지켜보다

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Meaning and Usage

The verb '지켜보다' means to watch attentively or observe carefully, often implying a sense of protection or waiting for a change. It is commonly used when someone watches over a person, situation, or event with interest or concern.

Common Contexts

  • Watching over children or someone vulnerable to ensure safety.
  • Observing a situation or development to see how it unfolds.
  • Surveillance or monitoring, such as police watching a suspect.

Collocations and Patterns

  • '지켜봐 주세요' (Please watch over) – polite request to keep an eye on someone or something.
  • '상황을 지켜보다' (watch the situation) – to observe how circumstances develop.
  • '범인을 지켜보다' (watch the criminal) – used in contexts of surveillance or investigation.

Register and Nuance

'지켜보다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often conveys a careful, attentive watching rather than casual looking.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '지켜보다' with '보다' (to see/look) or '지키다' (to protect). Remember, '지켜보다' combines the sense of watching with a protective or attentive nuance, not just casual looking.

Example Sentences

아이가 혼자 놀 때도 항상 지켜봐 주세요.

Aiga honja nol ttaedo hangsang jikyeobwa juseyo.

Please always watch the child even when they play alone.

그는 상황이 어떻게 변할지 지켜보고 있다.

Geuneun sanghwang-i eotteohge byeonhalji jikyeobogo itda.

He is watching how the situation will change.

경찰이 범인을 지켜보고 있었다.

Gyeongchari beom-in-eul jikyeobogo isseotda.

The police were watching the criminal.