Meaning and Usage
The verb '바라보다' primarily means 'to look at' or 'to gaze at' something with attention. It can also express the idea of 'looking forward to' or 'expecting' something in the future, often with hope or anticipation.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '바라보다' when someone is literally looking at an object or scene, such as the sky, a person, or an event. It is also used metaphorically to express hope or expectation, especially about the future.
Collocations and Patterns
- 바라보다 + noun: to look at something (e.g., 하늘을 바라보다 - look at the sky)
- 미래를 바라보다: to look forward to the future
- ~을 바라보며: while looking at ~ (used to describe simultaneous actions)
Register and Politeness
'바라보다' is a standard verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It is polite when conjugated appropriately (e.g., 바라보아요, 바라봅니다).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '바라보다' with '보다' (to see/look) but '바라보다' often implies a more focused or intentional gaze, sometimes with emotional involvement. Use '바라보다' when you want to emphasize the act of looking attentively or with expectation.