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알아보다 Meaning in English
The Korean verb 알아보다 translates to several meanings in English depending on context, such as “to find out,” “to recognize,” or “to investigate.” At its core, 알아보다 meaning in English combines 알다 (to know) and 보다 (to see), creating a phrase that implies actively seeking or confirming knowledge.
Learning 알아보다 meaning in English helps you navigate a wide range of everyday Korean situations effortlessly.
알아보다 Nuances and Usage
The nuance of 알아보다 lies in its active tone. It’s not about passively knowing something but making an effort to discover, verify, or identify. It can also reflect curiosity or diligence, depending on how it’s used.
In spoken Korean, 알아보다 can also carry a sense of problem-solving or inquiry, making it ideal for situations like:
- Asking for help: 어디에서 알아볼 수 있을까요? (“Where can I find out?”)
- Recognizing someone: 그 사람을 알아봤어. (“I recognized that person.”)
Mastering the various contexts of 알아보다 meaning in English ensures your Korean sounds more natural and adaptable.
알아보다 Example 1
Original Korean Sentence
새로운 학원을 알아보고 있어요.
Pronunciation Guide
새로운 (sae-ro-un) 하궈늘 (ha-gwo-neul) 아라보고 (a-ra-bo-go) 잇써요 (it-sseo-yo).
Meaning and Context
새로운 (new) 학원 (private institute/academy) 을 (my object is new academies) 알아보 (to research/look into) 고 있 (~ing) 어요 (am; I’m telling you polite and friendly).
English Translation
I am looking into new academies.
Literal Translation
(I) am looking into new academy.
알아보다 Example 2
Original Korean Sentence
나는 여행에 필요한 정보를 알아보는 중이야.
Pronunciation Guide
나는 (na-neun) 여행에 (yeo-haeng-e) 피료한 (pi-ryo-han) 정보를 (jeong-bo-reul) 아라보는 (a-ra-bo-neun) 중이야 (jung-i-ya).
Meaning and Context
나 (I) 는 (my topic is myself) 여행 (travel/trip) 에 (to/for) 필요하 (to be necessary) ㄴ (descriptive ending; makes “necessary” describe the next word) 정보 (the information) 를 (my object is information) 알아보 (to research/find out) 는 중 (in the middle of) 이야 (am; I’m telling you casually).
Grammar
-ㄴ: Descriptive ending, makes the verb ‘필요하다’ (to be necessary) modify the noun ‘정보’ (information).
-는 중이다: Grammar construction which means ‘in the middle of doing’.
English Translation
I’m finding out the information I need for the trip.
Literal Translation
I’m finding out information (that I) need for trip.
알아보다 Example 3
Original Korean Sentence
마스크를 쓰고 있어도 바로 알아봤어.
Pronunciation Guide
마스크를 (ma-seu-keu-reul) 쓰고 (sseu-go) 잇써도 (it-sseo-do) 바로 (ba-ro) 아라봣써 (a-ra-bwat-sseo).
Meaning and Context
마스크 (mask) 를 (my object is a mask) 쓰 (to wear (on face)) 고 있 (~ing; action happened and it still remains) 어도 (even if) 바로 (immediately/right away) 알아보 (to recognize) 았 (past tense) 어 (I’m telling you casually).
Pronunciation Patterns for Conjugations
⊳ 보 + 았 = 봤
When rapidly pronounced, ‘보’ and ‘았’ naturally combine to form ‘봤’.
English Translation
I recognized you right away, even though you were wearing a mask.
Literal Translation
(I) recognized (you) right away, even though (you) were wearing mask.
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Conclusion: Mastering 알아보다 meaning
Understanding 알아보다 meaning in English opens up new ways to express curiosity and discovery in Korean. Whether you’re finding out information, recognizing someone, or exploring new opportunities, this verb is incredibly versatile for daily conversations.
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