보다 (bo-da, boda) · 뵙다 (boep-da, boepda)
Both 보다 and 뵙다 mean 'to see' or 'to meet,' but 뵙다 is a more polite and humble expression used mainly when meeting superiors or respected people.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To see or meet someone; used for general meetings or seeing
When to use
meeting friends, visiting family, meeting colleagues, casual seeing
The nuance
Used in everyday situations; less polite. Suitable for friends, colleagues, family.
To meet someone respectfully or superiors; humble and polite form
When to use
meeting a boss, meeting a teacher, meeting a client, formal meeting
The nuance
Used when meeting superiors or respected people; humble form to honor the other person.
친구를 내일 봐요.
chin-gu-reul nae-il bwa-yo., chin gu reul nae il bwa yo.
'보다' is appropriate for casual meeting with a friend.
친구를 내일 뵙습니다.
chin-gu-reul nae-il boep-seup-ni-da., chin gu reul nae il boep seup ni da.
Using humble '뵙다' for a friend is unnatural and incorrect.
선생님을 뵙고 싶습니다.
seon-saeng-nim-eul boep-go sip-seup-ni-da., seon saeng nim eul boep go sip seup ni da.
Correct polite expression to meet a respected teacher.
선생님을 보고 싶습니다.
seon-saeng-nim-eul bo-go sip-seup-ni-da., seon saeng nim eul bo go sip seup ni da.
'보다' sounds too casual and impolite in a formal context.
고객을 뵙겠습니다.
go-gaek-eul boep-gess-seup-ni-da., go gaek eul boep gess seup ni da.
Using '뵙다' politely in business when meeting a client.
고객을 봅니다.
go-gaek-eul bop-ni-da., go gaek eul bop ni da.
'보다' is too casual and impolite for formal client meetings.
가족을 봤어요.
ga-jok-eul bwass-eo-yo., ga jok eul bwass eo yo.
Use casual '보다' when meeting family.
가족을 뵈었어요.
ga-jok-eul boe-eoss-eo-yo., ga jok eul boe eoss eo yo.
Using humble '뵙다' for family is unnatural.
Which is appropriate when meeting a superior?
Which is correct when meeting a friend?
Which word to use when meeting a client in business?
What does it mean?
