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장을 보다 Meaning in English
The Korean expression 장을 보다 translates to “grocery shopping” in English. Literally, it combines 장 (market or grocery) and 보다 (to see, look, or do), forming a phrase that means “to do the groceries” or “to go grocery shopping.”
This phrase is commonly used in everyday life and applies to the act of shopping for food and household items, usually in traditional markets, supermarkets, or convenience stores. Whether you’re planning a Korean BBQ feast or just grabbing some essentials, 장을 보다 is an essential verb for Korean daily life!
Learning Korean through examples like this is helpful, but imagine understanding it naturally through stories! Check out my Story Courses to make learning Korean easy and fun!Go to Korean Stories
장을 보다 Nuances and Usage
The phrase 장을 보다 meaning in English emphasizes a routine activity, often implying preparation for meals or household needs. It’s versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as discussing chores, meal planning, or simply a casual conversation about one’s day.
In modern usage, while traditional markets still hold a special place in Korean culture, 장을 보다 is just as applicable when referring to shopping at supermarkets like E-Mart or Costco.
Additionally, the verb 보다 is conjugated based on tense and politeness levels, making it adaptable for different situations:
- 장을 봅니다 (formal)
- 장을 봐요 (polite)
- 장을 봐 (casual)
Example Sentences with 장을 보다 Meaning in English
(Shopping for dinner)
Korean: 오늘 저녁 먹을 재료를 사려고 장을 봤어.
English: I went grocery shopping to buy ingredients for tonight’s dinner.
- 오늘 (today) 저녁 (dinner) 먹을 (to eat) 재료 (ingredients) 를 (object marker) 사려고 (to buy) 장 (groceries) 을 (object marker) 봤어 (went shopping; past tense, casual).
(Weekend routine)
Korean: 주말마다 가족과 함께 장을 보러 가요.
English: Every weekend, I go grocery shopping with my family.
- 주말마다 (every weekend) 가족과 함께 (with my family) 장 (groceries) 을 (object marker) 보러 (in order to shop) 가요 (go; polite).
(Preparing for a party)
Korean: 파티 준비 때문에 아침 일찍 장을 보러 갔어요.
English: I went grocery shopping early in the morning to prepare for the party.
- 파티 준비 (party preparation) 때문에 (because of) 아침 일찍 (early in the morning) 장 (groceries) 을 (object marker) 보러 (in order to shop) 갔어요 (went; polite).
Learning Korean through examples like this is helpful, but imagine understanding it naturally through stories! Check out my Story Courses to make learning Korean easy and fun!Go to Korean Stories
Conclusion
Understanding 장을 보다 meaning in English is a great way to expand your vocabulary and connect with everyday Korean culture. Whether you’re living in Korea or simply enjoying K-dramas and Korean food, mastering phrases like this makes your Korean journey more relatable and fun.
Learning Korean through practical examples like 장을 보다 is helpful, but imagine understanding these phrases naturally through stories! Check out my Story Courses to make learning Korean engaging, easy, and unforgettable.
What do you usually buy when you 장을 보다? Share your grocery shopping stories in the comments below! 😊
