To Look Like in Korean: 같이보이다

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"To look like" is the words to mention that someone or something has the similarity with someone or something else. This is one of the most common words we hear in Korean, 보다 which means "to see". 

The word 보이다 is actually the passive form of 보다 and is used to show that something can or cannot be seen. If you haven't learned about active sentences and passive sentences yet, you can learn more here and also here:

무대 가 안보여

I can't see the stage

(literally - the unseen show)

여기서 산이 안 보여

I can't see the mountain from here

(literally - the mountain can not be seen from here)

In addition to using this word, the word "보이다" can be incorporated within a sentence to convey the meaning of "...looks like...". Let me demonstrate how to construct a sentence using it, followed by an explanation of its meaning:

Noun + 같이(from 같다) + 보이다

원숭이 같이보이다

Looks like a Monkey

Also read the related article: How to say "like" in Korean

Note:

Firstly, the word before "같이" does not take any particles. For instance, "보이다" is a passive verb, which might typically have particles such as "이/가" or "에" attached to it. However, neither of these particles are applied to the 'object' of the sentence in this context. Secondly, essentially, any noun can precede "~같이 보이다" – this holds true even if the noun is described using "~는 것." 

Example:

그는 그가 서두르는 것 같이 보이지 않았다
(He didn't look like he was in a hurry)

To Smell / Taste Like: 맛 / 냄새

The term "맛" is a noun denoting "taste." This word frequently surfaces in Korean TV shows alongside "맛있다," signifying "delicious" or "taste good." However, its literal translation is "to have a taste." Another word, "냄새," signifies "to smell."

The grammar related to these principles shows resemblances. The key step involves situating a noun (possessing a taste or smell) ahead of "맛" or "냄새," subsequently appending "같다." To illustrate:

____ 맛 같다 = tastes like ______

____  냄새 같다 = smells like _____

Examples:

1. 닭 튀김 맛 같아 (It tastes like fried chicken)

2. 삼계탕 냄새 같아 (It smells like Samgyetang)

Note:

To Look (Adjective): ~ 어 / 아 보이다

In the earlier part of this lesson, you have acquired the skill to express " seem + noun". However, there are many instances where you might want to convey that someone "looks + (adjective)." Consider the following illustration:

• You look happy
• You look sad
• You look strong

For this, you need to add ~아/어 to the adjective, then put 보이다 after it. For example:

• 행복해 보이다 = to look happy
• 슬퍼 보이다  = looks sad
• 강해 보이다  = to look strong

Interrogative sentences:

• 왜 그렇게 행복해 보여요? = Why do you look so happy?
• 저의 여자 친구 는 어제 너무 슬퍼 보 였어요 = My girlfriend looked really sad yesterday

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