jidoreul bomyeonseo gireul hwaginhaeyo.

I check the route while looking at the map.

Breakdown of jidoreul bomyeonseo gireul hwaginhaeyo.

• ~을: object particle
• ~를: object particle
• 확인하다: to check
• 지도: map

Questions & Answers about jidoreul bomyeonseo gireul hwaginhaeyo.

What is the function of -면서 in 보면서?

-면서 is a connective ending that attaches to a verb stem to indicate that two actions occur simultaneously. In 보면서, it means “while looking (at something).” So 지도를 보면서 literally means “while looking at the map.”

How do you know whether to use -으면서 or just -면서?

If the verb stem ends in a consonant, you add -으면서. If it ends in a vowel, you add -면서.
• 보다 → 보 + 면서 → 보면서
• 먹다 → 먹 + 으면서 → 먹으면서

Can I use -고 instead of -면서 (e.g., 지도를 보고 길을 확인해요)?

Yes, -고 connects actions too, but it usually just lists them or implies sequence.
• 지도를 보고 길을 확인해요 can mean “I look at the map and then check the route.”
By contrast, 보면서 emphasizes doing both at the same time: “I check the route while looking at the map.”

Why does 지도 take -를 (지도를) and 길 take -을 (길을)?

Both 지도를 and 길을 use the object particle -을/를 to mark the direct objects of the verbs 보다 and 확인하다 respectively. Without them, the sentence would sound less clear or more informal: • 지도를 보면서 = looking at the map
• 길을 확인해요 = confirming/checking the route