Learn Korean: Verb + 봤다

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern Verb + 봤다. 봤다 is the past tense form of 보다 which means to see, look, or watch. We use this to express that we saw someone do something. If I saw my boyfriend with her ex (Mina), I would confront him and say I saw you with Mina today. The main verb is 같이 있다 (to be together). We take the verb stem (있) and attach 는 것. It is the object of the verb, so the object particle (을) is attached to it (것을). It is often simplified into 걸 or 거 when speaking. Then, we add 봤다. The actual sentence is 오늘 네가 미나랑 같이 있는 거 봤어. We also use this to ask someone whether he has seen something (an action being done). My boyfriend said that it was not a big deal but I didn’t believe that. I asked if he still had feelings for her. He got annoyed and said Did you see us holding hands? (Do you have a proof?) The main verb is 손을 잡다 (to hold hands). We take the verb stem (잡) and attach 는 것. Then, we add 봤다. The actual sentence is 우리가 손 잡는 거 봤어?

남자 우는 거 봤어?

Have you ever seen a guy cry?

 

아까 둘이 싸우는 거 봤어.

I saw the two of you fighting earlier.

내가 야동 보는 거 봤어?

Did you ever see me watch porn?