Core Grammar Rule: ~보고
The particle ~보고 is a colloquial way to mark the person who is the recipient of a command, request, or message. It's the spoken equivalent of ~에게 or ~한테 in the context of quoted speech.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "to (a person)" or indicates that you "told (a person)" to do something. It functions as an indirect object marker specifically for quoted commands, requests, or messages.
When to use: Use it in everyday conversation with friends, family, or close colleagues. It's most commonly used when relaying a message from a third party. For example, "엄마가 나보고 집에 빨리 오라고 했어" (Mom told me to come home quickly). It feels more natural in speech than using ~에게 in this context.
Conjugation Rules
Rule: ~보고 is a particle, so it attaches directly to the end of a noun (usually a person or title) without any changes. It doesn't matter if the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Noun + 보고
Common Combinations
~보고 is almost exclusively used with verbs that indicate telling, asking, or suggesting something to someone. It forms a chunk with quoting grammar patterns.
~보고 ~(으)라고 하다 (Command)
Context: This is the most classic combination. It's used to relay a command or a direct instruction from a third party.
Example: 선배가 나보고 이걸 오늘까지 끝내라고 했어. (The senior told me to finish this by today.)
~보고 ~아/어 달라고 하다 (Request)
Context: Use this pattern to relay a request for a favor. The action requested benefits the original speaker.
Example: 민준이가 너보고 자기를 좀 도와달라고 했어. (Minjun asked you to help him.)
~보고 ~자고 하다 (Suggestion)
Context: This is for relaying a suggestion to do something together.
Example: 친구가 우리보고 같이 영화 보자고 했어. (My friend suggested we see a movie together.)
~보고 + ~(으)라고 하다 = Tell (someone) to do (something)