💬 Phrases A2 ✓ Native Reviewed

해봐

haebwa

Try it / Give it a shot (casual)

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What it means

해봐 is the casual form of 해 보다 — "try doing (something)." An encouraging, punchy phrase often used between friends to push someone to attempt something.

Nuance & when to use

해봐 (casual) / 해 봐요 (polite) / 해 보세요 (respectful). 한번 해봐 = just try it once. 해봐, 할 수 있어 = try it, you can do it. Very common in K-dramas and K-pop motivational contexts. Short and direct.

⚠ Common mistake

해봐 is for encouragement, not commands. To order someone: 해 (do it). To encourage: 해봐 (try it, go for it).

Example sentences

한번 해봐, 못 할 게 없어. Hanbeon haebwa, mot hal ge eopseo. Just try it, there's nothing you can't do.
이 음식 먹어봐, 진짜 맛있어. I eumsik meogeobbwa, jinjja massisseo. Try eating this food, it's really delicious.
해봐! 응원할게. Haebwa! Eungwonhalge. Go for it! I'll cheer you on.

See also

-아/어 보다 도전해봐요 할 수 있어
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FAQ

When is this used?

해봐 (casual) / 해 봐요 (polite) / 해 보세요 (respectful). 한번 해봐 = just try it once. 해봐, 할 수 있어 = try it, you can do it. Very common in K-dramas and K-pop motivational contexts. Short and direct.

What's a common mistake?

해봐 is for encouragement, not commands. To order someone: 해 (do it). To encourage: 해봐 (try it, go for it).

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