Even If / Although (아/어/여도)
아/어/여도 to show that a result occurs despite a hurdle, unexpected condition, or hypothetical situation.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -아/어/여도 to express 'even if' or 'although' by connecting two clauses where the second contradicts the first.
- Add -아도 to verbs/adjectives ending in ㅏ or ㅗ (e.g., 가다 -> 가도).
- Add -어도 to verbs/adjectives ending in other vowels (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹어도).
- Add -여도 to verbs ending in -하다 (e.g., 공부하다 -> 공부해도).
Overview
아/어/여도 (a/eo/yeodo), translating to "even if" or "even though," is a crucial connective ending in Korean that expresses concession or a hypothetical condition. It signifies that the action or state in the second clause occurs regardless of the condition or state presented in the first clause. Linguistically, this concept is known as concession (양보, yangbo), where one acknowledges a circumstance but asserts that it does not alter the subsequent outcome.
This structure highlights a perceived contradiction or an unexpected result. For instance, in the sentence 비가 와도 갈 거예요. (biga wado gal geoyeyo.), "Even if it rains, I will go," the rain (a potential deterrent) is conceded, but the act of going remains unchanged. This contrasts with a simple "but" (지만) by emphasizing the persistence of the second action despite the first, making it indispensable for expressing determination, unforeseen circumstances, or unwavering resolve in Korean communication.
How This Grammar Works
아/어/여도, establishes a premise that can be either a factual statement or a hypothetical situation. The subsequent main clause then asserts an outcome, action, or state that remains true, occurs, or will occur, despite the premise presented in the first clause.- Concession (Even Though): When the first clause describes a current or past reality. The second clause presents an outcome that is unexpected given the first condition. For example,
피곤해도 잠이 안 와요.(pigonhaedo jami an w아요.) means "Even though I'm tired, I can't sleep." Here, being tired would logically lead to sleep, but the outcome contradicts this expectation.
- Hypothetical Condition (Even If): When the first clause describes a future or unrealized possibility. The second clause indicates that the outcome will still hold true, regardless of whether that possibility comes to pass. For instance,
돈이 없어도 행복해요.(doni eopseodo haengbokhaeyo.) translates to "Even if I don't have money, I'm happy." The lack of money is presented as a hypothetical, yet happiness persists.
아무리 (amuri), meaning "no matter how much/hard/many," can be placed at the beginning of the sentence or before the verb/adjective phrase. This combination significantly strengthens the "no matter what" aspect, highlighting a high degree of effort, intensity, or an extreme condition that is overcome or rendered irrelevant. For example, 아무리 열심히 공부해도 성적이 오르지 않아요. (amuri yeolsimhi gongbuhaedo seongjeogi oreuji anayo.) powerfully conveys, "No matter how hard I study, my grades don't go up."먹다 -> 먹어도, meogeodo - even if I eat) and adjective stems (e.g., 바쁘다 -> 바빠도, bappado - even if I'm busy). While primarily used with verbs and adjectives, it can also be extended to nouns through the use of (이)여도 ((i)yeodo), as in 학생이어도 (haksaengiyeodo - even if one is a student), or in some contexts, simply noun + 도 (do) for "even (noun)," which has a slightly different nuance.Formation Pattern
아/어/여도 is highly systematic and directly parallels the formation of the informal polite present tense ending 아/어/여요. Once you understand the 아/어/여요 conjugation rules, you simply replace 요 with 도. This consistency makes it relatively easy to master, but careful attention to vowel harmony and irregular verbs is essential.
아/어/여도 Form | English Translation |
ㅏ or ㅗ | Add 아도 (ado) | 가다 (to go) | 가- | 가도 (gado) | Even if I go |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋- | 좋아도 (joado) | Even if it's good |
어도 (eodo) | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹어도 (meogeodo) | Even if I eat |
읽다 (to read) | 읽- | 읽어도 (ilgeodo) | Even if I read |
없다 (to not exist) | 없- | 없어도 (eopseodo) | Even if there isn't |
하다 verbs | Change to 해도 (haedo)| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하- | 공부해도 (gongbuhaedo) | Even if I study |
운동하다 (to exercise)| 운동하- | 운동해도 (undonghaedo) | Even if I exercise |
아/어/여도 is attached. These are critical for natural speech.
아/어/여도 Form | English Translation |
ㅂ Irregular (-ㅂ changes to 우 or 오) | 춥다 (to be cold) | 춥- -> 추우- | 추워도 (chuweodo) | Even if it's cold |
돕다 (to help) | 돕- -> 도와- | 도와도 (dowado) | Even if I help |
ㄷ Irregular (-ㄷ changes to ㄹ) | 듣다 (to listen) | 듣- -> 들- | 들어도 (deureodo) | Even if I listen |
걷다 (to walk) | 걷- -> 걸- | 걸어도 (georeodo) | Even if I walk |
르 Irregular (-르 is replaced by ㄹ라 or ㄹ러) | 모르다 (to not know) | 모르- -> 몰라- | 몰라도 (mollado) | Even if I don't know |
빠르다 (to be fast) | 빠르- -> 빨라- | 빨라도 (ppallado) | Even if it's fast |
ㅅ Irregular (-ㅅ is dropped) | 낫다 (to be better) | 낫- -> 나아- | 나아도 (naado) | Even if it's better |
아/어/여도 forms that result from vowel combinations naturally contract in spoken and written Korean, enhancing fluidity. While the uncontracted forms are grammatically correct, they often sound stiff or archaic.
오다 (oda, to come) + 아도 → 오아도 → 와도 (wado, Even if one comes)
보다 (boda, to see) + 아도 → 보아도 → 봐도 (bwado, Even if one sees)
배우다 (baeuda, to learn) + 어도 → 배우어도 → 배워도 (baewodo, Even if one learns)
(이)여도
(이)여도 to nouns. The choice between 이어도 and 여도 depends on whether the noun ends in a consonant or a vowel.
이어도 (iyeodo).
학생 (haksaeng, student) + 이어도 → 학생이어도 (haksaengiyeodo, Even if one is a student)
여도 (yeodo).
의사 (uisa, doctor) + 여도 → 의사여도 (uisayeodo, Even if one is a doctor)
noun + 도 (do), which typically means "also [noun]" or "even [noun]" in the sense of addition or inclusion, rather than a concessive conditional. For example, 학생도 (haksaengdo) means "The student also" or "Even the student (did something)," without the "if it is a student" conditional nuance.
When To Use It
아/어/여도 pattern is remarkably versatile and applicable across a wide range of communicative contexts in Korean, expressing nuances from determined action to polite requests. Understanding these specific scenarios will help you integrate it naturally into your speech.- 1Expressing Concession and Unexpected Outcomes: This is the most fundamental use, where an action or state occurs despite a condition that might normally prevent or alter it. It highlights an element of surprise or defiance against a natural consequence.
너무 바빠도 잠은 꼭 자야 해요.(neomu bappado jameun kkok jaya haeyo.) - Even if you're very busy, you must definitely sleep. (Here, sleep is essential despite busyness.)음식이 맛없어도 배고파서 다 먹었어요.(eumsigi maseopseodo baegopaseo da meogeoseoyo.) - Even though the food wasn't tasty, I ate it all because I was hungry.
- 1Hypothetical Situations or Conditions: It is used to discuss what would happen under a given (often contrary-to-fact or unlikely) circumstance. This is where the "even if" translation truly shines.
다시 태어나도 당신과 결혼하고 싶어요.(dasi taeeonado dangsingwa gyeolhonhago sipeoyo.) - Even if I were born again, I would want to marry you. (A romantic, hypothetical statement.)복권에 당첨돼도 하던 일을 계속할 거예요.(bokkwone dangcheomdwaedo hadeon ireul gyesokhal geoyeyo.) - Even if I win the lottery, I will continue the work I was doing. (Expressing an unwavering personal decision.)
- 1Granting or Asking for Permission:
아/어/여도 되다(a/eo/yeodo doeda) is a common and polite construction for asking or granting permission, literally meaning "even if one does X, it is okay/allowed." This is a staple in daily interactions.
여기 앉아도 돼요?(yeogi anjado dwaeyo?) - May I sit here? (Literally: "Even if I sit here, is it okay?")지금 가도 괜찮아요.(jigeum gado gwaenchanayo.) - It's okay if you leave now. (Granting permission.)
- 1Expressing Indifference or Universality (often with
아무리and interrogatives): When combined with interrogative words like누구(who),무엇(what),어디(where),언제(when),어떻게(how), and often reinforced by아무리,아/어/여도conveys a sense of "no matter who/what/where/when/how."
아무리 바빠도 밥은 챙겨 먹어야 해요.(amuri bappado babeun chaenggyeo meogeoya haeyo.) - No matter how busy you are, you have to make sure to eat meals.누가 뭐래도 제 생각은 변하지 않을 거예요.(nuga mworaedo je saenggageun byeonhaji aneul geoyeyo.) - No matter what anyone says, my thoughts won't change. (Expressing stubbornness or conviction.)어디에 가도 이 사람을 잊을 수 없어요.(eodie gado i sarameul ijeul su eopseoyo.) - No matter where I go, I can't forget this person. (Emphasizing the pervasive nature of a feeling.)
- 1Polite Requests or Suggestions: Similar to permission, but often framed as a suggestion that something might be acceptable under certain conditions.
궁금한 점이 있으면 언제든지 물어봐도 돼요.(gunggeumhan jeomi isseumyeon eonjedeunji mureobwado dwaeyo.) - If you have any questions, you can ask anytime (even if you ask, it's okay).
아/어/여도 allows speakers to express their intent while still appearing to consider potential obstacles. It's a way of saying, "I understand the situation, but..." or "Even given that, this is the outcome." This nuance is key to sounding natural and polite in many situations.Common Mistakes
아/어/여도 is a high-frequency grammar point, learners often encounter pitfalls due to its semantic overlap with other connective endings. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate and natural expression.- 1Confusing
아/어/여도with지만(jiman)
지만(Simple Contrast):지만merely connects two clauses that present contrasting facts or information. It's a straightforward conjunction without the strong concessive force.날씨가 좋지만 집에 있었어요.(nalssiga joajiman jibe isseosseoyo.) - The weather was good, but I stayed home. (Simply states two facts: good weather, I stayed home.)
아/어/여도(Strong Concession):아/어/여도implies that the first clause's condition should have logically prevented or influenced the second clause, but it did not. It highlights that the second clause's action or state occurs despite the first.날씨가 좋아도 집에 있었어요.(nalssiga joado jibe isseosseoyo.) - Even though the weather was good, I stayed home. (Implies good weather would normally draw one outside, but I stayed in anyway. There's an unexpectedness or disregard of the condition.)
지만 | 아/어/여도 |- 1Incorrect Past Tense Usage: Learners often try to apply the past tense marker
았/었directly to the verb stem before adding아/어/여도, leading to았/었아/었어도. While았/었어도(at/eot-eodo) exists, it carries a distinct meaning of a counterfactual or unrealized past conditional ("even if X had happened"). For a general "even though X happened," the past tense should typically be placed at the end of the main clause, not within the아/어/여도clause itself.
- Incorrect:
비가 왔어도 갔어요.(Grammatically possible but changes meaning to "Even if it had rained, I went" - implying it didn't rain.) - Correct (General Past Concession):
비가 와도 갔어요.(biga wado gasseoyo.) - Even though it rained, I went. (Here,와도is present tense, but the past tense갔어요in the main clause makes the entire sentence refer to a past event.) - Correct (Counterfactual Past):
비가 왔었어도 저는 집에 있었을 거예요.(biga wasseosseodo jeoneun jibe isseosseul geoyeyo.) - Even if it had rained, I would have stayed home. (Implies it didn't rain, but even in that hypothetical past situation, I would have stayed home.)
- 1Misusing
Noun + 도vs.Noun + (이)여도
noun + 도 means "also [noun]" or "even [noun]" as an additive or inclusive particle. noun + (이)여도 is the correct form for a concessive conditional with nouns.학생도 왔어요.(haksaengdo wasseoyo.) - The student also came. / Even the student came. (Focus on inclusion.)학생이어도 이 규칙은 지켜야 해요.(haksaengiyeodo i gyuchigeun jikyeoya haeyo.) - Even if one is a student, one must follow this rule. (Concessive conditional.)
- 1Omitting Contractions in Speech: While
보아도is technically correct, using the contracted봐도(bwado) is overwhelmingly more common and natural in modern Korean. Failing to contract these forms can make your speech sound unnatural or overly formal.
- Unnatural:
그 책을 보아도 이해가 안 돼요.(geu chaegeul boado ihaega an dwaeyo.) - Natural:
그 책을 봐도 이해가 안 돼요.(geu chaegeul bwado ihaega an dwaeyo.) - Even if I read that book, I don't understand.
아/어/여도 from similar patterns and practicing correct tense and noun usage, you will significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.Real Conversations
아/어/여도 is ubiquitous in everyday Korean, reflecting a natural way for speakers to acknowledge conditions while asserting their intentions or observations. Here are examples across various registers, illustrating its practical application.
1. Casual Conversation / Texting (해체 haeche)
In informal settings, 아/어/여도 frequently appears, often with contracted forms and casual endings, to convey determination, acceptance, or mild complaint.
- A: 오늘 비 온대. 우산 가져갈까? (oneul bi ondae. usan gajyeogalkka?) - They say it's going to rain today. Should I take an umbrella?
B
비 와도 괜찮아. 난 그냥 걸어갈 거야. (bi wado gwaenchanha. nan geunyang georeogal geoya.) - Even if it rains, it's fine. I'm just going to walk. (Expressing indifference/determination)- 몸이 안 좋아도 약속은 지켜야지. (momi an joado yaksogeun jikyeoyaji.) - Even if I'm not feeling well, I still have to keep my promise. (Personal resolve)
- 아무리 바빠도 밥은 먹어야 해. (amuri bappado babeun meogeoya hae.) - No matter how busy you are, you have to eat. (Caring advice)
2. Formal/Professional Contexts (합니다체 hamnida-che)
In formal speeches, business communication, or official statements, 아/어/여도 maintains its concessive power, often followed by more formal verb endings, to convey professionalism, resilience, or unwavering principles.
- 많은 어려움이 있어도 저희는 목표를 달성하겠습니다. (maneun eoryeoumi isseodo jeohuineun mokpyoreul dalgseonghagetseumnida.) - Even if there are many difficulties, we will achieve our goal. (Firm commitment in a professional setting)
- 고객님의 의견이 다르셔도 저희는 항상 경청할 준비가 되어 있습니다. (gogaengnimui uigyeoni dareusyeodo jeohuineun hangsang gyeongcheonghal junbiga doeeo itseumnida.) - Even if your opinions differ, we are always ready to listen. (Polite and respectful approach to feedback)
3. Social Media / Blog Posts
Short, impactful sentences on social media often use 아/어/여도 to share personal feelings or experiences that defy expectations.
- (Caption for a photo of working late) 피곤해도 뿌듯한 하루! ✌️ (pigonhaedo ppudeuthan haru!) - Even though I'm tired, it was a fulfilling day! (Sharing a personal feeling of accomplishment despite fatigue)
- (Food review) 비싸도 정말 맛있으면 용서돼! (bissado jeongmal masisseumyeon yongseodwae!) - Even if it's expensive, if it's really delicious, it's forgivable! (Conceding the price for quality)
4. Expressions and Sayings
아/어/여도 is embedded in various Korean proverbs and common expressions, reflecting cultural wisdom.
- 돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라. (doldarido dudeulgyeo bogo geonneora.) - Even a stone bridge, knock on it before crossing. (Emphasizes caution even when something appears safe. Here, 돌다리도 functions as 'even a stone bridge' in a concessive sense.)
- 늦어도 안 하는 것보다 낫다. (neujeodo an haneun geotboda natda.) - Even if it's late, it's better than not doing it at all. (Encourages action despite delays.)
The flexibility of 아/어/여도 across these contexts demonstrates its integral role in expressing nuanced ideas in Korean, from the deeply personal to the formally professional.
Quick FAQ
아/어/여도 be used with both verbs and adjectives?아/어/여도 attaches to the stems of both action verbs (동사, dongsa) and descriptive adjectives (형용사, hyeongyongsa), following the same vowel harmony rules. For example, 가다 (to go, verb) becomes 가도 (gado, even if one goes), and 예쁘다 (to be pretty, adjective) becomes 예뻐도 (yeppeodo, even if one is pretty).아/어/여도 with nouns?(이)여도. If the noun ends in a consonant, you add 이어도 (haksaengiyeodo - even if one is a student). If the noun ends in a vowel, you add 여도 (uishayeodo - even if one is a doctor).noun + 도 typically means "also" or "even" in an inclusive sense, not a concessive conditional.아/어/여도 imply a specific politeness level?아/어/여도 part itself does not carry an inherent politeness level. The overall politeness of the sentence is determined by the final ending of the main clause. For example, 바빠도 가요. (bappado gayo.) uses the polite 요 (yo) ending, while 바빠도 가. (bappado ga.) is casual, and 바빠도 갑니다. (bappado gamnida.) is formal.아/어/여도 to talk about past events?았/었 is usually applied to the main clause, not directly to the 아/어/여도 form itself for a general past concession. For instance, to say "Even though it rained, I went," you would say 비가 와도 갔어요. (biga wado gasseoyo.) – here 와도 is present tense, but 갔어요 (went) signifies the past action. If you specifically mean a hypothetical or counterfactual past, like "Even if it had rained...", then 았/었어도 (at/eot-eodo) is used in the concessive clause, such as 비가 왔었어도 저는 나가지 않았을 거예요. (biga wasseosseodo jeoneun nagaji anasseul geoyeyo.) - Even if it had rained, I wouldn't have gone out.아무리 (amuri) always necessary when expressing strong concession?아무리 is optional. It serves to emphasize the intensity or extremity of the condition in the first clause. Without 아무리, 아/어/여도 still expresses concession.아무리 simply adds a stronger nuance of "no matter how much/hard/many," enhancing the emotional impact or the degree of the unyielding outcome.Conjugation Rules
| Verb/Adj Stem | Vowel | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가
|
ㅏ
|
아도
|
가도
|
|
오
|
ㅗ
|
아도
|
와도
|
|
먹
|
ㅓ
|
어도
|
먹어도
|
|
주
|
ㅜ
|
어도
|
줘도
|
|
공부하
|
하다
|
해도
|
공부해도
|
|
듣
|
ㅡ
|
어도
|
들어도
|
Meanings
This grammar expresses that a situation occurs regardless of the condition stated in the first clause. It translates to 'even if', 'although', or 'no matter'.
Concession
Expressing that the main clause happens despite the condition.
“배가 불러도 먹을 수 있어요.”
“돈이 없어도 행복해요.”
Permission
Used with -도 되다 to ask for or grant permission.
“여기 앉아도 돼요?”
“사진을 찍어도 됩니다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 아/어/여도
|
가도 돼요.
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않아도
|
가지 않아도 돼요.
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 았/었/였어도
|
갔었어도 괜찮아요.
|
|
Future
|
Stem + (으)ㄹ지라도
|
갈지라도 괜찮아요.
|
|
Permission
|
Stem + 아/어/여도 되다
|
먹어도 돼요.
|
|
Prohibition
|
Stem + (으)면 안 되다
|
먹으면 안 돼요.
|
Formality Spectrum
바쁘셔도 전화해 주십시오. (Requesting a call)
바빠도 전화해 주세요. (Requesting a call)
바빠도 전화해. (Requesting a call)
바빠도 연락해! (Requesting a call)
Concessive Logic
Usage
- 양보 Concession
- 허락 Permission
Examples by Level
비가 와도 가요.
I go even if it rains.
먹어도 돼요?
Can I eat it?
싸도 안 사요.
I won't buy it even if it's cheap.
바빠도 전화해요.
Call me even if you are busy.
공부해도 이해가 안 돼요.
Even if I study, I don't understand.
늦어도 괜찮아요.
It is okay even if you are late.
아파도 출근했어요.
I went to work even though I was sick.
비싸도 사고 싶어요.
I want to buy it even if it is expensive.
아무리 힘들어도 포기하지 마세요.
No matter how hard it is, don't give up.
누가 물어봐도 말하지 마세요.
Don't tell anyone even if they ask.
시간이 없어도 꼭 가야 해요.
I must go even if I don't have time.
어떤 옷을 입어도 예뻐요.
You look pretty no matter what you wear.
상황이 변해도 제 생각은 같아요.
Even if the situation changes, my opinion remains the same.
그가 사과해도 용서할 수 없어요.
I cannot forgive him even if he apologizes.
어디에 살아도 한국 음식이 그리울 거예요.
No matter where I live, I will miss Korean food.
무슨 일이 있어도 약속을 지킬게요.
I will keep my promise no matter what happens.
그가 아무리 뛰어난 능력을 갖추고 있어도 태도가 나쁘면 안 됩니다.
No matter how talented he is, it won't work if his attitude is bad.
정부가 정책을 수정해도 근본적인 문제는 해결되지 않을 것입니다.
Even if the government modifies the policy, the fundamental problem will not be solved.
어떠한 난관이 닥쳐와도 우리는 굴하지 않을 것입니다.
No matter what obstacles we face, we will not yield.
그 사실을 인정해도 결과는 달라지지 않습니다.
Even if you acknowledge that fact, the result does not change.
설령 그가 진심으로 뉘우친다 해도 이미 엎질러진 물입니다.
Even if he were to repent sincerely, it is already spilled milk.
그토록 간절히 원해도 운명이 허락하지 않는 경우가 있습니다.
There are cases where fate does not permit even if you want it so desperately.
아무리 고결한 이상을 품어도 현실의 벽은 높기만 합니다.
No matter how noble an ideal one may hold, the wall of reality remains high.
그가 아무리 변명해도 대중의 마음을 돌릴 수는 없을 것입니다.
No matter how much he makes excuses, he will not be able to turn the public's heart.
Easily Confused
Both connect clauses, but -지만 is for simple contrast.
Both are conditional, but -(으)면 is 'if', while -아/어/여도 is 'even if'.
Both mean 'even if', but -(으)ㄹ지라도 is much more formal.
Common Mistakes
먹아도
먹어도
가어도
가도
공부아도
공부해도
듣어도
들어도
비가 오지만 갈 거예요.
비가 와도 갈 거예요.
먹어도 안 돼요.
먹으면 안 돼요.
바쁘어도
바빠도
아무리 힘들지만 포기하지 마세요.
아무리 힘들어도 포기하지 마세요.
그가 가도 나는 안 가요.
그가 가더라도 나는 안 가요.
먹어도 좋다.
먹어도 된다.
그가 말해도 나는 믿지 않는다.
그가 말할지라도 나는 믿지 않는다.
어떠한 상황이어도
어떠한 상황이라도
그가 사과해도 소용없다.
그가 사과한다 해도 소용없다.
Sentence Patterns
___(이)라도 ___할 거예요.
아무리 ___(으)도 ___.
___(으)면 안 돼요? 아니요, ___도 돼요.
___(으)ㄹ지라도 ___.
Real World Usage
바빠도 연락해!
매워도 괜찮아요.
경험이 없어도 열심히 하겠습니다.
비싸도 꼭 가보고 싶어요.
어디에 있어도 행복해.
어떠한 난관이 있어도 극복하겠습니다.
Vowel Harmony
Don't confuse with -지만
Permission
Politeness
Smart Tips
Pair '아무리' with -아/어/여도 for emphasis.
Always end with '돼요?' to make it a question.
Check for ㄷ, ㅂ, or ㅅ irregularities before adding the ending.
Use -더라도 instead of -아/어/여도.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'd' sound in -도 is usually pronounced clearly.
Rising
먹어도 돼요? ↗
Asking for permission.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '아/어/여도' as a 'shield'—no matter what hits it, the main clause stays standing.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing in the rain with an umbrella. The rain is the condition (비가 와도), and the person standing firm is the result (가요).
Rhyme
Vowel ㅏ/ㅗ takes 아도, everything else takes 어도, 하다 becomes 해도, now you're ready to go!
Story
Min-su wanted to go to the park. He looked outside and saw heavy rain. He said, 'Even if it rains (비가 와도), I will go.' He put on his raincoat and walked out. He didn't care about the weather.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you will do this weekend regardless of the weather.
Cultural Notes
Using -아/어/여도 with elders requires honorifics like -시-.
In formal settings, -더라도 is often preferred over -아/어/여도.
Often shortened in texting.
Derived from the particle -도 (also/even) attached to the connective form -아/어/여.
Conversation Starters
비가 와도 운동할 거예요?
한국어를 공부해도 어려워요?
누가 반대해도 꿈을 포기하지 않을 거예요?
상황이 나빠져도 계속 도전할 건가요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
비가 ___ 갈 거예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
공부아도 괜찮아요.
바빠요. 전화할게요. ->
A: 여기 앉을까요? B: 네, ___.
해도 / 괜찮아요 / 아파도
___ 비싸도 사고 싶어요.
들어도 ___ (듣다).
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises비가 ___ 갈 거예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
공부아도 괜찮아요.
바빠요. 전화할게요. ->
A: 여기 앉을까요? B: 네, ___.
해도 / 괜찮아요 / 아파도
___ 비싸도 사고 싶어요.
들어도 ___ (듣다).
Score: /8
Practice Bank
7 exercises운동을 | 바빠도 | 해요
No matter how much I wait...
거리가 ___ 가고 싶어요.
Match the pairs:
Which sentence asks if it's okay to sit?
자도 피곤해요.
학생___ 돈이 없어요.
Score: /7
FAQ (8)
Yes, use -(이)라도 for nouns (e.g., 물이라도).
It is neutral. Use -더라도 for formal writing.
It is a ㄷ-irregular verb where ㄷ becomes ㄹ before a vowel.
Yes, use -았/었/였어도 (e.g., 갔어도).
-지만 is for contrast, -아/어/여도 is for concession.
Use -아/어/여도 되다 (e.g., 먹어도 돼요?).
Usually, it is used with present or past. For future, use -(으)ㄹ지라도.
It always becomes -해도.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
〜ても (temo)
The conjugation rules for irregular verbs differ slightly.
aunque + subjunctive
Spanish requires subjunctive mood; Korean does not.
auch wenn
German is a phrasal structure; Korean is a single suffix.
même si
French is a phrasal structure; Korean is a single suffix.
即使 (jíshǐ)
Chinese is a prefix; Korean is a suffix.
حتى لو (hatta law)
Arabic is a phrasal structure with complex verb agreement.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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