Formal "Even If": -ㄹ/을지라도
-(으)ㄹ지라도 to express 'even if' in formal, literary, or dramatic contexts where the result remains unchanged.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -ㄹ/을지라도 to express 'even if' or 'no matter how' to show that a condition doesn't change the outcome.
- Attach -ㄹ지라도 to verb/adjective stems ending in a vowel: 가다 -> 갈지라도.
- Attach -을지라도 to stems ending in a consonant: 먹다 -> 먹을지라도.
- It emphasizes that the following clause remains true regardless of the preceding condition.
Overview
Korean grammar employs -(으)ㄹ지라도 (romanized: -(eu)ljirado) as a highly formal and emphatic connective ending, signifying an unwavering stance despite significant, often extreme, conditions. At the B2 (Upper-Intermediate) CEFR level, this pattern acknowledges a preceding statement or condition (Clause A) as a potential, or even realized, difficult truth, while firmly asserting that the subsequent action or state (Clause B) will remain unaffected. It conveys a deep sense of determination, resilience, or solemn hypothesis, emphasizing that nothing, no matter how formidable, will alter the stated outcome.
This ending differs markedly from the more common concessive forms like -아/어도 or -더라도 due to its elevated register. -(으)ㄹ지라도 is not for casual "even if" scenarios. Instead, it imparts gravity and profound conviction, often translating to "even if something as extreme as this were to happen, my resolve/the outcome would remain firm." You will encounter it in contexts demanding seriousness, such as formal speeches, academic papers, legal texts, or dramatic literary works, where the intent is to highlight an unshakeable commitment or predict an immutable reality.
Consider the contrast: 비가 와도 갈 거예요 (biga wado gal geoyeyo) means "Even if it rains, I'll go" (neutral). However, 하늘이 무너질지라도 갈 것입니다 (haneur-i muneojiljirado gal geosimnida) implies "Even if the sky were to fall, I would still go." The latter, using -(으)ㄹ지라도, conveys an extreme hypothetical and an absolute determination. This pattern sets up a formidable concession only to dismiss its influence, thus making the second clause an absolute certainty or an unshakeable act of will.
Grasping this inherent gravitas is essential for its appropriate and effective use.
How This Grammar Works
-(으)ㄹ지라도 functions as a concessive connective ending, linking two clauses where the initial clause presents a challenging condition, extreme possibility, or acknowledged fact, which the second clause then decisively overrides or declares irrelevant. The structure [Clause A]-(으)ㄹ지라도 [Clause B] acknowledges the existence or likelihood of A, yet asserts that B will proceed or remain true regardless of A. The "even if" implied here carries significant formality and weight, often conveying strong resolve or a solemn, extreme hypothetical.-(으)ㄹ (implying possibility or supposition), the verb stem 지 (related to 'to know' or part of conjectural forms), and -라도 (a particle meaning 'even if' or 'even though'). This etymology suggests its nuanced meaning: "even if it were to be known (or supposed) that [Clause A], [Clause B] would still hold true." This combination creates a powerful sense of an extreme hypothetical being considered and then dismissed due to the overriding importance or certainty of the second clause.-(으)ㄹ지라도 typically expresses strong will, obligation, or absolute certainty. You will often find expressions like ~야 하다 (must), ~겠다 (strong intention), ~수밖에 없다 (have no choice but), or firm declarative statements. For example, 몸이 아플지라도 시험은 봐야 합니다 (mom-i apeuljirado siheom-eun bwaya hamnida) means "Even if you are sick, you must take the exam." Here, 몸이 아프다 (to be sick) is conceded, but the necessity of 시험은 봐야 합니다 remains absolute, highlighting an unwavering consequence.세상이 변할지라도 우리의 우정은 영원할 것이다 (sesang-i byeonhaljirado uri-ui ujeong-eun yeongwonhal geosida), translates to "Even if the world changes, our friendship will be eternal." The immense scale of 세상이 변하다 (the world changes) is juxtaposed with the absolute certainty of the friendship's eternity, emphasizing an unbreakable bond. This pattern enables the articulation of profound commitments or unshakeable predictions despite radical shifts or formidable challenges.Formation Pattern
-(으)ㄹ지라도 adheres to a systematic conjugation based on the final sound of the verb, adjective, or copula stem. It directly attaches to the stem, or to the noun followed by the copula 이다.
ㄹ | Add -ㄹ지라도 | 가다 (to go) | 갈지라도 | galjirado | Even if I go |
만들다 (to make) | 만들지라도 | mandeuljirado | Even if I make |
크다 (to be big) | 클지라도 | keuljirado | Even if it is big |
ㄹ) | Add -을지라도 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹을지라도 | meogeuljirado | Even if I eat |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋을지라도 | joeuljirado | Even if it is good |
읽다 (to read) | 읽을지라도 | ilgeuljirado | Even if I read |
이다 (to be): When attaching to nouns, the copula 이다 is used. The rule for vowel/consonant endings applies to the 이 part of 이다.
[Noun] + 일지라도
학생 (student) → 학생일지라도 (haksaengiljirado) – Even if one is a student.
[Noun] + 일지라도 (no change, as 이 is a vowel)
진실 (truth) → 진실일지라도 (jinsililjirado) – Even if it is the truth.
았/었 is inserted before -(으)ㄹ지라도.
[Verb/Adj Stem] + -았/었- + 을지라도
가다 (to go) → 갔을지라도 (gasseuljirado) – Even if I went/had gone.
먹다 (to eat) → 먹었을지라도 (meogeosseuljirado) – Even if I ate/had eaten.
제가 어렸을지라도 그 기억은 생생합니다. (jega eoryeosseuljirado geu gieok-eun saengsaenghamni-da.) – "Even if I was young, that memory is vivid."
있다 (to exist/have) and 없다 (to not exist/have): These follow the consonant ending rule.
있을지라도 (isseuljirado) – Even if there is/are, Even if one has.
없을지라도 (eopseuljirado) – Even if there isn't/aren't, Even if one doesn't have.
돈이 없을지라도 행복하게 살 수 있습니다. (don-i eopseuljirado haengbokhage sal su itseupnida.) – "Even if one doesn't have money, one can live happily."
-(으)ㄹ지라도 always attaches directly to the verb/adjective stem or the noun-copula combination without a space. For instance, 갈 지라도 is incorrect; it must be 갈지라도.
When To Use It
-(으)ㄹ지라도 is employed in specific contexts demanding solemnity, unwavering commitment, or the articulation of extreme hypothetical concessions. Its use in casual conversation is unnatural and generally avoided.- 1Formal Speeches and Public Declarations: This is a primary domain for
-(으)ㄹ지라도. Leaders, politicians, or public figures use it to convey absolute resolve or make a powerful statement that a principle or action will be upheld despite daunting challenges.
- Example:
어떤 어려움이 닥칠지라도 우리의 목표는 변치 않을 것입니다.(eotteon eoryeoum-i dakchiljirado uri-ui mokpyo-neun byeonchi aneul geosimnida.) – "Even if any difficulty strikes, our goal will not change." (A declaration of unwavering resolve in formal 합니다체).
- 1Academic and Scholarly Writing: In essays, research papers, or philosophical texts,
-(으)ㄹ지라도can acknowledge counterarguments or extreme scenarios, then reinforce the central thesis. It facilitates sophisticated argumentation by conceding a point while maintaining a primary claim.
- Example:
표면적으로는 비효율적일지라도 장기적인 관점에서는 더 큰 이점을 제공한다.(pyomyeonjeogeuroneun bihyoyuljeogiljirado janggi-jeogin gwanjeom-eseoneun deo keun ijeom-eul jegonghanda.) – "Even if it is superficially inefficient, from a long-term perspective, it offers greater advantages." (Acknowledging a drawback but asserting an overarching benefit).
- 1Literary Works, Poetry, and Song Lyrics: The dramatic and somewhat archaic quality of
-(으)ㄹ지라도makes it prevalent in literature. It adds depth and emotional intensity to expressions of enduring love, persistent struggle, or immutable fate.
- Example:
온 세상이 나를 등질지라도 나는 너를 믿을 것이다.(on sesang-i nareul deungjiljirado naneun neoreul mideul geosida.) – "Even if the entire world turns its back on me, I will trust you." (A poetic expression of unconditional trust).
- 1Legal and Official Documents: Its precision and formality make
-(으)ㄹ지라도suitable for legal clauses or official regulations, ensuring a rule or condition holds true even under specific, potentially challenging, exceptions.
- Example:
본 조항은 다른 조항에 우선할지라도 예외 조항에 따라 변경될 수 있습니다.(bon johang-eun dareun johang-e-useonhaljirado yewoe johang-e ttara byeongyeongdoel su itseupnida.) – "Even if this clause takes precedence over other clauses, it may be altered according to the exception clause." (A formal legal statement).
- 1Expressing Strong Determination or Resilience: When communicating unyielding will or extreme perseverance, especially against adversity,
-(으)ㄹ지라도powerfully conveys this sentiment. It declares that nothing will deter one from their path.
- Example:
수많은 실패가 있을지라도 결코 포기하지 않겠습니다.(sumaneun silpaega isseuljirado gyeolko pogihaji anketsseupnida.) – "Even if there are countless failures, I will never give up." (A strong declaration of resilience).
-(으)ㄹ지라도 is a high-impact grammatical tool reserved for contexts where formality, strong emphasis, and unwavering resolve are paramount. Its use immediately signals a serious, formal, or highly dramatic tone, requiring careful consideration to align with the gravity of the message.Common Mistakes
-(으)ㄹ지라도 is frequently misused by Korean learners. These errors typically arise from misjudging its formality, confusing it with similar expressions, or incorrect conjugation.- 1Overuse in Casual Settings: The most common error is employing
-(으)ㄹ지라도in informal conversations. Its solemn and literary tone will make your speech sound stiff, overly dramatic, or even humorous. For casual situations,-아/어도is the appropriate choice. For instance, instead of배가 고플지라도 참아야 해(sounds stiff), say배가 고파도 참아야 해(baega gopado chamaya hae) meaning "Even if you're hungry, you have to endure it."
- 1Confusing with
-아/어도and-더라도: While all three convey a concessive "even if," their formality and nuance differ significantly:
-아/어도(-a/eodo): The most common and versatile form, suitable for most situations (casual to polite). It neutrally states that B will happen regardless of A, without strong emphasis on extremity or solemnity. It's the default "even if."- Example:
비가 와도 축구할 거야.(biga wado chukguhal geoya.) – "Even if it rains, I'll play soccer." -더라도(-deorado): This form is intermediate in emphasis and formality, often suggesting a hypothetical or less likely "even if." It adds a slightly stronger emphasis or a sense of "even if that were the case." It is more common in spoken language than-(으)ㄹ지라도but less formal. It can also imply a slight sense of
Conjugation of -ㄹ/을지라도
| Verb/Adj Type | Stem Ending | Suffix | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vowel
|
가다
|
-ㄹ지라도
|
갈지라도
|
|
Consonant
|
먹다
|
-을지라도
|
먹을지라도
|
|
ㄹ-irregular
|
만들다
|
-지라도
|
만들지라도
|
|
Past Tense
|
갔다
|
-을지라도
|
갔을지라도
|
|
Adjective
|
예쁘다
|
-ㄹ지라도
|
예쁠지라도
|
|
Negative
|
안 가다
|
-ㄹ지라도
|
안 갈지라도
|
Meanings
This grammar expresses a concessive relationship, meaning the second clause happens regardless of the condition in the first clause.
Hypothetical Concession
Even if a situation were to happen, the result remains unchanged.
“아무리 힘들지라도 포기하지 마세요.”
“그가 사과할지라도 용서하지 않겠어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Present
|
Stem + ㄹ/을지라도
|
갈지라도
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 았/었을지라도
|
갔을지라도
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + ㄹ/을지라도
|
안 갈지라도
|
|
Adjective
|
Stem + ㄹ/을지라도
|
힘들지라도
|
|
Future
|
Stem + 겠을지라도
|
하겠을지라도
|
Formality Spectrum
힘들지라도 해내겠습니다. (Personal goal)
힘들지라도 해낼 거예요. (Personal goal)
힘들지라도 해낼 거야. (Personal goal)
빡세도 할 거임. (Personal goal)
The Concessive Logic
Condition
- 비가 옴 Rain
- 힘듦 Hardship
- 반대함 Opposition
Concessive Markers
Examples by Level
비가 올지라도 갈 거예요.
Even if it rains, I will go.
힘들지라도 할 거예요.
Even if it's hard, I will do it.
늦을지라도 기다릴게요.
Even if you are late, I will wait.
돈이 없을지라도 행복해요.
Even if I have no money, I am happy.
그가 사과할지라도 용서하지 않겠어요.
Even if he apologizes, I won't forgive him.
시험이 어려울지라도 최선을 다할 거예요.
Even if the exam is hard, I will do my best.
상황이 변할지라도 약속은 지킬게요.
Even if the situation changes, I will keep the promise.
아무리 바쁠지라도 연락할게요.
No matter how busy I am, I will contact you.
그녀가 반대할지라도 내 뜻을 굽히지 않겠다.
Even if she opposes, I will not bend my will.
세상이 비웃을지라도 나는 내 길을 가겠다.
Even if the world mocks me, I will walk my own path.
결과가 나쁠지라도 후회하지 않아요.
Even if the result is bad, I don't regret it.
누가 뭐라 할지라도 나는 너를 믿어.
Even if someone says something, I believe in you.
아무리 먼 곳일지라도 당신을 찾아갈 것입니다.
No matter how far it is, I will come to find you.
그것이 사실일지라도 우리는 받아들일 수 없습니다.
Even if that is the truth, we cannot accept it.
어떤 위험이 따를지라도 이 계획은 진행해야 합니다.
Even if some danger follows, this plan must proceed.
비록 몸이 아플지라도 수업에 빠질 수 없습니다.
Even though I am sick, I cannot miss class.
설령 하늘이 무너질지라도 나는 포기하지 않겠다.
Even if the sky falls, I will not give up.
그 제안이 매력적일지라도 우리의 원칙과는 맞지 않습니다.
Even if the proposal is attractive, it does not fit our principles.
아무리 시간이 흐를지라도 그 기억은 지워지지 않을 것이다.
No matter how much time passes, that memory will not be erased.
비록 그가 천재일지라도 겸손함은 필수적이다.
Even if he is a genius, humility is essential.
비록 만인이 반대할지라도 진실은 밝혀져야 한다.
Even if everyone opposes, the truth must be revealed.
그가 아무리 뛰어난 업적을 남겼을지라도 과거의 잘못은 씻을 수 없다.
No matter how great an achievement he left, his past mistakes cannot be washed away.
설령 내일 지구가 멸망할지라도 나는 오늘 사과나무를 심겠다.
Even if the world ends tomorrow, I will plant an apple tree today.
어떠한 고난이 닥쳐올지라도 우리는 굴하지 않고 나아갈 것이다.
No matter what hardship comes, we will move forward without yielding.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'even if'.
Both are formal concessive markers.
Both are literary.
Common Mistakes
가을지라도
갈지라도
비가 오면지라도
비가 올지라도
힘들어도지라도
힘들지라도
먹어도지라도
먹을지라도
바쁘지만지라도
바쁠지라도
갈지라도 해요
갈지라도 가요
비가 올지라도 안 가요
비가 올지라도 갈 거예요
그것이 사실일지라도는
그것이 사실일지라도
아무리 힘들지라도는
아무리 힘들지라도
그가 올지라도 올 것이다
그가 올지라도 나는 안 갈 것이다
그가 천재일지라도 겸손해야 한다
그가 천재일지라도 겸손함은 필수적이다
설령 무너질지라도는
설령 무너질지라도
그 제안이 매력적일지라도는
그 제안이 매력적일지라도
시간이 흐를지라도는
시간이 흐를지라도
Sentence Patterns
아무리 ___ㄹ/을지라도 포기하지 않겠다.
비록 ___ㄹ/을지라도 나는 너를 믿는다.
___ㄹ/을지라도 결과는 바뀌지 않는다.
___ㄹ/을지라도 나는 내 길을 가겠다.
Real World Usage
업무가 힘들지라도 잘 해내겠습니다.
아무리 바쁠지라도 운동은 꼭 한다.
늦을지라도 기다려줘.
국민이 반대할지라도 추진하겠습니다.
세월이 흐를지라도 너를 사랑해.
결과가 다를지라도 가설은 유효하다.
Drama Queen Grammar
Watch the Irregulars
Power Couple
비록 (although) at the start of the sentence. They are like peanut butter and jelly for formal concessions.Respecting Hierarchy
Smart Tips
Replace -아/어도 with -ㄹ/을지라도.
Use -ㄹ/을지라도 to acknowledge a counter-argument.
Pair with '아무리'.
Use -ㄹ/을지라도 to show you are committed despite difficulties.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄹ' sound carries over to the next syllable.
Assertive
힘들지라도 ↑ 할 거예요 ↓
Rising on the condition, falling on the result to show resolve.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '지라도' as 'G-I-R-A-D-O' (Give In? No!) — even if something happens, I won't give in.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing firm in a storm. The rain (condition) is hitting them, but they are not moving (result).
Rhyme
Even if it's hard to do, say -ㄹ/을지라도 to see it through.
Story
Min-su wanted to climb the mountain. His friend said, 'It might rain.' Min-su replied, '비가 올지라도 갈 거야!' (Even if it rains, I will go!). He climbed it anyway.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your goals using -ㄹ/을지라도.
Cultural Notes
Used to show professional commitment despite obstacles.
Common in poetry to express undying love or persistence.
Used in speeches to emphasize unwavering stances.
Derived from the verb '지다' (to become) and the suffix '라도' (even).
Conversation Starters
어떤 상황에서도 포기하지 않을 일이 있나요?
비가 많이 올지라도 여행을 가시겠어요?
상대방이 사과할지라도 용서하기 힘든 경우가 있나요?
세상이 비웃을지라도 꼭 이루고 싶은 꿈이 있나요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
비가 (오다) ___ 갈 거예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가을지라도 갈 거예요.
비가 와도 갈 거예요.
할 / 힘들지라도 / 거예요 / 최선을 / 다
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
먹다 + -ㄹ/을지라도
A: 시험이 어려울까요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises비가 (오다) ___ 갈 거예요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가을지라도 갈 거예요.
비가 와도 갈 거예요.
할 / 힘들지라도 / 거예요 / 최선을 / 다
Match:
먹다 + -ㄹ/을지라도
A: 시험이 어려울까요? B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises길이 ___, 우리는 가야 합니다.
Which fits the dramatic tone?
부자 일지라도 돈을 아껴야 해.
Connect the pairs:
힘들지라도 / 비록 / 참으십시오 / 상황이
It is a lie? Even if it is true, it doesn't matter.
그가 실수를 ___, 우리는 그를 믿어요.
Choose the best context:
밥을 먹을지라도 배가 고파.
날씨가 ___, 에어컨을 켜지 마세요.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is generally too formal. Use -아/어도 instead.
No, it works with adjectives too, like '힘들지라도'.
-ㄹ/을지라도 is more formal and emphatic.
Yes, '갔을지라도' (even if I had gone).
It adds a sense of strong resolve.
Yes, very common in formal essays and speeches.
Yes, use '일지라도' for nouns.
Because you 'concede' a point to make a stronger argument.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Aunque + subjunctive
Spanish requires a mood change (subjunctive), whereas Korean uses a specific connective ending.
Même si + indicative
French does not change the verb mood, unlike Spanish.
Auch wenn
German syntax often requires moving the verb to the end of the clause.
〜としても
Japanese uses a particle-based structure rather than a verbal suffix.
即使 (jíshǐ)
Chinese is an isolating language and does not use verb suffixes for this.
حتى لو (hatta law)
Arabic uses a prepositional phrase rather than a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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Overview In Korean, expressing the **purpose** for which an action is undertaken often requires precision. Among various...
Going to do... (-(으)러 가다/오다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)러 가다/오다` (Romanization: `-(eu)reo gada/oda`) is a fundamental A2-level co...
Korean Result Grammar: So That & Until (-도록)
Overview This guide introduces the Korean connective ending `도록` (pronounced `dorok`), a versatile grammatical tool cr...
Observing Changes & Results (-더니)
Overview `-더니` is an upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) Korean connective ending that expresses a direct observation made by...
