🔎

Judging by / Seeing that: -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아

Agent Progress
Built
Build Order
116
Keywords
판단 / 근거
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
Advanced Grammar
🔎
TL;DR 🦄
  • 🧭 -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아 [-(eu)n/neun geo-seu-ro bo-a] means “judging by / seeing that / based on the fact that.”
  • 🧩 It wraps an observed fact as evidence: evidence clause + 것으로 보아 + conclusion.
  • 📌 It sounds more formal and analytical than everyday 보니까 [bo-ni-kka] (“seeing that / since I see…”), so it is great for reports, careful explanations, and evidence-based judgments.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets and type any Korean word or sentence from this lesson to hear it read aloud. Your ears deserve snacks too. 🍪
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아 is a judgment-from-evidence pattern. You notice something, treat it as evidence, and then make a careful conclusion. 🕵️
 
The literal pieces are:
  • 것 [geot] → “thing / fact”
  • 으로 [eu-ro] → “by / through / based on”
  • 보아 [bo-a] → “seeing / looking at”
 
So the pattern feels like: “seeing it as the fact that…” → “judging by the fact that…” It is especially natural when the conclusion is not random guessing, but a reasoned judgment from visible, known, or reported evidence. 🔍
 

🎨 The Core Evidence Family

Use the form that matches the word before 것으로 보아:
  • 🏃 Action verb, present/general: -는 것으로 보아 [-neun geo-seu-ro bo-a]
    • 사람이 많은 것으로 보아 [sa-ra-mi ma-neun geo-seu-ro bo-a] — judging by the fact that there are many people
    • 사람 [sa-ram] = person/people, 많다 [man-ta] = to be many
  • ✅ Action verb, completed/past: -(으)ㄴ 것으로 보아 [-(eu)n geo-seu-ro bo-a]
    • 회의가 끝난 것으로 보아 [hoe-ui-ga kkeun-nan geo-seu-ro bo-a] — judging by the fact that the meeting ended
    • 회의 [hoe-ui] = meeting, 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] = to end
  • 🎨 Descriptive verb/adjective: -(으)ㄴ 것으로 보아 [-(eu)n geo-seu-ro bo-a]
    • 얼굴이 피곤한 것으로 보아 [eol-gu-ri pi-gon-han geo-seu-ro bo-a] — judging by the fact that the face looks tired
    • 얼굴 [eol-gul] = face, 피곤하다 [pi-gon-ha-da] = to be tired
  • 🧾 Noun: N인 것으로 보아 [N-in geo-seu-ro bo-a]
    • 오늘이 휴일인 것으로 보아 [o-neu-ri hyu-i-rin geo-seu-ro bo-a] — judging by the fact that today is a holiday
    • 오늘 [o-neul] = today, 휴일 [hyu-il] = holiday
 
Useful conclusion words that pair naturally with this pattern:
  • 것 같다 [geot gat-da] → seems / appears
  • 듯하다 [deu-ta-da] → seems / appears; more formal
  • 판단되다 [pan-dan-doe-da] → to be judged
  • 알 수 있다 [al su it-da] → can know / can tell
 

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

  • 길이 젖은 것으로 보아 비가 온 것 같아요.
[gi-ri jeo-jeun geo-seu-ro bo-a bi-ga on geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the fact that the road is wet, it seems it rained. 🌧️
  • 길 [gil] = road, 젖다 [jeot-da] = to get wet, 비 [bi] = rain, 오다 [o-da] = to come/fall.
 
  • 식당 앞에 줄이 긴 것으로 보아 인기가 많은 듯해요.
[sik-dang a-pe ju-ri gin geo-seu-ro bo-a in-gi-ga ma-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the long line in front of the restaurant, it seems popular. 🍜
  • 식당 [sik-dang] = restaurant, 앞 [ap] = front, 줄 [jul] = line, 길다 [gil-da] = to be long, 인기 [in-gi] = popularity.
 
  • 자료가 부족한 것으로 보아 결론을 내리기 어려워요.
[ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-kan geo-seu-ro bo-a gyeol-lo-neul nae-ri-gi eo-ryeo-wo-yo]
Seeing that the data is insufficient, it is difficult to draw a conclusion. 📊
  • 자료 [ja-ryo] = data/materials, 부족하다 [bu-jo-ka-da] = to be insufficient, 결론 [gyeol-lon] = conclusion, 내리다 [nae-ri-da] = to draw/make.
 

🧩 General Formation Rule

Attach a noun-modifying form before 것으로 보아:
  • Action verb present/general: 가다 [ga-da] = to go → 가는 것으로 보아 [ga-neun geo-seu-ro bo-a] = judging by the fact that someone goes/is going
  • Action verb completed: 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] = to end → 끝난 것으로 보아 [kkeun-nan geo-seu-ro bo-a] = judging by the fact that it ended
  • Descriptive verb/adjective: 길다 [gil-da] = to be long → 긴 것으로 보아 [gin geo-seu-ro bo-a] = judging by the fact that it is long
  • Noun: 휴일 [hyu-il] = holiday → 휴일인 것으로 보아 [hyu-i-rin geo-seu-ro bo-a] = judging by the fact that it is a holiday
 
There is no special irregular rule inside 것으로 보아 itself. The only tricky part is choosing the correct noun-modifying form before 것. 🧱
 

📚 Cross-check note

This lesson’s explanation of 보아 as a form of 보다 (“to see/look”), the spacing in 것으로 보아, and the use of noun-modifying forms before 것 were checked against Korean grammar and usage guidance from korean.go.kr. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • 보니까 [bo-ni-kka] → “seeing that / since I see…”; everyday and conversational.
  • 것으로 보아 [geo-seu-ro bo-a] → “judging by / based on the fact that”; more formal and analytical.
  • 것으로 판단되다 [geo-seu-ro pan-dan-doe-da] → “it is judged that…”; formal, report-like, and often written.
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 비가 오는 것으로 보아 어제 비가 왔어요. → ✅ 길이 젖은 것으로 보아 어제 비가 온 것 같아요. (Use evidence that actually supports the conclusion.) 🌧️
  • ❌ 회의 끝난 것으로 보아 → ✅ 회의가 끝난 것으로 보아 (Keep the subject marker when a complete evidence clause needs it.) 🗓️
  • ❌ 휴일 것으로 보아 → ✅ 휴일인 것으로 보아 (Nouns need 인 before 것.) 🏖️
  • ❌ Using 것으로 보아 for a wild guess → ✅ Use it when there is a visible, known, or reported basis. 🧠
  • ❌ Treating it like casual 보니까 in every chat → ✅ Save 것으로 보아 for a more careful, formal, or analytical tone. 🖋️
 
You’re not just guessing now — you’re building tiny evidence bridges. Cross carefully, detective. 🕵️‍♀️🌉
 

Try this exercise

Instructions — Complete each evidence phrase with the best form before 것으로 보아. Say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle to check the form and the reason. 🔎
1. 길이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 비가 온 것 같아요.
[gi-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bi-ga on geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the road, it seems it rained. 🌧️
Answer
젖은 [jeo-jeun] — 젖다 is descriptive/result-like here, so use 젖은: “wet.” 🌧️
2. 식당 앞에 줄이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 인기가 많은 듯해요.
[sik-dang a-pe ju-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a in-gi-ga ma-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the line in front of the restaurant, it seems popular. 🍜
Answer
긴 [gin] — 길다 becomes 긴 before 것. 📏
3. 회의가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 모두 나간 것 같아요.
[hoe-ui-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a mo-du na-gan geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the meeting, it seems everyone left. 🗓️
Answer
끝난 [kkeun-nan] — completed action: 끝나다 → 끝난. ✅
4. 얼굴이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 잠을 못 잔 듯해요.
[eol-gu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ja-meul mot jan deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the face, it seems they could not sleep. 😴
Answer
피곤한 [pi-gon-han] — descriptive verb 피곤하다 uses -ㄴ: 피곤한. 💤
5. 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 결론을 내리기 어려워요.
[ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gyeol-lo-neul nae-ri-gi eo-ryeo-wo-yo]
Seeing that the data is insufficient, it is difficult to draw a conclusion. 📊
Answer
부족한 [bu-jo-kan] — 부족하다 → 부족한 before 것. 📉
6. 오늘이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 은행이 닫힌 것 같아요.
[o-neu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a eun-haeng-i da-chin geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by today, it seems the bank is closed. 🏦
Answer
휴일인 [hyu-i-rin] — noun + 인: 휴일인 것으로 보아. 🏖️
7. 창문이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 방이 추울 것 같아요.
[chang-mu-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bang-i chu-ul geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the window, the room seems cold. 🪟
Answer
열린 [yeol-lin] — completed/result state: 열리다 → 열린. ❄️
8. 표정이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 기분이 좋은 듯해요.
[pyo-jeong-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gi-bu-ni jo-eun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the expression, the mood seems good. 😊
Answer
밝은 [bal-geun] — 밝다 → 밝은: “bright.” ✨
9. 학생들이 조용히 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 시험이 시작된 것 같아요.
[hak-saeng-deu-ri jo-yong-hi ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a si-heo-mi si-jak-doen geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the students sitting quietly, the exam seems to have started. 📝
Answer
앉아 있는 [an-ja in-neun] — current state/action uses -는 before 것. 🪑
10. 안내문이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 일정이 바뀐 것 같아요.
[an-nae-mu-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a il-jeong-i ba-kkwin geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the notice, the schedule seems to have changed. 📌
Answer
새로운 [sae-ro-un] — 새롭다 becomes 새로운 before 것. 🆕
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 길 [gil] → road
  • 젖다 [jeot-da] → to get wet
  • 비 [bi] → rain
  • 식당 [sik-dang] → restaurant
  • 앞 [ap] → front
  • 줄 [jul] → line
  • 길다 [gil-da] → to be long
  • 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
  • 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] → to end
  • 얼굴 [eol-gul] → face
  • 피곤하다 [pi-gon-ha-da] → to be tired
  • 자료 [ja-ryo] → data/materials
  • 부족하다 [bu-jo-ka-da] → to be insufficient
  • 휴일 [hyu-il] → holiday
  • 창문 [chang-mun] → window
  • 열리다 [yeol-li-da] → to open
  • 표정 [pyo-jeong] → facial expression
  • 밝다 [bak-da] → to be bright
  • 학생 [hak-saeng] → student
  • 앉아 있다 [an-ja it-da] → to be sitting
  • 안내문 [an-nae-mun] → notice
  • 새롭다 [sae-rop-da] → to be new
Tips 💡
  • Action happening now/general → -는 것으로 보아.
  • Completed action or descriptive verb → -(으)ㄴ 것으로 보아.
  • Noun → N인 것으로 보아.
🚀
Want more reps? Head into the Practice Hub below when you’re ready to make evidence-based Korean judgments like a tiny grammar detective. 🕵️
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Judging by / Seeing that: -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아
 
Welcome to the evidence lab! 🔎 In this Practice Hub, you’ll practice turning clues into careful Korean conclusions with -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아. The goal is simple: spot the evidence, choose the right form, and make the conclusion sound natural rather than “crystal-ball chaos.” 🧠✨
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence before or after answering.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean sentence with the best evidence form, say the full sentence aloud, and then open the Answer toggle. Focus on why the form fits: present/general action, completed action, descriptive verb, or noun.
 

Exercise 1 — Present Evidence: -는 것으로 보아 🏃

A. 학생들이 조용히 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 시험이 시작된 것 같아요.
[hak-saeng-deu-ri jo-yong-hi ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a si-heo-mi si-jak-doen geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the students sitting quietly, the exam seems to have started. 📝
Answer
앉아 있는 [an-ja in-neun] — A current state uses -는 것으로 보아. 🪑
B. 사람들이 사진을 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 꽃이 유명한 듯해요.
[sa-ram-deu-ri sa-ji-neul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a kko-chi yu-myeong-han deu-tae-yo]
Judging by people taking photos, the flowers seem famous. 🌸
Answer
찍는 [jjing-neun] — General/current action: 찍다 → 찍는. 📷
C. 직원이 문을 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 가게가 곧 닫힐 것 같아요.
[ji-go-wi-ni mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ga-ge-ga got da-chil geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the employee closing the door, the shop seems about to close soon. 🚪
Answer
닫는 [dan-neun] — Current/general action uses -는. 🔒
D. 친구가 계속 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 중요한 소식이 있는 듯해요.
[chin-gu-ga gye-sok ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a jung-yo-han so-si-gi in-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the friend calling repeatedly, there seems to be important news. 📱
Answer
전화하는 [jeon-hwa-ha-neun] — 전화하다 → 전화하는. ☎️
E. 선생님이 칠판에 설명을 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 수업이 아직 진행 중인 것 같아요.
[seon-saeng-ni-mi chil-pa-ne seol-myeong-eul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a su-eo-bi a-jik jin-haeng jung-in geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the teacher writing an explanation on the board, class still seems to be in progress. 🧑‍🏫
Answer
쓰는 [sseu-neun] — Current/general action: 쓰다 → 쓰는. ✏️
F. 아이들이 웃으며 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 분위기가 좋은 것 같아요.
[a-i-deu-ri u-seu-myeo ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bun-wi-gi-ga jo-eun geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the children playing while laughing, the atmosphere seems good. 😄
Answer
노는 [no-neun] — 놀다 loses ㄹ before -는: 노는. 🎈
G. 기자가 질문을 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 발표가 끝나지 않은 듯해요.
[gi-ja-ga jil-mu-neul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bal-pyo-ga kkeun-na-ji a-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the reporter asking questions, the presentation does not seem finished. 🎤
Answer
하는 [ha-neun] — 질문을 하다 means “to ask a question”; present/general form is 하는. ❓
H. 동료가 자료를 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 보고서를 준비하는 것 같아요.
[dong-nyo-ga ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bo-go-seo-reul jun-bi-ha-neun geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the colleague checking the data, they seem to be preparing a report. 📊
Answer
확인하는 [hwa-gi-na-neun] — 확인하다 → 확인하는. ✅
I. 손님들이 메뉴를 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 주문 전인 듯해요.
[son-nim-deu-ri me-nyu-reul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ju-mun jeo-nin deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the guests looking at the menu, it seems to be before ordering. 🍽️
Answer
보는 [bo-neun] — 보다 → 보는 before 것. 👀
J. 팀장이 일정을 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 계획이 바뀔 수 있어요.
[tim-jang-i il-jeong-eul ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gye-hoe-gi ba-kkwil su i-sseo-yo]
Judging by the team lead adjusting the schedule, the plan may change. 🗓️
Answer
조정하는 [jo-jeong-ha-neun] — Present/general action: 조정하다 → 조정하는. ⚙️
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 학생 [hak-saeng] → student
  • 조용히 [jo-yong-hi] → quietly
  • 앉아 있다 [an-ja it-da] → to be sitting
  • 시험 [si-heom] → exam
  • 시작되다 [si-jak-doe-da] → to start
  • 사람 [sa-ram] → person
  • 사진 [sa-jin] → photo
  • 찍다 [jjik-da] → to take a photo
  • 꽃 [kkot] → flower
  • 유명하다 [yu-myeong-ha-da] → to be famous
  • 직원 [ji-gwon] → employee
  • 문 [mun] → door
  • 닫다 [dat-da] → to close
  • 가게 [ga-ge] → shop
  • 친구 [chin-gu] → friend
  • 전화하다 [jeon-hwa-ha-da] → to call
  • 선생님 [seon-saeng-nim] → teacher
  • 칠판 [chil-pan] → board
  • 쓰다 [sseu-da] → to write
  • 놀다 [nol-da] → to play
  • 질문을 하다 [jil-mu-neul ha-da] → to ask a question
  • 확인하다 [hwa-gin-ha-da] → to check
  • 보다 [bo-da] → to see/look
  • 조정하다 [jo-jeong-ha-da] → to adjust
Tip 💡 Use -는 것으로 보아 for ongoing or general action evidence.
 

Exercise 2 — Completed Evidence: -(으)ㄴ 것으로 보아 ✅

A. 회의가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 모두 사무실로 돌아간 것 같아요.
[hoe-ui-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a mo-du sa-mu-sil-lo do-ra-gan geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the meeting ending, everyone seems to have returned to the office. 🏢
Answer
끝난 [kkeun-nan] — Completed action: 끝나다 → 끝난. ✅
B. 문자가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 친구가 내용을 확인한 듯해요.
[mun-ja-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a chin-gu-ga nae-yong-eul hwa-gin-han deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the text arriving, the friend seems to have checked the message. 💬
Answer
도착한 [do-cha-kan] — 도착하다 → 도착한. 📩
C. 불이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 아무도 없는 것 같아요.
[bu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a a-mu-do eom-neun geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the light being off, it seems no one is there. 💡
Answer
꺼진 [kkeo-jin] — Result state after an action: 꺼지다 → 꺼진. 🌙
D. 우산이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 비가 많이 온 듯해요.
[u-sa-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bi-ga ma-ni on deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the umbrella being wet, it seems it rained a lot. ☂️
Answer
젖은 [jeo-jeun] — 젖다 → 젖은. 🌧️
E. 컴퓨터가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 작업이 저장된 것 같아요.
[keom-pyu-teo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ja-geo-bi jeo-jang-doen geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the computer turning off, the work seems to have been saved. 💻
Answer
꺼진 [kkeo-jin] — Same completed-result form; here the evidence is the computer’s state. 🖥️
F. 자료가 모두 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 보고서가 완성된 듯해요.
[ja-ryo-ga mo-du ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bo-go-seo-ga wan-seong-doen deu-tae-yo]
Judging by all the data being organized, the report seems complete. 📊
Answer
정리된 [jeong-ni-doen] — 정리되다 → 정리된. 🗂️
G. 예약이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 좌석이 없는 것 같아요.
[ye-ya-gi ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a jwa-seo-gi eom-neun geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the reservation being full, there seem to be no seats. 🎫
Answer
찬 [chan] — 차다 (“to become full”) → 찬. 🪑
H. 가격이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 행사가 시작된 것 같아요.
[ga-gyeo-gi ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a haeng-sa-ga si-jak-doen geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the price going down, the sale seems to have started. 🏷️
Answer
내린 [nae-rin] — 내리다 can mean “to go down”; completed form is 내린. 📉
I. 표가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 공연이 인기 있는 듯해요.
[pyo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gong-yeo-ni in-gi in-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the tickets selling out, the performance seems popular. 🎭
Answer
매진된 [mae-jin-doen] — 매진되다 → 매진된. 🎟️
J. 창문이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 바람이 들어온 것 같아요.
[chang-mu-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ba-ra-mi deu-reo-on geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the window being open, the wind seems to have come in. 🪟
Answer
열린 [yeol-lin] — 열리다 → 열린. 🌬️
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
  • 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] → to end
  • 사무실 [sa-mu-sil] → office
  • 문자 [mun-ja] → text message
  • 도착하다 [do-chak-ha-da] → to arrive
  • 내용 [nae-yong] → content
  • 불 [bul] → light
  • 꺼지다 [kkeo-ji-da] → to go off
  • 우산 [u-san] → umbrella
  • 젖다 [jeot-da] → to get wet
  • 컴퓨터 [keom-pyu-teo] → computer
  • 작업 [ja-geop] → work/task
  • 저장되다 [jeo-jang-doe-da] → to be saved
  • 정리되다 [jeong-ni-doe-da] → to be organized
  • 예약 [ye-yak] → reservation
  • 차다 [cha-da] → to become full
  • 가격 [ga-gyeok] → price
  • 내리다 [nae-ri-da] → to go down
  • 매진되다 [mae-jin-doe-da] → to sell out
  • 열리다 [yeol-li-da] → to open
Tip 💡 Use -(으)ㄴ 것으로 보아 when the evidence is completed or shows a resulting state.
 

Exercise 3 — Descriptive Evidence: Adjectives Before 것 🎨

A. 얼굴이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 잠을 못 잔 듯해요.
[eol-gu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ja-meul mot jan deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the tired face, it seems they could not sleep. 😴
Answer
피곤한 [pi-gon-han] — 피곤하다 → 피곤한. 💤
B. 길이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 조심해서 걸어야 해요.
[gi-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a jo-sim-hae-seo geo-reo-ya hae-yo]
Judging by the slippery road, we should walk carefully. 🧊
Answer
미끄러운 [mi-kkeu-reo-un] — 미끄럽다 → 미끄러운. ❄️
C. 방이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 창문이 열린 것 같아요.
[bang-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a chang-mu-ni yeol-lin geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the cold room, the window seems open. 🪟
Answer
추운 [chu-un] — 춥다 → 추운. ❄️
D. 설명이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 다시 읽어야 할 것 같아요.
[seol-myeong-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a da-si il-geo-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the difficult explanation, we may need to read it again. 📘
Answer
어려운 [eo-ryeo-un] — 어렵다 → 어려운. 🧩
E. 표정이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 기쁜 소식을 들은 듯해요.
[pyo-jeong-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gi-ppeun so-si-geul deu-reun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the bright expression, they seem to have heard good news. 😊
Answer
밝은 [bal-geun] — 밝다 → 밝은. ✨
F. 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 결론을 미루는 편이 좋아요.
[ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gyeol-lo-neul mi-ru-neun pyeo-ni jo-a-yo]
Judging by the insufficient data, it is better to delay the conclusion. 📊
Answer
부족한 [bu-jo-kan] — 부족하다 → 부족한. 📉
G. 줄이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 기다리는 시간이 길 것 같아요.
[ju-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gi-da-ri-neun si-ga-ni gil geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the long line, the waiting time seems long. ⏳
Answer
긴 [gin] — 길다 → 긴. 📏
H. 문제가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 시간이 더 필요해요.
[mun-je-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a si-ga-ni deo pi-ryo-hae-yo]
Judging by the complex problem, more time is needed. 🧠
Answer
복잡한 [bok-ja-pan] — 복잡하다 → 복잡한. 🧵
I. 가방이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 책이 많이 들어 있는 듯해요.
[ga-bang-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a chae-gi ma-ni deu-reo in-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the heavy bag, it seems there are many books inside. 👜
Answer
무거운 [mu-geo-un] — 무겁다 → 무거운. 📚
J. 소리가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 밖에서 공사가 있는 것 같아요.
[so-ri-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ba-kke-seo gong-sa-ga in-neun geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the loud sound, there seems to be construction outside. 🔨
Answer
큰 [keun] — 크다 → 큰; for sound, it means “loud.” 📢
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 얼굴 [eol-gul] → face
  • 피곤하다 [pi-gon-ha-da] → to be tired
  • 길 [gil] → road
  • 미끄럽다 [mi-kkeu-reop-da] → to be slippery
  • 방 [bang] → room
  • 춥다 [chup-da] → to be cold
  • 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
  • 어렵다 [eo-ryeop-da] → to be difficult
  • 표정 [pyo-jeong] → facial expression
  • 밝다 [bak-da] → to be bright
  • 자료 [ja-ryo] → data/materials
  • 부족하다 [bu-jo-ka-da] → to be insufficient
  • 줄 [jul] → line
  • 길다 [gil-da] → to be long
  • 문제 [mun-je] → problem
  • 복잡하다 [bok-ja-pa-da] → to be complex
  • 가방 [ga-bang] → bag
  • 무겁다 [mu-geop-da] → to be heavy
  • 소리 [so-ri] → sound
  • 크다 [keu-da] → to be big/loud
Tip 💡 Descriptive verbs use the noun-modifying form before 것으로 보아: often -(으)ㄴ, with some stem changes.
 

Exercise 4 — Noun Evidence: N인 것으로 보아 🧾

A. 오늘이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 은행이 닫힌 것 같아요.
[o-neu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a eun-haeng-i da-chin geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by today being a holiday, the bank seems closed. 🏦
Answer
휴일인 [hyu-i-rin] — Noun + 인 것으로 보아. 🏖️
B. 그분이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 질문에 바로 답할 수 있어요.
[geu-bu-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a jil-mu-ne ba-ro da-pal su i-sseo-yo]
Judging by that person being an expert, they can answer the question right away. 🧑‍🔬
Answer
전문가인 [jeon-mun-ga-in] — 전문가 + 인. 🎓
C. 이 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 표현이 공식적인 듯해요.
[i ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a pyo-hyeo-ni gong-sik-jeo-gin deu-tae-yo]
Judging by this material being a report, the expression seems formal. 📄
Answer
보고서인 [bo-go-seo-in] — 보고서 + 인. 📝
D. 장소가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 조용해야 할 것 같아요.
[jang-so-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a jo-yong-hae-ya hal geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the place being a library, we should be quiet. 📚
Answer
도서관인 [do-seo-gwa-nin] — Noun evidence: 도서관인 것으로 보아. 🤫
E. 행사가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 옷을 단정하게 입어야 해요.
[haeng-sa-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a o-seul dan-jeong-ha-ge i-beo-ya hae-yo]
Judging by the event being formal, we should dress neatly. 👔
Answer
공식 행사인 [gong-sik haeng-sa-in] — Noun phrase + 인. 🧥
F. 표시가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 이 문으로 나가면 돼요.
[pyo-si-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a i mu-neu-ro na-ga-myeon dwae-yo]
Judging by the sign being an exit, we can leave through this door. 🚪
Answer
출구인 [chul-gu-in] — 출구 + 인. 🪧
G. 메일이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 빨리 확인해야 해요.
[me-i-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ppal-li hwa-gin-hae-ya hae-yo]
Judging by the email being urgent, we should check it quickly. 📧
Answer
긴급한 내용인 [gin-geu-pan nae-yong-in] — Noun phrase 긴급한 내용 + 인. 🚨
H. 오늘 일정이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 이동 시간이 필요해요.
[o-neul il-jeong-i ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a i-dong si-ga-ni pi-ryo-hae-yo]
Judging by today’s schedule being an outside appointment, travel time is needed. 🚕
Answer
외부 약속인 [oe-bu yak-so-gin] — Noun phrase + 인. 🗺️
I. 이 글이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 근거를 자세히 써야 해요.
[i geu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a geun-geo-reul ja-se-hi sseo-ya hae-yo]
Judging by this writing being an analysis, the evidence should be written in detail. 🧾
Answer
분석 글인 [bun-seok geu-rin] — Noun phrase + 인. 🔍
J. 이 수업이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 예문을 많이 연습할 것 같아요.
[i su-eo-bi ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a ye-mu-neul ma-ni yeon-seu-pal geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by this class being an advanced grammar class, we will probably practice many example sentences. 🧠
Answer
고급 문법 수업인 [go-geup mun-beop su-eo-bin] — A noun phrase needs 인 before 것. 🧩
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 오늘 [o-neul] → today
  • 휴일 [hyu-il] → holiday
  • 은행 [eun-haeng] → bank
  • 전문가 [jeon-mun-ga] → expert
  • 질문 [jil-mun] → question
  • 보고서 [bo-go-seo] → report
  • 공식적이다 [gong-sik-jeo-gi-da] → to be formal
  • 장소 [jang-so] → place
  • 도서관 [do-seo-gwan] → library
  • 공식 행사 [gong-sik haeng-sa] → formal event
  • 표시 [pyo-si] → sign/mark
  • 출구 [chul-gu] → exit
  • 메일 [me-il] → email
  • 긴급한 내용 [gin-geu-pan nae-yong] → urgent content
  • 외부 약속 [oe-bu yak-sok] → outside appointment
  • 분석 글 [bun-seok geul] → analysis writing
  • 근거 [geun-geo] → basis/evidence
  • 고급 문법 수업 [go-geup mun-beop su-eop] → advanced grammar class
Tip 💡 Nouns do not attach directly to 것; use N인 것으로 보아.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. ❌ 휴일 것으로 보아 은행이 닫혔어요. ✅ 오늘이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 은행이 닫힌 것 같아요.
[hyu-il geo-seu-ro bo-a eun-haeng-i da-chyeo-sseo-yo. o-neu-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a eun-haeng-i da-chin geot ga-ta-yo]
Fix the noun evidence form. 🏦
Answer
휴일인 [hyu-i-rin] — Noun + 인 것으로 보아. The ❌ sentence is missing 인. 🏖️
B. ❌ 회의 끝난 것으로 보아 모두 갔어요. ✅ 회의가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 모두 간 것 같아요.
[hoe-ui kkeun-nan geo-seu-ro bo-a mo-du ga-sseo-yo. hoe-ui-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a mo-du gan geot ga-ta-yo]
Fix the evidence clause and completed form. 🗓️
Answer
끝난 [kkeun-nan] — Keep 회의가 for a complete clause, and use completed 끝난. ✅
C. 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 결론을 내리기 어려워요.
[ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gyeol-lo-neul nae-ri-gi eo-ryeo-wo-yo]
Seeing that the data is insufficient, it is difficult to draw a conclusion. 📊
Answer
부족한 [bu-jo-kan] — Descriptive verb: 부족하다 → 부족한. 📉
D. 학생들이 계속 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 설명이 어려운 듯해요.
[hak-saeng-deu-ri gye-sok ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a seol-myeong-i eo-ryeo-un deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the students asking repeatedly, the explanation seems difficult. 🙋
Answer
질문하는 [jil-mun-ha-neun] — Current/general action uses -는. ❓
E. ❌ 그냥 느낌으로 보아 맞아요. ✅ ＿＿＿＿가 있는 것으로 보아 맞는 것 같아요.
[geu-nyang neu-kki-meu-ro bo-a ma-ja-yo. ＿＿＿＿-ga in-neun geo-seu-ro bo-a man-neun geot ga-ta-yo]
Fix the “wild guess” problem by adding evidence. 🧠
Answer
근거 [geun-geo] — 것으로 보아 needs a basis; 근거가 있는 것으로 보아 means “judging by the fact that there is evidence.” 🔎
F. 안내문이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 일정이 바뀐 것 같아요.
[an-nae-mu-ni ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a il-jeong-i ba-kkwin geot ga-ta-yo]
Judging by the new notice, the schedule seems to have changed. 📌
Answer
새로운 [sae-ro-un] — 새롭다 → 새로운. 🆕
G. 표가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 공연이 인기 있는 듯해요.
[pyo-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a gong-yeo-ni in-gi in-neun deu-tae-yo]
Judging by the sold-out tickets, the performance seems popular. 🎭
Answer
매진된 [mae-jin-doen] — Completed/result evidence: 매진되다 → 매진된. 🎟️
H. 그 말투가 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 보고서 표현에 가까워요.
[geu mal-tu-ga ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a bo-go-seo pyo-hyeo-ne ga-kka-wo-yo]
Judging by that formal tone, it is close to report-style expression. 🖋️
Answer
공식적인 [gong-sik-jeo-gin] — Descriptive noun-like adjective: 공식적이다 → 공식적인. 📄
I. ❌ 보니까와 것으로 보아는 언제나 같아요. ✅ ＿＿＿＿은 더 공식적이고 분석적인 표현이에요.
[bo-ni-kka-wa geo-seu-ro bo-a-neun eon-je-na ga-ta-yo. ＿＿＿＿-eun deo gong-sik-jeo-gi-go bun-seok-jeo-gin pyo-hyeo-ni-e-yo]
Fix the synonym nuance. ⚖️
Answer
것으로 보아 [geo-seu-ro bo-a] — 보니까 is more conversational; 것으로 보아 is more formal/analytical. 🧾
J. 길이 ＿＿＿＿ 것으로 보아 천천히 걸어야 해요.
[gi-ri ＿＿＿＿ geo-seu-ro bo-a cheon-cheo-ni geo-reo-ya hae-yo]
Judging by the road being slippery, we should walk slowly. 🧊
Answer
미끄러운 [mi-kkeu-reo-un] — 미끄럽다 → 미끄러운. Watch the descriptive form. ❄️
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 휴일 [hyu-il] → holiday
  • 은행 [eun-haeng] → bank
  • 회의 [hoe-ui] → meeting
  • 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] → to end
  • 자료 [ja-ryo] → data/materials
  • 부족하다 [bu-jo-ka-da] → to be insufficient
  • 학생 [hak-saeng] → student
  • 질문하다 [jil-mun-ha-da] → to ask a question
  • 설명 [seol-myeong] → explanation
  • 어렵다 [eo-ryeop-da] → to be difficult
  • 근거 [geun-geo] → evidence/basis
  • 안내문 [an-nae-mun] → notice
  • 새롭다 [sae-rop-da] → to be new
  • 일정 [il-jeong] → schedule
  • 매진되다 [mae-jin-doe-da] → to sell out
  • 말투 [mal-tu] → tone of speech
  • 공식적이다 [gong-sik-jeo-gi-da] → to be formal
  • 보니까 [bo-ni-kka] → seeing that; since I see
  • 미끄럽다 [mi-kkeu-reop-da] → to be slippery
Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: include real evidence, use 인 after nouns, and keep 것으로 보아 more formal than 보니까.
 
🎉 You finished the evidence lab! Now you can turn clues into careful Korean conclusions with -(으)ㄴ/는 것으로 보아 — less guessing, more grammar detective energy. 🔎🕵️