 볼 거예요.

Reason grammar ~느라고

시험 보느라고 못 갔어요.

Honorific ~시

선생님, 시험 보셨어요?

Examples by Level

오늘 시험 봐요.

I take a test today.

Present tense polite form.

어제 시험 봤어요.

I took a test yesterday.

Past tense polite form.

내일 시험 볼 거예요.

I will take a test tomorrow.

Future tense with (으)ㄹ 거예요.

수학 시험 봐요.

I take a math test.

Noun '수학' (math) modifying '시험'.

시험 잘 보세요!

Good luck on your test! (Take the test well!)

Honorific imperative form used as a well-wish.

시험이 어려워요?

Is the test difficult?

Questioning the difficulty of the '시험'.

지금 시험 보고 있어요.

I am taking a test right now.

Present progressive form ~고 있다.

친구랑 시험 봐요.

I take a test with a friend.

Particle ~랑 (with).

한국어 시험을 잘 봤어요.

I did well on the Korean test.

Adverb '잘' (well) before the verb.

영어 시험을 못 봤어요.

I didn't do well on the English test.

Adverb '못' (cannot/poorly) before the verb.

내일은 시험 보는 날이에요.

Tomorrow is the day of the test.

Noun modifying form ~는.

시험 보러 학교에 가요.

I am going to school to take a test.

Purpose grammar ~(으)러 가다.

어떤 시험을 봐요?

What kind of test are you taking?

Interrogative '어떤' (what kind of).

시험 보기 전에 공부해요.

I study before taking the test.

Grammar ~기 전에 (before doing).

운전면허 시험을 봐요.

I am taking the driver's license test.

Compound noun '운전면허 시험'.

시험 보고 싶지 않아요.

I don't want to take the test.

Negative desire ~고 싶지 않다.

자격증 시험을 보느라고 바빴어요.

I was busy because I was taking a certification exam.

Reason grammar ~느라고 (due to an action).

시험 볼 때 조용히 해야 해요.

You must be quiet when taking a test.

Time grammar ~(으)ㄹ 때 (when).

이번에 토픽 시험을 볼 계획이에요.

I plan to take the TOPIK exam this time.

Noun phrase '볼 계획' (plan to see).

시험 본 후에 영화를 봤어요.

I watched a movie after taking the test.

Sequence grammar ~(으)ㄴ 후에 (after doing).

시험 보다가 펜을 떨어뜨렸어요.

I dropped my pen while taking the test.

Interruption grammar ~다가.

취직하려면 시험을 봐야 해요.

To get a job, you have to take an exam.

Condition grammar ~(으)려면 (if you want to).

중간고사를 어제 다 봤어요.

I finished all my midterm exams yesterday.

Adverb '다' (all/completely).

시험 보는 게 너무 긴장돼요.

I am so nervous about taking the test.

Gerund form ~는 것 (the act of).

시험을 잘 보려면 기출문제를 풀어보세요.

If you want to do well on the test, try solving past exam questions.

Advice with ~(으)려면 and ~아/어 보다.

졸업하기 위해서 꼭 이 시험을 봐야 합니다.

In order to graduate, you must take this exam.

Purpose grammar ~기 위해서.

시험 보는 도중에 화장실에 갈 수 없어요.

You cannot go to the bathroom in the middle of taking the test.

During grammar ~는 도중에.

그는 시험 볼 준비가 전혀 안 되어 있어요.

He is not prepared to take the test at all.

Preparation phrase '준비가 안 되다'.

시험 보러 가는 길에 사고가 났어요.

An accident happened on the way to take the test.

On the way grammar ~는 길에.

실수로 다른 과목 시험을 볼 뻔했어요.

I almost took the test for the wrong subject by mistake.

Almost happened grammar ~(으)ㄹ 뻔하다.

시험 보는 내내 머리가 아팠어요.

My head hurt throughout the entire time I was taking the test.

Duration grammar ~는 내내 (all throughout).

시험을 잘 봤는지 모르겠어요.

I'm not sure if I did well on the test.

Uncertainty grammar ~(으)ㄴ지 모르다.

시험 보는 과정 자체가 큰 스트레스입니다.

The process of taking an exam itself is a huge stress.

Subjective focus with '자체' (itself).

국가 고시를 보려는 사람들이 줄을 섰어요.

People intending to take the state exam lined up.

Intention grammar ~(으)려는.

시험 보는 방식이 점차 바뀌고 있습니다.

The way of taking exams is gradually changing.

Progressive change ~아/어 가고 있다.

비대면으로 시험 보는 것이 일상화되었습니다.

Taking exams remotely has become a daily routine.

Noun '일상화' (routine/normalization).

그는 시험 볼 기회를 박탈당했습니다.

He was deprived of the opportunity to take the test.

Passive form '박탈당하다' (to be deprived).

시험 보는 동안에는 휴대전화 전원을 꺼야 합니다.

You must turn off your mobile phone power while taking the test.

During grammar ~는 동안.

실력 발휘를 위해 시험 보기 전 명상을 합니다.

I meditate before taking a test to show my true ability.

Purpose phrase '실력 발휘를 위해'.

시험 보는 환경이 성적에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.

The environment in which one takes a test greatly affects the grades.

Impact phrase '영향을 미치다'.

시험 보는 행위가 진정한 실력을 대변하지는 않습니다.

The act of taking a test does not represent one's true ability.

Negative emphasis with '지는 않다'.

그는 수차례 낙방한 끝에 다시 시험 보러 왔습니다.

After failing several times, he came back to take the test again.

Result grammar ~(으)ㄴ 끝에.

시험 보는 내내 감독관의 시선이 느껴졌습니다.

I felt the proctor's gaze throughout the entire exam.

Passive sense '느껴지다'.

공정하게 시험 보는 문화가 정착되어야 합니다.

A culture of taking exams fairly must be established.

Necessity with ~어야 하다.

시험 보는 도중 부정행위가 적발되어 퇴실 조치되었습니다.

Cheating was detected during the exam, and the person was ordered to leave.

Formal passive '적발되다' and '조치되다'.

그는 몸이 좋지 않음에도 불구하고 시험 보러 나갔습니다.

Despite not feeling well, he went out to take the test.

Concession grammar ~(으)ㅁ에도 불구하고.

시험 보는 시간 배분은 합격의 당락을 결정짓는 요소입니다.

Time allocation while taking a test is a factor that determines success or failure.

Determining phrase '당락을 결정짓다'.

과거에는 마당에서 수천 명이 동시에 시험 보곤 했습니다.

In the past, thousands of people used to take exams simultaneously in a courtyard.

Used to grammar ~곤 하다.

Common Collocations

시험을 잘 보다

시험을 못 보다

시험을 망치다

시험 보러 가다

시험 공부를 하다

시험 준비를 하다

시험 기간이다

시험 범위

시험 문제

시험 결과

Common Phrases

시험 잘 봐!

— Good luck on your test! Use this to cheer someone on.

친구야, 내일 시험 잘 봐!

시험 어땠어?

— How was the test? Used to ask about the experience.

방금 끝난 시험 어땠어?

시험 보느라 수고했어

— Good job taking the test. Used to comfort someone after they finish.

오늘 시험 보느라 정말 수고 많았어.

시험이 코앞이다

— The test is right around the corner (very close).

벌써 기말 시험이 코앞이야.

시험에 떨어지다

— To fail an exam (literally 'to fall from the test').

운전면허 시험에 또 떨어졌어요.

시험에 합격하다

— To pass an exam (formal).

드디어 원하는 시험에 합격했어요.

시험을 치르다

— To take/undergo a formal exam.

수험생들이 조용히 시험을 치르고 있습니다.

시험 점수

— Test score.

시험 점수가 생각보다 잘 나왔어요.

시험지

— The actual test paper.

시험지를 받자마자 이름을 쓰세요.

시험 대박!

— Hit the jackpot on the test! (Do amazingly well).

이번 시험 대박 나길 바랄게!

Often Confused With

시험보다 vs 시험하다

Means to test a machine or experiment, not to take an exam.

시험보다 vs 검사하다

Means to inspect or check (like a medical test).

시험보다 vs 조사하다

Means to investigate or research.

Idioms & Expressions

"시험대에 오르다"

— To be put to the test; to have one's abilities evaluated.

새로운 정책이 시험대에 올랐다.

Formal/Journalistic

"미역국을 먹다"

— To fail an exam (slippery seaweed soup metaphor).

이번에도 미역국을 먹어서 속상해요.

Slang/Informal

"떡하니 붙다"

— To pass an exam easily/firmly (like sticky rice cake).

그는 대학 시험에 떡하니 붙었다.

Informal

"벼락치기 공부"

— Cramming for a test (lightning-fast study).

시험 전날에 벼락치기를 했어요.

Neutral

"시험을 망치다"

— To completely ruin or fail a test.

잠을 못 자서 시험을 망쳤어요.

Neutral

"정답을 찍다"

— To guess the answer (literally 'to dot/pick').

모르는 문제는 그냥 찍었어요.

Informal

"시험에 들게 하다"

— To lead into temptation or put someone in a difficult trial.

그 상황은 나를 시험에 들게 했다.

Religious/Literary

"낙방하다"

— To fail an official exam (historical nuance).

그는 과거 시험에서 낙방했다.

Historical/Formal

"합격 통지서"

— Acceptance letter/notification.

드디어 합격 통지서를 받았어요.

Formal

"수험생"

— Examinee; someone preparing for a major test.

수험생들을 위해 기도를 합니다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

시험보다 vs 시험하다

Both contain '시험'.

시험보다 is for people taking tests; 시험하다 is for testing objects or ideas.

새 차를 시험하고 있어요. (Testing a new car.)

시험보다 vs 체험하다

Sounds slightly similar.

체험하다 means 'to experience' a culture or activity personally.

한국 문화를 체험해요. (Experience Korean culture.)

시험보다 vs 시합하다

Starts with '시'.

시합하다 means to play a sports match or game.

축구 시합을 해요. (Play a soccer match.)

시험보다 vs 연습하다

Related to learning.

연습하다 means to practice, not the actual evaluation.

피아노를 연습해요. (Practice piano.)

시험보다 vs 복습하다

Related to learning.

복습하다 means to review what you've learned.

오늘 배운 내용을 복습해요. (Review today's content.)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject]은/는 시험을 봐요.

저는 시험을 봐요.

[Subject]은/는 [Subject Name] 시험을 봐요.

민수는 영어 시험을 봐요.

시험을 [Adverb] 봤어요.

시험을 잘 봤어요.

시험 보러 [Place]에 가요.

시험 보러 학교에 가요.

시험 보느라고 [Result].

시험 보느라고 잠을 못 잤어요.

시험 볼 때 [Action/Condition].

시험 볼 때 너무 떨렸어요.

시험 보는 방식이 [Description].

시험 보는 방식이 까다로워요.

시험 보는 행위의 [Noun].

시험 보는 행위의 공정성이 중요합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

시험 (Test)

시험지 (Test paper)

시험관 (Examiner)

수험생 (Examinee)

고사장 (Exam hall)

Verbs

시험하다 (To experiment/test a device)

응시하다 (To apply for/take an exam)

채점하다 (To grade)

출제하다 (To set questions)

Adjectives

시험적인 (Experimental/Tentative)

공부 (Study)

학교 (School)

성적 (Grades)

합격 (Pass)

불합격 (Fail)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in academic and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

시험을 해요 → 시험을 봐요
English speakers confuse 'do/take' with '하다'. In Korean, you 'see' (보다) the test.
시험을 가져요 → 시험을 봐요
Literal translation of 'take' as 'possess' is incorrect.
시험이 잘 봤어요 → 시험을 잘 봤어요
Using the subject marker '이' instead of the object marker '을'.
시험을 잘 했어요 → 시험을 잘 봤어요
Translating 'did well' literally as '잘 했어요' is less natural than '잘 봤어요'.
시험을 시험했어요 → 시험을 봤어요
Using '시험하다' (to experiment) instead of '시험보다' (to take a test).

Tips

Conjugation Tip

The verb '보다' is irregular in the polite present tense, becoming '봐요' (bo + ayo -> bwa-yo).

Food Superstition

Don't eat seaweed soup (미역국) before a test because it's 'slippery' and you might 'slip' and fail. Eat sticky rice cakes (엿 or 떡) instead so the answers 'stick' to you.

Casual Dropping

In fast conversation, Koreans often say '시험 봐' instead of '시험을 봐요'. Dropping the particle is very common.

Subject Prep

Always put the subject name before '시험' (e.g., 과학 시험, 역사 시험).

Past Tense

Even if you finished the test 1 minute ago, always use '봤어요' (past tense).

Hanja Power

Knowing that '시' means 'try' helps you understand words like '시도' (attempt).

Context Clues

If you hear '시험' and '보다', 99% of the time it means taking an exam.

Spacing Note

While '시험보다' is often used, '시험(을) 보다' with a space is the standard dictionary entry form.

Politeness

When asking a teacher if they gave a test, use '시험을 내셨어요?' (Did you set the test?).

The 'See' Trick

Just remember: 'I SEE the test' = 시험을 보다.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'See-Hum-Bo-Da'. You 'See' the 'Hum' (humming/thinking) of the students when you 'Bo-Da' (behold) the test.

Visual Association

Imagine your eyes (보다) scanning a test paper (시험) with a big 'A+' at the top.

Word Web

시험 (Test) 보다 (To see) 공부 (Study) 점수 (Score) 연필 (Pencil) 긴장 (Nervousness) 합격 (Pass) 교실 (Classroom)

Challenge

Try to say 'I am taking a test' in Korean every time you start a quiz or a practice session today.

Word Origin

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

Original meaning: To try and examine something visually or through experience.

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

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking about test results, as it can be a source of great stress or shame for Korean students.

In the US or UK, 'taking a test' is common, but 'sitting an exam' is also used in British English. The Korean 'seeing a test' is a unique conceptual metaphor.

Suneung (CSAT) - The national exam day. Sky Castle - A K-Drama about the pressure of exams. Gwageo - The historical civil service exam.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At School

시험 기간이에요.
시험 잘 봤어요?
시험 범위가 어디예요?
시험 공부 했어요?

Job Hunting

입사 시험을 봐요.
면접 시험이 있어요.
적성 검사를 봐요.
자격증 시험을 준비해요.

Driving School

도로 주행 시험을 봐요.
필기 시험을 봐요.
운전면허 시험에 붙었어요.
시험이 너무 떨려요.

Language Learning

토픽 시험을 봐요.
레벨 테스트를 봐요.
말하기 시험이 어려워요.
내일 단어 시험 봐요.

At Home

시험 공부 하러 가요.
시험 잘 보고 올게요.
시험 성적표 나왔어요.
시험 때문에 스트레스 받아요.

Conversation Starters

"이번 주에 시험 봐요?"

"어제 본 수학 시험 어땠어요?"

"시험 공부는 어디서 주로 해요?"

"시험 볼 때 가장 긴장되는 순간이 언제예요?"

"자격증 시험을 본 적이 있어요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 시험을 봤다면 그 기분이 어땠는지 써 보세요.

가장 기억에 남는 어려운 시험에 대해 이야기해 보세요.

시험 공부를 할 때 자신만의 특별한 방법이 있나요?

한국의 시험 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 적어 보세요.

미래에 보고 싶은 시험이 있다면 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'take' in English does not translate to '가지다' (possess) in this context. Use '보다'.

They are essentially the same. '시험을 보다' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the test as the object.

You can say '시험에 합격했어요' or '시험에 붙었어요' (casual).

Say '시험에 떨어졌어요' or '시험을 망쳤어요'.

No, for medical tests, use '검사받다' (to receive an inspection).

It is often called '쪽지 시험' (memo/note test).

For an interview, you usually say '면접을 보다'.

For an eye exam, use '시력 검사를 받다'.

It is '시험 볼 거예요' or '시험 보겠어요'.

Say '시험 잘 봐!' or '시험 대박 나세요!'