-아/어 보이다

Looks like, seems like

Explanation

This expression is used to indicate one's conjecture or feelings based on the outward appearance of a person, thing, or event.

Details

1. This expression is only used with adjectives, so combining it with verbs results in grammatically incorrect sentences

아키라 씨가 한국말을 잘해 보여요. ✕
→아키라 씨가 한국말을 잘하는 것 같아요. ✓

잘하다 is adverb and thus cannot be combined with -아/어 보이다.

2. -게 보이다 is an alternate form of this expression having the same meaning.

그 옷을 입으니까 날씬해 보여요.
=그 옷을 입으니까 날씬하게 보여요.

Kimchi Reader

Conveys feelings based on some outward appearance.

Details

Alternate form

게 보이다 is an alternate form of this expression having the same meaning.

Examples
마크 씨, 얼굴이 <span class='focus'>피곤해 보여요</span>. 무슨 일 있어요?
Mark, you look tired. Did something happen?
도서관 앞에서 봤는데 많이 <span class='focus'>우울해 보였어요</span>.
I saw him in front of the library, and he looked really sad.
이 음식은 많이 <span class='focus'>매워 보이는데</span> 괜찮아요?
This food looks really spicy. Are you okay?

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