들여다보다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '들여다보다' means to look into something carefully or to peer inside. It often implies a focused or intent gaze, sometimes with curiosity or scrutiny. It can be used literally, such as looking through a window or into a room, or figuratively, such as examining documents or situations closely.

Common Collocations

  • 들여다보다 + 장소 (e.g., 방, 창문): to look inside a place
  • 자세히 들여다보다: to look closely or examine carefully
  • 구석구석 들여다보다: to look into every corner, implying thoroughness

Register and Nuance

This verb is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Korean. It often conveys a sense of curiosity or careful observation. It is more vivid than simply '보다' (to see) because it suggests looking inside or beyond the surface.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '들여다보다' with '쳐다보다' which means to stare or glare, often with a negative nuance. '들여다보다' is more about peering inside or examining, not just staring.

Use '들여다보다' when you want to express looking into something carefully or peering inside physically or metaphorically.

Example Sentences

그는 창문을 통해 방 안을 들여다보았다.

Geuneun changmuneul tonghae bang aneul deulyeodaboeatda.

He peered into the room through the window.

문서를 자세히 들여다보면 중요한 정보가 보인다.

Munseoreul jasehi deulyeodabomyeon jungyohan jeongboga boinda.

If you look closely at the document, you can see important information.

아이들은 호기심에 새집 구석구석을 들여다보았다.

Aideureun hogisime saejip guseokguseogeul deulyeodaboatda.

The children looked into every corner of the new house out of curiosity.