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.