Meaning and Usage
The verb '내려다보다' primarily means 'to look down at' or 'to overlook' something from a higher position. It can be used literally, such as looking down from a mountain or a building, or figuratively, to describe an attitude of looking down on someone or something.
Common Contexts
- Literal use: Describing the act of physically looking downward from a height.
- Figurative use: Expressing condescension or disdain towards others.
Collocations and Patterns
- '산에서 마을을 내려다보다' (to overlook a village from a mountain): used to describe a scenic view.
- '사람을 내려다보다' (to look down on a person): used to express arrogance or disrespect.
- '창문 밖을 내려다보다' (to look down outside the window): common in descriptive narration.
Register and Nuance
'내려다보다' is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. When used figuratively, it often carries a negative connotation implying arrogance or disrespect.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '내려다보다' with '올려다보다' (to look up at). Remember, '내려다보다' involves looking downward, either physically or metaphorically.