-아/어도
Even if, Regardless
Use -아/어도 to connect two clauses where the second clause happens no matter what is stated in the first. It shows an unexpected or contrasting result, like 'even if...'
How It Works
The grammar pattern -아/어도 is used to express that the action or state in the second clause occurs regardless of the action or state described in the first clause. It's a way of showing concession or an unexpected outcome.
Conjugation Rules:
The conjugation follows the same rules as the -아/어 (informal polite) ending.
- If the verb/adjective stem's last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ, you add -아도.
- 가다 (to go) → 가 + -아도 → 가도
- 보다 (to see) → 보 + -아도 → 봐도 (ㅗ + ㅏ contracts to ㅘ) - If the stem's last vowel is anything else (ㅓ, ㅜ, ㅡ, ㅣ, etc.), you add -어도.
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + -어도 → 먹어도
- 만들다 (to make) → 만들 + -어도 → 만들어도 - For 하다 verbs, it becomes 하여도, which is almost always contracted to 해도.
- 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하여도 → 공부해도
Note: To express a similar meaning ('even') with nouns, the separate particle -(이)라도 is used, not -아/어도. (e.g., 학생이라도 - even if it's a student)
Usage with '아무리':
This pattern is often used with the adverb 아무리 (no matter how much/what) to add emphasis.
- 아무리 피곤해도 숙제는 해야 해요. (No matter how tired I am, I have to do my homework.)
This pattern is fundamental for expressing contrast and is also a key component of the permission pattern -아/어도 되다 (it's okay to...).
Examples (5)
- 비가 와도 갈 거예요.
Even if it rains, I'm going to go.
Word by Word: Rain comes-even if will go.
- 이 옷이 비싸도 사고 싶어요.
Even though these clothes are expensive, I want to buy them.
Word by Word: These clothes are expensive-even if want to buy.
- 매일 운동해도 살이 안 빠져요.
Even if I exercise every day, I don't lose weight.
Word by Word: Every day exercise-even if weight not lose.
- 아무리 바빠도 아침은 꼭 먹어요.
No matter how busy I am, I always make sure to eat breakfast.
Word by Word: No matter how busy-even if breakfast surely eat.
The adverb '아무리' (no matter how) is frequently used with -아/어도 to add emphasis.
- 어제 약을 먹었어도 아직 아파요.
Even though I took medicine yesterday, I'm still sick.
Word by Word: Yesterday medicine took-even if still sick.
This shows how -아/어도 can be attached after the past tense marker -았/었- to talk about past events.
Common Mistakes
Confusing -아/어도 (even if) with -아/어서 (so/because).
Different Meaning너무 피곤해도 일찍 잤어요.Better너무 피곤해서 일찍 잤어요.-아/어도 shows a contrast or unexpected result. The incorrect sentence means 'Even though I was very tired, I went to bed early,' which is a logical result, not a contrast. -아/어서 is used for cause and effect. The correct sentence means 'Because I was very tired, I went to bed early.'
Learn This First
To express 'even if, although', you need verb conjugation and understanding of 도.
Related Patterns
- -지만But
Both express contrast. However, -지만 simply connects two contrasting facts ('A is true, but B is also true'). -아/어도 implies that the second clause happens despite the first clause ('Even if A is true, B still happens').
- -더라도Even if, Although
-더라도 is very similar to -아/어도 and also means 'even if'. However, -더라도 is often used for more hypothetical or less likely situations, while -아/어도 is commonly used for actual, existing conditions.
- -아/어도 되다May, Be Allowed to
This is a very common set phrase that uses -아/어도 to ask for or grant permission. The literal meaning is 'even if you do X, it is okay,' which translates to 'you may do X'.
- -아/어서Because of, Therefore
This pattern shows a cause-and-effect relationship, which is the opposite of -아/어도. Use -아/어서 when the first clause is the reason for the second, and use -아/어도 when the second clause happens in spite of the first.