Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Korean grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about muneul yeoreo bwayo.
What does the ending -아/어 봐요 mean in 문을 열어 봐요?
- The suffix -아/어 보다 literally means “to try doing” something or “to see what happens if you do…”
- When conjugated politely it becomes -아/어 봐요.
- So 문을 열어 봐요 literally means “try opening the door,” but in conversation you’d render it as “Why don’t you open the door?” or “Go ahead and open the door.”
Why is 을 attached to 문 instead of 이 or 를?
- 문 ends in a consonant (ㄴ), so the appropriate object particle is 을.
- If the noun ends in a vowel, you’d use 를.
- 이 and 가 are subject markers, not object markers.
Why is there no subject in 문을 열어 봐요?
- Korean often omits the subject when it’s obvious from context.
- If you want to include “you,” you could say (당신이) 문을 열어 봐요, but it’s rarely necessary in everyday speech.
How would 문을 열어 봐요 differ from 문을 열어 보세요 or the plain 문을 열어 봐?
- 문을 열어 봐: casual, informal (used with close friends or younger people).
- 문을 열어 봐요: polite, informal/formal register (standard polite).
- 문을 열어 보세요: polite but slightly more formal or deferential (using honorific style).
- All three carry the “try opening” nuance, but differ in politeness level.
Why do we say 봐요 instead of 보아요?
- When 보다 combines with -아/어, the 아 from 보다 + 아 contracts: 보아 → 봐.
- Then you add the polite ending -요, giving 봐요.
Can I use the -아/어 보다 pattern with other verbs?
Absolutely. It’s a common pattern to express “try doing” something:
- 먹어 봐요 (try eating)
- 읽어 봐요 (try reading)
- 가 봐요 (try going)
Just conjugate the verb stem + 아/어- 보다, then add -요 for politeness.
What’s the difference in nuance between 문을 열어 봐요 and simply 문을 열어요?
- 문을 열어요 is a neutral statement or simple request: “I/you open the door.”
- 문을 열어 봐요 adds a nuance of experimentation or suggestion: “Why don’t you try opening the door?” You’re inviting someone to see what happens.
Why isn’t there an article like “the” or “a” before 문?
- Korean does not use articles (a/the) like English does.
- 문 can mean “a door,” “the door,” or even “doors” depending on context.
- Context and particles (like 을) clarify meaning instead of articles.