-(으)ㄹ 망정
Even if, No Matter What
-ㄹ/을망정 is used to show a strong choice or determination. The speaker would rather do the action in the second clause than the action in the first clause. It's like saying 'I would rather B, even if it means A'.
How It Works
This pattern expresses a strong, determined choice. The speaker declares that even if they have to endure the negative or extreme situation described in the first clause, they will absolutely choose to do (or not do) the action in the second clause. It's often used to express one's principles, pride, or strong will.
Usage Rules:
1. Attach -ㄹ망정 to stems ending in a vowel or the consonant ㄹ.
- 가다 (to go) → 갈망정
- 살다 (to live) → 살망정
2. Attach -을망정 to stems ending in a consonant (except ㄹ).
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹을망정
- 굶다 (to starve) → 굶을망정
Key Nuances:
- Strong Determination: This is not a simple 'even if'. It carries a very strong, sometimes dramatic, nuance of resolve. The word 차라리 (rather) is often used with it to emphasize the choice.
- Contrast with Similar Patterns:
- -더라도: A more general 'even if' for hypothetical situations.-ㄹ망정is much stronger and more focused on the speaker's will. For example, '비가 오더라도 갈 것이다' (Even if it rains, I will go) is natural, but '비가 올망정 갈 것이다' sounds overly dramatic for a simple picnic.
- -아/어도: The most common and neutral 'even if'.-ㄹ망정is a more literary or emphatic alternative used in specific contexts of strong choice.
The subject of both clauses is typically the same, as the pattern reflects the speaker's personal decision.
Examples (4)
- 굶을망정 거짓말은 하지 않겠다.
Even if I starve, I will not tell a lie.
Word by Word: Starve even if, a lie (topic marker) will not do.
This sentence expresses a strong moral principle. The speaker would rather face the extreme negative consequence of starving than compromise their integrity by lying.
- 시험에 떨어질망정 부정행위는 안 할 거야.
I'd rather fail the test than cheat.
Word by Word: Exam on fail even if, cheating (topic marker) will not do.
This shows a strong commitment to academic integrity, valuing honesty over the outcome of the test.
- 차라리 혼자 살망정 저런 사람과는 결혼할 수 없어.
I would rather live alone than marry a person like that.
Word by Word: Rather alone live even if, that kind of person with (topic marker) cannot marry.
The word '차라리' (rather, preferably) is often used with -ㄹ망정 to further emphasize the speaker's preference for the second option.
- 월급이 적을망정 내가 좋아하는 일을 하고 싶다.
Even if the salary is low, I want to do a job that I like.
Word by Word: Salary is small even if, I (subject) like job (object) want to do.
This shows a clear preference for personal satisfaction (doing a job one likes) over a negative material condition (a low salary).
Common Mistakes
Using -ㄹ망정 for simple hypothetical situations where a less dramatic form is more natural.
Different Meaning비가 올망정 소풍을 갈 거예요.Better비가 오더라도 소풍을 갈 거예요.-ㄹ망정 is too strong and implies a deep, principled stand. For a general 'even if' scenario like rain, -더라도 or -아/어도 is much more appropriate and natural.
The second clause is not a statement of will or a chosen action.
Not Quite열심히 공부할망정 시험에 떨어졌다.Better밤을 새울망정 포기하지는 않겠다.The clause following -ㄹ망정 must express the speaker's will, decision, or a chosen action. It cannot be a simple statement of fact or an unintended outcome like 'I failed the test'. The correct sentence shows the speaker's determination ('I will not give up') despite the hardship.
Learn This First
To express 'even if/no matter what', you need modifier forms and conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -더라도Even if, Although
Both mean 'even if', but -ㄹ망정 is much stronger and more emphatic. It expresses a firm resolve or principle. -더라도 is used for more general or realistic hypothetical situations without the same level of dramatic determination.
- -느니Rather than
Both express a preference for one action over another undesirable one. -느니 directly compares two actions ('rather than doing A, it's better to do B'). -ㄹ망정 frames it as 'Even if the negative situation A happens, I will still do B'. Both involve choosing a 'lesser of two evils', but -ㄹ망정 focuses on upholding a principle despite a negative consequence.
- -아/어도Even if, Regardless
This is the most common and general way to say 'even if'. -아/어도 can be used in a wide variety of situations. -ㄹ망정 is a much more specific and stronger expression reserved for situations where the speaker is making a resolute statement about their principles or choices.
- -(으)ㄹ 바에야Rather than, If Going to
Similar to -느니, -ㄹ 바에야 means 'if I'm going to do A anyway, I'd rather do B'. Both -ㄹ망정 and -ㄹ 바에야 involve choosing a course of action in a negative context, but -ㄹ망정 emphasizes upholding a principle despite a negative outcome, while -ㄹ 바에야 emphasizes choosing a better alternative given a negative situation.