If you’re learning Korean and want to express unexpected results like “Even though I studied, I still failed,” the grammar pattern ‘-고도’ is exactly what you need. In this post, you’ll learn how to use ‘-고도’ in Korean to talk about outcomes that go against expectations. This pattern is essential for intermediate learners aiming to sound more natural and nuanced.
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean grammar pattern ‘-고도’ is used to express contrast or unexpected outcomes, similar to the English expressions “even though” or “although.”
It connects two clauses: the first describes an action or state, and the second shows a result that contrasts with what is expected based on the first clause.
2. Form (Structure)
- Attach ‘-고도’ to the verb stem.
- It is mainly used with verbs, not adjectives.
How to Attach ‘-고도’ to Verbs
| Verb Stem | + 고도 | Example |
| 가다 (to go) | 가고도 | even though [someone] goes |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹고도 | even though [someone] eats |
| 하다 (to do) | 하고도 | even though [someone] does |
| 공부하다 (to study) | 공부하고도 | even though [someone] studies |
3. Meaning & Usage
This structure is used to show that the result in the second clause is unexpected based on the first clause.
1. Showing contrast to effort or intention
- 열심히 공부하고도 시험을 못 봤어요. (Even though I studied hard, I didn’t do well on the test.)
- 운동을 꾸준히 하고도 살이 안 빠졌어요. (Even though I exercised regularly, I didn’t lose weight.)
- 조심하고도 실수했어요.(Even though I was careful, I still made a mistake.)
- 일찍 자고도 피곤해요. (Even though I went to bed early, I am still tired.)
- 약을 먹고도 감기가 낫지 않았어요. (Even though I took medicine, my cold didn’t get better.)
2. Showing unexpected or illogical outcomes
- 그렇게 비싸고도 인기가 많아요? (Even though it’s so expensive, it’s still popular?)
- 그렇게 많이 먹고도 배가 고파요? (Even though I ate that much, I am still hungry?)
- 그렇게 설명하고도 이해하지 못했어요. (Even though I explained it like that, they didn’t understand.)
- 그렇게 준비하고도 실패했어요.(Even though I prepared so much, I still failed.)
- 그렇게 연습하고도 외우지 못했어요. (Even though I practiced a lot, I couldn’t memorize it.)
3. Often used in negative or ironic results
- 연락하고도 안 왔어요. (Even though I contacted him, he didn’t come.)
- 도와주고도 고맙다는 말을 듣지 못했어요. (Even though I helped, I didn’t even hear a word of thanks.)
- 돈을 주고도 만족하지 않았어요. (Even though I paid, I wasn’t satisfied.)
- 부탁을 하고도 미안해하지 않았어요. (Even though I asked for a favor, I didn’t feel sorry.)
- 진심으로 사과하고도 용서받지 못했어요. (Even though I sincerely apologized, I wasn’t forgiven.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-고도’ is used to express contrast between an action and its unexpected result.
- Commonly used in negative or ironic contexts.
- Often followed by clauses with -지 않다, 못 하다, or 안 + verb.
5. Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct use of ‘-고도’.
- 열심히 ________ 시험에 떨어졌어요.
(Even though I studied hard, I failed the exam.) - 조심히 ________사고가 났어요 .
(Even though he drove carefully, he had an accident.) - 비가 ________ 사람들은 모였어요.
(Even though it rained, people still came.) - 그렇게 많이 ________배고파요?
(Are you still hungry even after eating that much?) - 친절하게 ________ 화를 냈어요.
(Even though I spoke kindly, he got angry.) - 운동을 매일 ________ 살이 안 빠져요.
(Even though I work out every day, I don’t lose weight.) - 준비를 다 ________ 발표를 잘 못했어요 .
(Even though I prepared everything, I didn’t do well.) - 칭찬을 많이 ________ 기분이 안 좋아요.
(Even though I got compliments, I’m not happy.) - 약속을 ________ 왜 화나요?
(Why are you upset even though I kept my promise?) - 돈을 ________ 만족을 못 느껴요.
(Even though I spent money, I’m not satisfied.)
6. Answers
- 공부하고도
- 운전하고도
- 오고도
- 먹고도
- 말하고도
- 하고도
- 하고도
- 듣고도
- 지키고도
- 쓰고도
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Mistake 1: Using ‘-고도’ with unrelated outcomes
Incorrect: 비가 오고도 커피를 마셨어요. ❌ (It rained, and I drank coffee.)
Correct: 비가 오고도 밖에 나갔어요. ✅ (Even though it rained, I went outside.)
💡 Tip: Use ‘-고도’ only when the second clause contrasts with what is expected from the first clause.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Confusing ‘-고도’ with ‘-지만’
Incorrect: 피곤하고도 일찍 잤어요. ❌
Correct: 피곤하지만 일찍 잤어요. ✅
💡 Tip: Use ‘-지만’ when both clauses are factual and not necessarily surprising or ironic.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Forgetting to conjugate correctly in past tense
Incorrect: 공부했고도 시험을 못 봤어요. ❌
Correct: 공부하고도 시험을 못 봤어요. ✅
💡 Tip: Do not use the past tense suffix before ‘-고도’. Just attach ‘-고도’ directly to the verb stem.
The grammar pattern ‘-고도’ is an essential structure for expressing contrast or surprise in Korean. It helps learners build more nuanced sentences and express outcomes that are unexpected or ironic. Mastering this pattern will greatly improve both listening and speaking comprehension in real-life conversations.