At Least / Even If (-라도)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -라도 to suggest a minimum acceptable option or to express 'even if' something isn't ideal.
- Attach to nouns: 물이라도 (even if it's just water).
- Attach to verb stems: 가더라도 (even if you go).
- Use for suggestions: 이거라도 먹어 (eat this at least).
Overview
Korean particle -(이)라도 (pronounced irado or rado) is a versatile grammatical tool that primarily conveys a sense of compromise, minimum acceptance, or emphatic inclusion. At its core, it suggests that while a particular option might not be ideal or the first choice, it is at least acceptable, or it represents the bare minimum under the circumstances. It frequently implies that a better alternative is either unavailable, unattainable, or simply not under consideration.
This particle can also extend to express an idea of "any" or "even if/though," particularly when attached to interrogative pronouns or certain verbal conjugations. Mastering -(이)라도 is crucial for B1-level learners, as it enables nuanced expressions of flexibility, resignation, or a pragmatic approach in daily conversations. It allows you to communicate that you are making do with something, or setting a low but necessary benchmark, making your Korean sound significantly more natural and less like a direct translation.
How This Grammar Works
-(이)라도 functions by placing emphasis on a choice or condition as a fallback. When you use -(이)라도, you are implicitly acknowledging that there might have been a more desirable option, but you are settling for or highlighting the current one due to necessity, constraint, or a desire for a minimum outcome. This nuance distinguishes it from neutral choices or simple additions.커피라도 마셔요 (keopi-rado masyeoyo). This isn't just an offer of coffee; it suggests that perhaps tea or juice might have been preferred, but coffee is what’s available or the easiest option, and thus acceptable. The "-라도" here carries a faint undertone of slight disappointment or making do, which is key to understanding its usage.-(이)라도 attaches to interrogative words like 누구 (who) or 어디 (where), it broadens their meaning to "anyone" or "anywhere," indicating that any option from a general category would suffice. For example, 누구라도 할 수 있어요 (nugu-rado hal su isseoyo) means "Anyone can do it," implying that the specific identity of the person isn't important, just that someone (anyone) can accomplish the task. This illustrates its function in generalizing and lowering the bar of specificity or expectation.Formation Pattern
-(이)라도 is straightforward, primarily attaching to nouns and interrogative pronouns. It also has a common pattern when used with verbs or adjectives, transforming them into a nominalized form first.
-(이)라도. The form depends on whether the noun ends in a consonant (batchim) or a vowel.
-(이)라도 | Meaning |
커피 (coffee) | 커피라도 (keopi-rado) | At least coffee |
집 (house) | 집이라도 (jib-irado) | At least home |
물 (water) | 물이라도 (mul-irado) | At least water |
밥 (rice/meal) | 밥이라도 (bab-irado) | At least rice/a meal |
배고픈데 밥이라도 먹자. (Baegopeunde bab-irado meokja.) - "I'm hungry, so let's at least eat some rice/a meal." (Implies maybe wanting something more elaborate).
돈이 없으면 커피라도 마셔요. (Don-i eopseumyeon keopi-rado masyeoyo.) - "If you don't have money, at least drink coffee." (Suggests coffee is an affordable fallback).
-(이)라도 transforms them into indefinite pronouns, often meaning "any-."
누구 (who) | -라도 | 누구라도 (nugu-rado) | Anyone, whoever |
무엇 (what) | -이라도 | 무엇이라도 (mueot-irado) | Anything, whatever |
어디 (where) | -라도 | 어디라도 (eodi-rado) | Anywhere, wherever |
언제 (when) | -라도 | 언제라도 (eonje-rado) | Anytime, whenever |
어느 (which) | -라도 | 어느 곳이라도 (eoneu gos-irado) | Any place, whichever |
누구라도 이 문제의 답을 알아요? (Nugu-rado i munje-ui dab-eul arayo?) - "Does anyone know the answer to this problem?" (Searching for any person with the answer).
언제라도 좋으니 편하게 연락 주세요. (Eonje-rado joeuni pyeonhage yeollak juseyo.) - "Anytime is fine, so please contact me comfortably." (Flexibility regarding the time).
-기라도 하다:
-(이)라도 with verbs or adjectives, you must first nominalize the verb/adjective stem using the -기 ending, then attach -라도 to this nominalized form, followed by 하다 (to do/be). This structure expresses "to at least do [verb]" or "to at least be [adjective]."
해체 / 합니다체) | Meaning |
읽다 (to read) | 읽기 | 읽기라도 해 / 읽기라도 합니다 | To at least read |
보다 (to see/look)| 보기 | 보기라도 해 / 보기라도 합니다 | To at least see/look |
살다 (to live) | 살기 | 살기라도 해 / 살기라도 합니다 | To at least live |
너무 바빠서 밥은 못 먹고 물이라도 마시기라도 했어요. (Neomu bappaseo bab-eun mot meokgo mul-irado masigi-rado haesseoyo.) - "I was so busy I couldn't eat, so I at least drank some water." (A minimum action taken).
힘들어도 웃기라도 해야지. (Himdeureodo utgi-rado haeyaji.) - "Even if it's hard, you should at least laugh." (Encouraging a minimum positive action).
-(으)ㄹ지라도 (Even if/though it might be...):
-(으)ㄹ지 with -라도. It expresses a strong concession, meaning "even if it might be..." or "even though it is likely/possible..." It is used to acknowledge a potential or existing condition but assert that it won't change the outcome or action.
ㄹ | -ㄹ지라도 | Even if it might [verb/adj] |
ㄹ) | -을지라도 | Even if it might [verb/adj] |
비가 올지라도 우리는 약속을 지킬 거예요. (Biga olji-rado urineun yaksok-eul jikil geoyeyo.) - "Even if it rains, we will keep our promise." (Acknowledging potential rain, but committed to the plan).
실패할지라도 다시 도전할 겁니다. (Silpaehalji-rado dasi dojeonhal geomnida.) - "Even if I might fail, I will challenge myself again." (Acknowledging potential failure, but determined).
When To Use It
-(이)라도. You use it when your ideal choice is unavailable, unattainable, or you're simply making do with what's left. It implies that the chosen item or action is a substitute for something better, but acceptable under the circumstances.제일 좋아하는 케이크는 없지만, 치즈케이크라도 괜찮아요.(Jaeil joahaneun keikeu-neun eopjiman, chijeu-keikeu-rado gwaenchanayo.) - "My favorite cake isn't available, but cheesecake is fine (at least)."오늘 점심은 시간이 없어서 샌드위치라도 먹을게요.(Oneul jeomsim-eun sigan-i eopseoseo saendeuwichi-rado meogeulgeyo.) - "I don't have time for lunch today, so I'll at least eat a sandwich." (Implies wanting a proper meal).
-(이)라도 can highlight the lowest possible bar or a baseline expectation. This is common when you're setting a minimum requirement, even if it's not ideal, or expressing that even a small amount of something is better than nothing.도와줄 수 없으면 말이라도 곱게 해 주세요.(Dowajul su eopseumyeon mal-irado gopge hae juseyo.) - "If you can't help, at least speak kindly." (Setting a minimum standard for communication).돈이 없어도 꿈이라도 크게 꿔야지.(Don-i eopseodo kkum-irado keuge kkwoyaji.) - "Even if you don't have money, you should at least dream big." (Emphasizing the importance of having dreams as a minimum).
-(이)라도 serves to broaden the scope, meaning "anyone," "anything," "anywhere," "anytime." It signifies that the specific identity or timing is not crucial, and any instance from that category would be acceptable or relevant.급한 일인데 누구라도 좀 와 주세요.(Geuphan irinde nugu-rado jom wa juseyo.) - "It's urgent, so could anyone (at least one person) please come?" (Desperate for help from any available person).언제라도 편할 때 다시 만나요.(Eonje-rado pyeonhal ttae dasi mannayo.) - "Let's meet again whenever (anytime) you're comfortable." (Offering flexibility in scheduling).
-(아/어/여)도, the combination -(으)ㄹ지라도 provides a stronger, often more formal or emphatic sense of "even if it might be" or "even though it is likely/possible." It is used to concede a potential difficulty or negative aspect, while still asserting the main clause.몸이 힘들지라도 이 일은 제가 꼭 끝낼 거예요.(Mom-i himdeulji-rado i il-eun jega kkok kkeutnael geoyeyo.) - "Even if my body might be tired, I will definitely finish this work." (Acknowledging fatigue but stating determination).아무리 어려울지라도 포기하지 마세요.(Amuri eoryeoulji-rado pogihaji maseyo.) - "No matter how difficult it might be, don't give up." (A strong encouragement despite potential hardship).
When Not To Use It
-(이)라도 is highly versatile, misapplication can lead to awkwardness or unintended negative implications. Understanding when to avoid it is as crucial as knowing when to use it.-(이)라도 can imply that you are settling or that it's a second-rate choice, which might be perceived as ungrateful or mildly insulting. For example, if you love pizza and are excited to eat it, simply say 피자 좋아요 (pija johayo) or 피자 먹고 싶어요 (pija meokgo sipeoyo), not 피자라도 좋아요 (pija-rado johayo). The latter would suggest you wanted something else, but pizza is an acceptable fallback.- Incorrect:
저는 한국에 와서 김치찌개라도 먹고 싶었어요.(Jeoneun hangug-e waseo gimchijjigae-rado meokgo sipeosseoyo.) - "When I came to Korea, I wanted to at least eat kimchi jjigae." (If kimchi jjigae was your first choice and you were excited about it,-(이)라도makes it sound like a compromise, which is odd for a desired dish). - Correct:
저는 한국에 와서 김치찌개를 꼭 먹고 싶었어요.(Jeoneun hangug-e waseo gimchijjigae-reul kkok meokgo sipeosseoyo.) - "When I came to Korea, I definitely wanted to eat kimchi jjigae."
-(이)나 is more appropriate. -(이)라도 inherently carries a nuance of "at least this, since better is not possible," which -(이)나 lacks. If you're simply saying "coffee or something," use -(이)나.- Incorrect:
오늘 영화라도 볼까요?(Oneul yeonghwa-rado bolkkayo?) - "Shall we at least watch a movie today?" (This sounds like you're desperate and a movie is the last resort.) - Correct:
오늘 영화나 볼까요?(Oneul yeonghwa-na bolkkayo?) - "Shall we watch a movie or something today?" (A neutral suggestion).
-도 is the correct choice, often paired with 없다 (to not exist/have). -(이)라도 is about choosing some minimum option, not the absence of anything.- Incorrect:
돈이 하나라도 없어요.(Don-i hana-rado eopseoyo.) - "I don't even have one (at least) money." (This phrasing is unnatural for total lack). - Correct:
돈이 하나도 없어요.(Don-i hana-do eopseoyo.) - "I don't have even one (penny/money)."
-(이)라도 cannot directly attach to a verb or adjective stem. You must use the -(기)라도 하다 construction. Forgetting the -기 makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.- Incorrect:
읽라도 해 보세요.(Ilg-rado hae boseyo.) - (Grammatically wrong) - Correct:
읽기라도 해 보세요.(Ilgi-rado hae boseyo.) - "At least try to read it."
Common Mistakes
-(이)라도. These errors often stem from a misunderstanding of its core nuance or incorrect structural application. Addressing these directly can significantly improve accuracy.이 Attachment for Nouns:이 bridge. Remember, 이라도 is for nouns ending in a consonant (batchim), and 라도 is for nouns ending in a vowel. Mixing these up is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.- Incorrect:
물라도 주세요.(Mul-rado juseyo.) -물(mul) ends inㄹ(l), a consonant, so it requires이. Instead of "At least water, please." - Correct:
물이라도 주세요.(Mul-irado juseyo.) - "At least give me water, please."
-(이)라도 often translates to "at least," its core is compromise or fallback. Applying it to situations where no compromise is implied can sound unnatural or even rude. If you are genuinely requesting something desirable, don't use -(이)라도 unless you are implying it's a fallback due to other options being unavailable.- Incorrect Scenario: You are at a friend's house, feeling thirsty, and you really want juice. You say:
주스라도 마시고 싶어요.(Juseu-rado masigo sipeoyo.) - "I want to at least drink juice." (This makes it sound like juice is a lowly substitute, not your actual craving). - Correct for this scenario:
주스 마시고 싶어요.(Juseu masigo sipeoyo.) - "I want to drink juice." - Correct use of
-(이)라도in a different scenario: You want juice but only water is available.주스는 없어요? 그럼 물이라도 주세요.(Juseu-neun eopseoyo? Geureom mul-irado juseyo.) - "Isn't there juice? Then, at least give me water."
-(이)라도 with Simple Conjunctions or Additions (-도):-(이)라도 and -도 (also/even) is subtle but critical. -도 simply adds an item or emphasizes inclusion. -(이)라도 adds the nuance of compromise or being a minimum acceptable choice. Using them interchangeably leads to misunderstanding.- Incorrect:
저는 과일도 먹고 빵이라도 먹었어요.(Jeoneun gwail-do meokgo ppang-irado meogeosseoyo.) - "I ate fruit too, and I at least ate bread." (Sounds like you were happy with fruit, but miserable about bread). - Correct if both were desired:
저는 과일도 먹고 빵도 먹었어요.(Jeoneun gwail-do meokgo ppang-do meogeosseoyo.) - "I ate both fruit and bread." - Correct use of
-(이)라도:과일은 없어서 빵이라도 먹었어요.(Gwail-eun eopseoseo ppang-irado meogeosseoyo.) - "There was no fruit, so I at least ate bread." (Bread as a compromise).
-(으)라도 Directly with Verb Stems:-(이)라도 directly to a verb or adjective stem. The nominalizing ending -기 is essential. This is a common structural error for learners attempting to express "at least do X."- Incorrect:
찾라도 봐 주세요.(Chat-rado bwa juseyo.) - (Grammatically incorrect sentence structure). - Correct:
찾기라도 해 주세요.(Chatgi-rado hae juseyo.) - "Please at least try to find it."
-(으)ㄹ지라도) to Everyday Casual Speech:-(으)ㄹ지라도 is grammatically correct for "even if," it carries a formal, sometimes literary, tone. In casual conversation, the simpler -(아/어/여)도 is far more common for expressing general concession. Using -(으)ㄹ지라도 in everyday chatting can sound overly dramatic or stiff.- Formal/Literary:
비가 올지라도 저는 갈 거예요.(Biga olji-rado jeoneun gal geoyeyo.) - "Even if it rains, I will go." - More Natural/Common:
비가 와도 저는 갈 거예요.(Biga wado jeoneun gal geoyeyo.) - "Even if it rains, I will go."
Common Collocations
-(이)라도 to form frequently used expressions. These collocations often convey a sense of urgency, minimum effort, or broad acceptance. Learning them as chunks can greatly enhance your fluency and comprehension of native Korean speech.잠시라도(jamsi-rado): Even for a moment / If only for a moment.- Used to request a small amount of time or a brief action. It emphasizes the brevity but also the necessity of the moment.
잠시라도 만나고 싶어요.(Jamsi-rado mannago sipeoyo.) - "I want to meet (you) even for a moment."
조금이라도(jogeum-irado): Even a little bit / At least a little.- Expresses a desire for a minimum quantity or degree of something. Often used in requests or expressions of hope.
조금이라도 도움이 되고 싶어요.(Jogeum-irado doum-i doego sipeoyo.) - "I want to be of at least a little help."
말이라도(mal-irado): At least in words / Even just words.- Highlights the act of speaking or verbal communication as a minimum. Often used when actions are impossible or insufficient, but verbal acknowledgement is still valued.
힘들 때 말이라도 해 줘서 고마워.(Himdeul ttae mal-irado hae jwoseo gomawo.) - "Thanks for at least saying something when I was having a hard time."
어디라도(eodi-rado): Anywhere / Wherever (it may be).- Indicates a lack of preference for a specific location, implying that any place is acceptable or desired.
지금 당장 어디라도 가고 싶다.(Jigeum dangjang eodi-rado gago sipda.) - "I want to go anywhere right now." (Expressing a desire to escape or travel).
누구라도(nugu-rado): Anyone / Whoever (it may be).- Means that the identity of the person is not important, just that a person from a general group can or should perform an action.
이건 누구라도 쉽게 할 수 있는 일이에요.(Igeon nugu-rado swipge hal su inneun irieyo.) - "This is something anyone can easily do."
언제라도(eonje-rado): Anytime / Whenever (it may be).- Similar to
어디라도, this expresses flexibility regarding time, indicating that any moment is suitable or possible. 언제라도 궁금한 거 있으면 연락 주세요.(Eonje-rado gunggeumhan geo isseumyeon yeollak juseyo.) - "If you have any questions anytime, please contact me."
뭐라도(mwo-rado) /무엇이라도(mueot-irado): Anything / Whatever (it may be).- Expresses a willingness to accept or do any available option, often when specific preferences are secondary or unavailable.
배고프니까 뭐라도 먹자.(Baegopeunikka mwo-rado meokja.) - "I'm hungry, so let's eat anything (at least something).
한 번이라도(han beon-irado): At least once / Even once.- Emphasizes a minimum number of occurrences, often conveying a desire for a single chance or experience.
그 사람을 한 번이라도 보고 싶어요.(Geu saram-eul han beon-irado bogo sipeoyo.) - "I want to see that person at least once."
지금이라도(jigeum-irado): Even now / At least now.- Used to indicate that despite potential delays, taking action immediately (even now) is better than not at all.
늦었지만 지금이라도 시작하는 게 좋아요.(Neujeotjiman jigeum-irado sijakhaneun ge johayo.) - "It's late, but it's good to start even now."
Contrast With Similar Patterns
-(이)라도 from other seemingly similar particles is essential for accurate and natural Korean communication. While some particles share partial meanings, their core nuances and usage contexts differ significantly.-(이)라도 vs. -(이)나 (or / any / some):-(이)나 is more neutral, whereas -(이)라도 carries a strong connotation of compromise or a second-best option.-(이)나(or / any / some):- Neutral Suggestion: Used to offer a suggestion or multiple options without implying a lack of better choices. It’s often translated as "or something" or "why don't we...".
주말에 영화나 볼까요?(Jumal-e yeonghwa-na bolkkayo?) - "Shall we watch a movie or something this weekend?" (Neutral suggestion, implies other activities are possible).- Indefinite Quantity/Choice (often with numbers/interrogatives): Means "any" or "about" when attached to numbers or question words, indicating a broad, unspecified choice.
사과 두 개나 먹었어요.(Sagwa du gae-na meogeosseoyo.) - "I ate as many as two apples." (Emphasizes quantity, often more than expected).어느 것이나 괜찮아요.(Eoneu geos-ina gwaenchanayo.) - "Any one is fine." (Choice from a set of options).
-(이)라도(at least / even if / compromise):- Compromise/Fallback: Explicitly implies that the chosen option is not ideal, but it's acceptable because better alternatives are unavailable or rejected. It has a slightly resigned or pragmatic tone.
볼 영화가 없어서 지루한 영화라도 볼까요?(Bol yeonghwa-ga eopseoseo jiru-han yeonghwa-rado bolkkayo?) - "There's no movie to watch, so shall we at least watch a boring one?" (Implies desperation or low expectation).- Minimum Acceptable: Highlights the lowest standard or a bare minimum action.
도움은 못 줘도 응원이라도 해 줄게.(Doum-eun mot jweodo eungwon-irado hae julge.) - "Even if I can't help, I'll at least cheer you on." (Offering minimum support).
-(이)나 for neutral suggestions or indicating an indefinite choice. Use -(이)라도 when there's a sense of settling, compromise, or highlighting a minimum threshold.-(이)라도 vs. -도 (also / even):-도 is about addition or simple emphasis, whereas -(이)라도 is about fallback or concession.-도(also / even):- Addition: Adds an item to a list, meaning "also" or "too."
저는 커피도 마셨어요.(Jeoneun keopi-do masyeosseoyo.) - "I drank coffee too." (Simply stating an additional action).- Emphasis (without compromise): Can emphasize a surprising inclusion, meaning "even (this)."
아이도 그 책을 읽을 수 있어요.(Ai-do geu chaeg-eul ilgeul su isseoyo.) - "Even a child can read that book." (Emphasizes the unexpected capability).
-(이)라도(at least / even if / compromise):- Fallback/Compromise: The central meaning, as discussed. Implies a less-than-ideal choice.
커피라도 마셨어요.(Keopi-rado masyeosseoyo.) - "I at least drank coffee." (Implies wanting something else, but coffee was a compromise).- Minimum Condition: Sets a base requirement.
커피라도 한 잔 주세요.(Keopi-rado han jan juseyo.) - "Please give me at least one cup of coffee." (Requesting a minimum quantity).
-도 for simple additions or emphasizing something without the compromise nuance. Use -(이)라도 when you're settling for something or stating a minimum.-(으)ㄹ지라도 vs. -(아/어/여)도 (even if / even though):-(으)ㄹ지라도 is typically stronger, more formal, and often implies a hypothetical or potential concession, while -(아/어/여)도 is a general and common way to express "even if/though."-(아/어/여)도(Even if/though):- General Concession: The most common way to express "even if," "even though," or "although." It simply states that despite a certain condition, the main clause remains true.
비가 와도 갈 거예요.(Biga wado gal geoyeyo.) - "Even if it rains, I will go."피곤해도 공부할 거예요.(Pigonaedo gongbuhal geoyeyo.) - "Even if I'm tired, I will study."
-(으)ㄹ지라도(Even if/though it might be... / Even though it is likely...):- Stronger/Formal Concession: Carries a more emphatic or sometimes literary tone. It often emphasizes a hypothetical or acknowledged (sometimes negative) situation, underscoring that the main clause will proceed regardless.
비가 올지라도 저는 당신을 만나러 갈 겁니다.(Biga olji-rado jeoneun dangsineul mannareo gal geomnida.) - "Even if it might rain, I will go to meet you." (Stronger resolve).아무리 가난할지라도 자존심을 잃지 마세요.(Amuri gananhalji-rado jajonsim-eul ilchi maseyo.) - "No matter how poor you might be, don't lose your self-esteem." (More formal admonition).
-(아/어/여)도 is the everyday concessive. -(으)ㄹ지라도 is a stronger, more formal, or literary variant often used to highlight resilience or determination in the face of a challenging possibility.Quick FAQ
-(이)라도 to clarify its nuances and practical applications.-(이)라도 with verbs or adjectives directly?No, you cannot. -(이)라도 primarily attaches to nouns and nominalized forms. To use it with verbs or adjectives, you must first convert them into a noun phrase using the -기 ending, followed by 라도 and then 하다 (to do/be). For example, 보다 (to see) becomes 보기라도 하다 (to at least see/look). This ensures the grammatical structure is correct.
-(이)라도 formal or informal?The particle -(이)라도 itself is neutral in terms of formality. Its politeness level is determined by the sentence ending. You can use it in highly formal situations with 합니다체 (e.g., 물이라도 드십시오) or in very casual speech with 해체 (e.g., 물이라도 마셔). The choice of honorifics and verb endings dictates the overall formality, not the particle itself.
언제나 and 언제라도?언제나 (eonjena) means "always" or "at all times," indicating consistency or perpetual occurrence. For example, 그는 언제나 친절해요. (Geuneun eonjena chinjeolhaeyo.) - "He is always kind." 언제라도 (eonje-rado) means "anytime" or "whenever it may be," emphasizing flexibility or a lack of specific timing. It implies that any moment is acceptable. For example, 언제라도 전화 주세요. (Eonje-rado jeonhwa juseyo.) - "Please call me anytime." The key difference lies in the nuance of consistency (언제나) versus flexibility/any time (언제라도).
-(이)라도 combine with other particles?Yes, -(이)라도 can combine with other particles, but it typically comes last in the sequence when combining with particles that indicate case (e.g., location, direction, recipient). For instance, 너에게라도 (neo-ege-rado) - "at least to you." In this construction, 에게 (to/for) precedes 라도. This maintains the particle order where case markers typically appear before more emphatic or nuanced particles like -(이)라도.
-(이)라도 always mean "at least"?While "at least" is a very common translation, it's more accurate to understand -(이)라도 as conveying a sense of compromise, minimum acceptance, or emphatic inclusion/concession. The meaning of "at least" naturally arises from these core functions. For instance, when attached to interrogatives (누구라도 - anyone), the "at least" connotation isn't direct. When used in -(으)ㄹ지라도 (even if it might be...), it carries a stronger concessive meaning rather than a simple "at least."
-(이)라도 be used to express a minimum quantity, like "at least one"?Yes, absolutely. When combined with numbers or quantifiers, -(이)라도 very clearly expresses a minimum quantity. For example, 하나라도 (hana-rado) means "at least one," 두 개라도 (du gae-rado) means "at least two (items)." This usage falls under its function of indicating a minimum acceptable standard or amount.
사과 하나라도 먹어야 힘이 나지.(Sagwa hana-rado meogeoya him-i naji.) - "You need to eat at least one apple to get some energy."질문이 하나라도 있으면 손을 드세요.(Jilmun-i hana-rado isseumyeon son-eul deuseyo.) - "If you have at least one question, please raise your hand."
-(이)라도 with confidence and precision, making your Korean sound significantly more natural and expressive.Formation Table
| Type | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun (Consonant)
|
-이라도
|
물이라도
|
|
Noun (Vowel)
|
-라도
|
사과라도
|
|
Verb (Stem)
|
-더라도
|
가더라도
|
|
Adjective (Stem)
|
-더라도
|
예쁘더라도
|
None
| Form | Usage |
|---|---|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Meanings
Indicates that while the chosen option may not be the best, it is acceptable as a minimum or fallback choice.
Minimum Choice
Selecting a fallback option when the ideal is unavailable.
“시간이 없으니까 라면이라도 먹자.”
“돈이 없으면 이거라도 가져가.”
Concession
Accepting a situation even if it is undesirable.
“비가 오더라도 갈 거예요.”
“실패하더라도 도전할 가치가 있어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Noun + (이)라도
|
커피라도
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + 지 않더라도
|
가지 않더라도
|
|
Question
|
Noun + (이)라도?
|
이거라도?
|
|
Past
|
Verb + 었/았더라도
|
갔었더라도
|
|
Future
|
Verb + 겠더라도
|
하겠더라도
|
|
Adjective
|
Adj + 더라도
|
작더라도
|
Formality Spectrum
라면이라도 드시지요. (Eating)
라면이라도 먹어요. (Eating)
라면이라도 먹자. (Eating)
라면이라도 때우자. (Eating)
The -라도 Universe
Usage
- 최소한 at least
- 양보 concession
Examples by Level
물이라도 주세요.
Please give me at least water.
이거라도 먹어요.
Eat this at least.
잠깐이라도 만나요.
Let's meet for at least a moment.
책이라도 읽어요.
Read a book at least.
택시라도 탈까요?
Shall we at least take a taxi?
전화라도 하세요.
Please at least call.
커피라도 마실래요?
Shall we at least drink coffee?
공부라도 좀 해.
At least study a little.
비가 오더라도 갈 거예요.
Even if it rains, I will go.
실패하더라도 괜찮아요.
Even if you fail, it's okay.
늦더라도 연락해 주세요.
Even if you are late, please contact me.
어렵더라도 포기하지 마세요.
Even if it's hard, don't give up.
무슨 일이 있더라도 약속을 지키겠습니다.
No matter what happens, I will keep the promise.
누가 뭐라 하더라도 내 생각은 변함없어요.
No matter what anyone says, my opinion won't change.
비록 작더라도 제 집이 있다는 게 행복해요.
Even if it's small, I'm happy to have my own house.
아무리 바쁘더라도 건강은 챙겨야 합니다.
No matter how busy you are, you must take care of your health.
설령 그가 사과하더라도 용서할 수 없습니다.
Even if he apologizes, I cannot forgive him.
어떤 결과가 나오더라도 겸허히 받아들이겠습니다.
Whatever the result, I will accept it humbly.
그가 아무리 유능하더라도 이번 프로젝트는 무리입니다.
No matter how capable he is, this project is impossible.
비록 상황이 어렵더라도 우리는 희망을 잃지 말아야 합니다.
Even if the situation is difficult, we must not lose hope.
그가 설령 왕이라도 내 앞에서는 평범한 인간일 뿐이다.
Even if he were a king, he is just an ordinary human before me.
어떠한 고난이 닥치더라도 굴하지 않고 나아가리라.
No matter what hardship comes, I shall proceed without yielding.
비록 천하를 얻더라도 마음의 평화를 잃는다면 무슨 소용인가.
Even if one gains the world, what is the use if one loses peace of mind?
그가 아무리 간곡히 부탁하더라도 이번만큼은 들어줄 수 없다.
No matter how earnestly he begs, I cannot grant it this time.
Easily Confused
-도 means 'also', -라도 means 'at least'.
Common Mistakes
물도 주세요
물이라도 주세요
가라도
가더라도
비가 오면라도
비가 오더라도
그가 말했더라도
그가 말했더라도 (correct, but contextually wrong)
Sentence Patterns
___(이)라도 먹을래요?
Real World Usage
김밥이라도 주세요.
Use it for politeness
Smart Tips
Use -라도 to sound flexible.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄹ' sound carries over.
Falling
물이라도↘
Suggesting an option.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'La-do' as 'Last-do' (the last thing I'll do).
Visual Association
Imagine a hungry person looking at a feast, but settling for a single piece of bread. They say 'Bread-라도' (Bread at least).
Rhyme
When you want the best but can't find, use -라도 to keep peace of mind.
Story
Min-su wanted a Ferrari. He couldn't afford it. He looked at a bicycle. He said, 'Bicycle-라도 buy.' He bought the bike and was happy.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, look at everything in your room and say what you would use if your favorite item was missing (e.g., 'Pen-라도').
Cultural Notes
Koreans use this to be polite when refusing or suggesting.
Derived from the particle -라 (to be) and -도 (also).
Conversation Starters
오늘 뭐 먹을까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
시간이 없으니까 ___ 먹자.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises시간이 없으니까 ___ 먹자.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
6 exercises노래___ 불러 보세요. (At least try singing a song.)
차 / 볼까 / 마셔 / 라도 / ?
At least 5 minutes is fine.
Select the correct translation for 'anytime':
Match the meanings:
커피이라도 마실래요?
Score: /6
FAQ (1)
Yes, just check the consonant/vowel rule.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
al menos
None.
au moins
None.
wenigstens
None.
〜だけでも
None.
至少
None.
على الأقل
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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