Korean grammar - To look like or to show - 보이다

To look like or to show - 보이다

The indirect verb 보이다 is derived from the active verb 보다 (to see) and can mean 'to appear' or 'to show',

In this context 보이다 is used to express similarity in appearance - 'to look like' or 'to appear like'.

It can also mean 'to show' or 'to cause to be visible' as a causative verb. This is discussed in the next topic.

Examples:
	이 피자 맛있어 보여요. This pizza looks delicious. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	왜 그렇게 행복해 보여요? Why do (you) look so happy? Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	화면이 보이지 않아요. The screen is not visible. Here the meaning is 'to be visible'
	깃발은 병사들에게 안 보여요. The flag is not visible to the soldiers. Here the meaning is 'to be visible'
	계약서는 변호사에게 보여줄 수 없어요. The contract cannot be shown to the lawyer. Here the meaning is 'to be visible'
	괜찮으세요? 정말 피곤해 보여요. Are you okay? (You) look really tired. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	가방이 무거워 보여요. The bag looks heavy. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	이 시계는 생일 선물로는 너무 비싸 보여요. This watch looks too expensive for (my) birthday. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	바보 같아 보여요. (You) look stupid. Here the meaning is 'to look like' 바보 means 'fool' or 'stupid person'
	큰 빨간 모자를 쓴 남자는 바보처럼 보이죠? The guy in the big red hat looks like an idiot, doesn't he? Here the meaning is 'to look like' 처럼 means 'like' or 'as if'
	안개 때문에 아무것도 안 보여요. Because of the fog, nothing is visible. OR '… (I) can't see anything' Here the meaning is 'to be visible'
	그녀는 안경을 쓰면 똑똑해 보여요. When she wears glasses, (she) looks smart. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	어머니가 너무 젊어 보여요. (Your) mother looks very young. Here the meaning is 'to look like'
	표를 보여주세요. Please show (me) (your) ticket. 보이다 is combined with 주다 (to give) to mean 'show to (someone)' 표 means 'ticket' usually for transport.;
	경비원에게 신분증을 보여주세요. Please show the guard (your) ID. 보다 (to see) ⇒ 보여주다 (to show) 경비원 means 'guard'