돌아보다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '돌아보다' literally means 'to look back' or 'to turn one's head to look behind.' It is commonly used both in a physical sense (turning around to see what is behind) and a figurative sense (reflecting on past events or experiences).

Common Contexts

  1. Physical action: Someone turning their head or body to see what is behind them.
  2. Reflective action: Thinking about or reviewing past experiences, memories, or mistakes.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '뒤를 돌아보다' (to look back behind): Used when physically turning to see behind.
  • '과거를 돌아보다' (to look back on the past): Used when reflecting on past events.
  • '실패를 돌아보다' (to look back on failures): Common in contexts of learning from mistakes.

Register and Politeness

'돌아보다' is a standard verb used in both spoken and written Korean. It is neutral in politeness and can be combined with polite endings as needed.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '돌아보다' with '돌다' (to turn) or '뒤돌아보다' (to turn around and look back). '돌아보다' can be used alone to mean 'look back,' but '뒤돌아보다' emphasizes turning the body fully to look behind. Understanding this nuance helps in choosing the right expression.

Example Sentences

길을 걷다가 갑자기 뒤를 돌아보았다.

Gireul geotdaga gapjagi dwireul doraboatda.

While walking on the street, I suddenly looked back.

과거를 돌아보면 후회되는 일이 많다.

Gwageoreul dorabomyeon huhoedoen iri manhta.

When I look back on the past, there are many regrets.

성공하기 위해서는 실패를 돌아보고 배워야 한다.

Seonggonghagi wihaeseoneun silpaereul dorabogo baewoya handa.

To succeed, you need to look back on your failures and learn.