Grammar
-아/어 보니
to discover after trying or doing
Form
Verb stem + -아/어 보니 — “after doing…, I found that…”.
Function
Introduces a finding based on an action actually carried out; the following observation is learned through that experience.
Why this form?
-아/어 보면 — “if one tries”: presents a conditional possible discovery, not an established result.
-(으)니 — “upon / since”: expresses discovery, circumstance or reason without the experiential auxiliary.
Forms not to confuse
- -아/어 보면
직접 해 보면 알 거예요. — You will know if you try it yourself.
- -(으)니
문을 여니 바람이 들어왔어요. — When I opened the door, wind came in.
Examples
소리가 난 쪽을 돌아보니, 방 구석에 한 남자가 서 있다. — Turning toward the sound, I find a man standing in a corner of the room.
먹어 보니 정말 맛있었어요. — After tasting it, I found it delicious.