When learning Korean grammar, distinguishing between similar patterns can be challenging. ‘-고도’ and ‘-아/어도’ are both used to express contrast or unexpected outcomes, but they serve different purposes. This post explores their key differences with real-life examples to help you use them correctly and naturally.
Contents
1. Definition
-고도
Grammar function: Expresses a contrast or unexpected result.
Key points:
- The first clause describes an action or fact.
- The second clause shows an unexpected or illogical outcome.
- Mostly used with verbs (not adjectives).
- Commonly translated as: even though, although, despite
Example meaning:
You did something, but the result is not what people would expect.
-아/어도
Grammar function: Shows that the result happens regardless of the first clause.
Key points:
- The second action or situation does not change, even if the first condition is true.
- Can be used with both verbs and adjectives.
- Often implies permission, tolerance, or indifference to the condition.
- Commonly translated as: even if, even though
Example meaning:
Even if something happens, it won’t affect the result.
Definition Comparison – ‘-고도’ vs ‘-아/어도’
| Category | -고도 | -아/어도 |
| Grammar Function | Expresses an unexpected result or contrast | Indicates that the result happens regardless of a condition |
| Key Meaning | The second action contradicts what is expected from the first | The second action happens even if the first condition is true |
| Common Usage | Mainly used with verbs | Used with both verbs and adjectives |
| Typical Context | Highlights surprise, irony, or disappointment | Shows permission, tolerance, or indifference |
| English Equivalents | even though, although, despite | even if, even though |
2. Form (Structure)
- V고도: verb stem + 고도
- 아/어도: verb/adjective stem + 아/어도
Form Table
| Grammar | Structure | Example |
| -고도 | verb stem + 고도 | 먹고도 (even though [someone] ate) |
| -아/어도 | verb/adjective stem + 아/어도 | 먹어도 (even if [someone] eats) 예뻐도 (even if [someone/something] is pretty) |
3. Meaning & Usage
1. Unexpected vs Unaffected Result
- Use ‘-고도’ when the result is unexpected after the first action.
- Use ‘-아/어도’ when the result does not change, no matter what happens in the first part.
‘-고도’ Examples:
- 열심히 공부하고도 시험에 떨어졌어요.
(Even though I studied hard, I failed the exam.) - 돈을 내고도 입장하지 못했어요.
(Even though I paid, I couldn’t enter.) - 선물을 주고도 고맙다는 말을 못 들었어요.
(Even though I gave a gift, I didn’t hear a thank you.)
‘-아/어도’ Examples:
- 공부해도 점수가 안 올라요.
(Even if I study, my score doesn’t improve.) - 돈을 내도 이용할 수 없어요.
(Even if you pay, you can’t use it.) - 선물을 줘도 반응이 없어요.
(Even if I give a gift, there’s no reaction.)
2. Expected Outcome vs Independent Outcome
- Use ‘-고도’ when you expect a different result from the first action, but something else happens.
- Use ‘-아/어도’ when the result is always the same, no matter what you do.
‘-고도’ Examples:
- 사과하고도 또 실수했어요.
(Even though he apologized, he made another mistake.) - 준비하고도 실수했어요.
(Even though I prepared, I made a mistake.) - 연습하고도 잘 못했어요.
(Even though I practiced, I didn’t do well.)
‘-아/어도’ Examples:
- 사과해도 용서하지 않을 거예요.
(Even if you apologize, I won’t forgive you.) - 준비해도 실수할 수 있어요.
(Even if you prepare, you can still make mistakes.) - 연습해도 자신이 없어요.
(Even if I practice, I still don’t feel confident.)
3. Verbs Only vs Verbs and Adjectives
- ‘-고도’ is only used with verbs.
- ‘-아/어도’ can be used with both verbs and adjectives.
‘-고도’ Examples (verbs only):
- 힘들다고 하고도 계속 일했어요.
(Even though she said it was hard, she kept working.) - 늦겠다고 말하고도 빨리 도착했어요.
(Even though he said he’d be late, he arrived early.) - 아프다고 하고도 놀러 갔어요.
(Even though he said he was sick, he went out.)
‘-아/어도’ Examples (with adjectives):
- 예뻐도 관심 없어요.
(Even if she’s pretty, I’m not interested.) - 맛없어도 다 먹었어요.
(Even if it wasn’t tasty, I ate it all.) - 피곤해도 운동해야 해요.
(Even if I’m tired, I have to exercise.)
4. Usage Comparison of ‘-고도’ and ‘-아/어도’ in Korean Grammar
| Point | -고도 | -아/어도 |
| Typical Result Type | Unexpected result that contradicts expectations | Consistent or unchanged result regardless of condition |
| Common Contexts | Regret, irony, disappointment | Tolerance, permission, acceptance |
| Can Be Used with Adjectives? | No | Yes |
| Typical English Equivalents | even though, although, despite | even if, even though |
4. Key Points to Remember
- Use ‘-고도’ to highlight surprise or contradiction in the result, especially after a completed action.
- Use ‘-아/어도’ to show tolerance, permission, or indifference to a condition. It can be used for present, future, or hypothetical situations.
- ‘-고도’ is mostly used with verbs and describes situations that have already happened.
- ‘-아/어도’ works with both verbs and adjectives.
- These expressions are not interchangeable in most cases.
5. Practice Exercises
Choose the more appropriate form between ‘-고도’ and ‘-아/어도’ based on the meaning.
- 열심히 (준비하고도 / 준비해도) 발표를 망쳤어요.
(Even though I prepared hard, I messed up the presentation.) - 돈을 많이 (벌고도 / 벌어도) 행복하지 않을 수 있어요.
(Even if you make a lot of money, you might not be happy.) - 친절하게 (말하고도 / 말해도) 오해를 받았어요.
(Even though I spoke kindly, I was misunderstood.) - 운동을 매일 (하고도 / 해도) 살이 안 빠져요.
(Even if I exercise every day, I don’t lose weight.) - 그 사람을 (믿고도 / 믿어도) 배신당했어요.
(Even though I trusted him, I was betrayed.) - 맛이 없어도 (먹고도 / 먹어도) 다 먹었어요.
(Even if it didn’t taste good, I ate all of it.) - 정말 미안하다고 (말하고도 / 말해도) 용서를 받지 못했어요.
(Even though I sincerely apologized, I wasn’t forgiven.) - 공부를 (하고도 / 해도) 시험을 망쳤어요.
(I studied, but I failed the test.) - 조언을 (듣고도 / 들어도) 실수를 반복했어요.
(Even though I studied, I failed the test.) - 아파도 (출근하고도 / 출근해도) 괜찮다고 했어요.
(Even if I was sick, I said I’d still go to work.)
6. Answers
1. 열심히 (준비하고도 / 준비해도) 발표를 망쳤어요.
Answer: 준비하고도
Translation: Even though I prepared hard, I messed up the presentation.
Explanation: The expected result of preparing hard is doing well. Since the actual outcome is the opposite, ‘-고도’ is used to highlight the unexpected result.
2. 돈을 많이 (벌고도 / 벌어도) 행복하지 않을 수 있어요.
Answer: 벌어도
Translation: Even if you make a lot of money, you might not be happy.
Explanation: The result (not being happy) doesn’t depend on the condition (making money). Use ‘-아/어도’ when the outcome remains the same regardless of the first clause.
3. 친절하게 (말하고도 / 말해도) 오해를 받았어요.
Answer: 말하고도
Translation: Even though I spoke kindly, I was misunderstood.
Explanation: Kind speech usually prevents misunderstanding, so this result is unexpected. ‘-고도’ is used to express the contrast.
4. 운동을 매일 (하고도 / 해도) 살이 안 빠져요.
Answer: 해도
Translation: Even if I exercise every day, I don’t lose weight.
Explanation: The result stays the same regardless of the action. Use ‘-아/어도’ when the second clause is unaffected by the first.
5. 그 사람을 (믿고도 / 믿어도) 배신당했어요.
Answer: 믿고도
Translation: Even though I trusted him, I was betrayed.
Explanation: Trust is typically expected to lead to loyalty, but the opposite happened. ‘-고도’ fits to show an unexpected outcome.
6. 맛이 없어도 (먹고도 / 먹어도) 다 먹었어요.
Answer: 먹어도
Translation: Even if it didn’t taste good, I ate all of it.
Explanation: The action (eating everything) happens regardless of taste. Use ‘-아/어도’ for conditions that don’t affect the outcome.
7. 정말 미안하다고 (말하고도 / 말해도) 용서를 받지 못했어요.
Answer: 말하고도
Translation: Even though I sincerely apologized, I wasn’t forgiven.
Explanation: A sincere apology usually results in forgiveness. The opposite result makes ‘-고도’ the right choice.
8. 공부를 (하고도 / 해도) 시험을 망쳤어요.
Answer: 하고도
Translation: Even though I studied, I failed the test.
Explanation: The failure is contrary to expectations after studying. Use ‘-고도’ to emphasize the surprising result.
9. 조언을 (듣고도 / 들어도) 실수를 반복했어요.
Answer: 듣고도
Translation: Even though I received advice, I repeated the mistake.
Explanation: Advice is expected to help avoid mistakes. Since the mistake happened again, ‘-고도’ expresses this contradiction.
10. 아파도 (출근하고도 / 출근해도) 괜찮다고 했어요.
Answer: 출근해도
Translation: Even if I was sick, I said I’d still go to work.
Explanation: The action (going to work) continues regardless of being sick. Use ‘-아/어도’ to show that the action continues regardless of the condition.
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-고도’ with adjectives
Incorrect: 날씨가 추고도 나갔어요. ❌
Correct: 날씨가 추워도 나갔어요. ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘-아/어도’ with adjectives, not ‘-고도’.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Assuming both patterns have the same meaning
Incorrect: 설명을 듣고도 이해했어요. ❌
Correct: 설명을 듣고 이해했어요. ✅
💡 Tip: ‘-고도’ implies something unexpected or contradictory. If the result is natural, don’t use it.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Mixing the nuance of permission (from ‘-아/어도’) with ‘-고도’
Incorrect: 피곤하고도 운동했어요. ❌
Correct: 피곤해도 운동했어요. ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘-아/어도’ to express doing something despite a condition, not ‘-고도’.
Understanding the difference between ‘-고도’ and ‘-아/어도’ is important for expressing contrast and conditions in Korean. While both can be translated similarly in English, their functions and nuances differ. ‘-고도’ highlights unexpected results, while ‘-아/어도’ shows tolerance or an unaffected outcome. Practice using them correctly through context-specific examples to avoid common mistakes.