The Korean grammar pattern ‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ is used to show that the main result or action will not change, regardless of a certain condition. It is a useful expression for adding nuance and contrast in both spoken and written Korean. This guide explains the form, usage, and common mistakes of ‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ with clear examples and exercises to help you use it naturally.
Contents
1. Definition
The Korean grammar pattern -(으)ㄹ지라도 is a concessive expression.
It is used when you want to say that, even though one condition exists, the result or action in the following clause remains unchanged.
In English, it is often translated as “even if” or “even though.”
2. Form (Structure)
The grammar ending -(으)ㄹ지라도 attaches to a verb or adjective stem.
It is used to express the meaning of “even if” or “although,” and it can describe past, present, or future situations depending on context.
1. Verbs
- If the stem ends in a vowel → add -ㄹ지라도
- 가다 → 갈지라도 (even if [someone] goes)
- If the stem ends in a consonant (except ㄹ) → add -을지라도
- 먹다 → 먹을지라도 (even if [someone] eats)
- If the stem ends in ㄹ → drop ㄹ and add -지라도
- 살다 → 살지라도 (even if [someone] lives)
- 살다 → 살지라도 (even if [someone] lives)
2. Adjectives
Adjectives follow the same rules as verbs.
- 작다 → 작을지라도 (even if [something] is small)
- 크다 → 클지라도 (even if [something] is big)
3. Nouns
- 학생이다 → 학생일지라도 (even if [someone] is a student)
- 친구이다 → 친구일지라도 (even if [someone] is a friend)
Structure Summary Table
| Stem Type | Rule | Base Form | Conjugated Form |
| Verb/Adjective – vowel ending | Stem + ㄹ지라도 | 가다 (to go) 크다 (to be big) | 갈지라도 (even if [someone] goes) 클지라도 (even if [something] is big) |
| Verb/Adjective – consonant ending (except ㄹ) | Stem + 을지라도 | 먹다 (to eat) 작다 (to be small) | 먹을지라도 (even if [someone] eats) 작을지라도 (even if [something] is small) |
| Verb/Adjective – ending in ㄹ | Drop ㄹ + 지라도 | 살다 (to live) 길다 (to be long) | 살지라도 (even if [someone] lives) 길지라도 (even if [something] is long) |
| Noun | Noun + 일지라도 | 학생이다 (to be a student) 친구이다 (to be a friend) | 학생일지라도 (even if [someone] is a student), 친구일지라도 (even if [someone] is a friend) |
4. Tense Usage
-(으)ㄹ지라도 can be applied to different time references depending on the context:
- Present:
가난할지라도 열심히 살아요.
(Even if [someone] is poor, they live diligently.) - Past:
실패했을지라도 포기하지 않았습니다.
(Even though [someone] failed, they did not give up.) - Future:
내일 비가 올지라도 우리는 갈 거예요.
(Even if it rains tomorrow, we will go.)
3. Meaning & Usage
1. Expressing concession (something remains true despite a condition)
‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ is used to show that the main action or situation will remain true even if another condition exists. This usage is common in both spoken and written Korean.
- 돈이 없을지라도 꿈을 포기하지 마세요.
(Even if you have no money, do not give up on your dream.) - 날씨가 나쁠지라도 행사는 진행됩니다.
(Even if the weather is bad, the event will continue.) - 힘들지라도 끝까지 해야 합니다.
(Even if it is difficult, you must finish it.) - 실패할지라도 다시 도전해 보세요.
(Even if you fail, try again.) - 바쁠지라도 건강을 챙겨야 합니다.
(Even if you are busy, you should take care of your health.)
2. Emphasizing determination or willpower
This usage highlights strong determination, firm stance, or unchanging attitude, even in unfavorable conditions.
- 죽을지라도 약속은 지키겠습니다.
(Even if I die, I will keep my promise.) - 다칠지라도 친구를 도울 거예요.
(Even if I get hurt, I will help my friend.) - 실패할지라도 노력하는 게 중요합니다.
(Even if you fail, trying is important.) - 잊혀질지라도 진심으로 사랑했습니다.
(Even if I am forgotten, I truly loved.) [more literary] - 비밀일지라도 반드시 지켜야 합니다.
(Even if it is a secret, it must be kept.) [more natural than the original]
3. Expressing unexpected or extreme situations
It can be used to emphasize contrast under extreme or unusual conditions. Some expressions here may appear more literary or formal.
- 적일지라도 도와줄 수 있습니다.
(Even if someone is an enemy, they can be helped.) [literary/formal] - 어린아이일지라도 진실을 말할 수 있습니다.
(Even if someone is a child, they can tell the truth.) - 작은 실수일지라도 결과에 큰 영향을 줄 수 있어요.
(Even if it is a small mistake, it can have a big effect on the result.) - 늦을지라도 참석하는 게 중요합니다.
(Even if you are late, attending is important.) - 거짓말일지라도 상처가 될 수 있어요.
(Even if it is a lie, it can hurt someone.)
4. Key Points to Remember
- ‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ is used to express concession, similar to “even if” or “although.”
- It can be attached to verbs, adjectives, and nouns (with -일지라도).
- It can describe past, present, or future situations depending on context.
- Often used in formal or written contexts, and less in casual conversation.
- Commonly emphasizes contrast, determination, or persistence despite certain conditions.
5. Practice Exercises
- 돈이 조금밖에 ____ 여행을 가고 싶어요.
(Even if I have little money, I still want to travel.) - 날씨가 ____ 운동하러 공원에 갑니다.
(Even if it’s cold, I still go to the park to exercise.) - 친구가 ____ 제가 꼭 도와줄 거예요.
(Even if my friend is busy, I will still help them.) - ____ 다시 도전하는 것이 중요합니다.
(Even if you fail, it is important to try again.) - ____ 좋은 생각을 말할 수 있습니다.
(Even if someone is a child, they can share good ideas.) - ____ 회의에 참석해야 합니다.
(Even if you are late, you must attend the meeting.) - 건강이 ____ 희망을 잃지 마세요.
(Even if your health is bad, do not lose hope.) - 그 말이 ____ 사람들은 믿을 수도 있어요.
(Even if that is a lie, people might believe it.) - ____ 진실을 말해야 합니다.
(Even if you are afraid, you must tell the truth.) - 목숨을 ____ 약속은 지키겠습니다.
(Even if I lose my life, I will keep my promise.)
6. Answers
- 없을지라도
- 추울지라도
- 바쁠지라도
- 실패할지라도
- 어린아이일지라도
- 늦을지라도
- 나쁠지라도
- 거짓말일지라도
- 무서울지라도
- 잃을지라도
7. Common Mistakes and Tips
⚠️ Common Confusion 1: Choosing between ‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ and ‘-아/어도’
Example 1: 돈이 없어도 여행을 가고 싶어요. ✅
(Even if I have no money, I want to travel.) [casual, everyday speech]
Example 2: 돈이 없을지라도 여행을 가고 싶어요. ✅
(Even if I have no money, I want to travel.) [formal, written or serious context]
💡 Tip: Both forms are correct. Use -아/어도 in daily conversation and -(으)ㄹ지라도 when you want to sound more formal, strong, or literary.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Forgetting to use ‘일지라도’ with nouns
Incorrect: 학생지라도 열심히 해야 합니다. ❌
(Even if someone is a student, they should study hard.)
Correct: 학생일지라도 열심히 해야 합니다. ✅
(Even if someone is a student, they should study hard.)
💡 Tip: When attaching to nouns, always use ‘일지라도’.
⚠️ Mistake 3: Overusing in casual speech
Incorrect: 오늘 피곤할지라도 밥 먹자. ❌
(Even if you are tired today, let’s eat.)
Correct: 오늘 피곤해도 밥 먹자. ✅
(Even if you are tired today, let’s eat.)
💡 Tip: ‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ is more formal and often used in writing, speeches, or serious contexts. In everyday conversation, use ‘-아/어도’ instead.
‘-(으)ㄹ지라도’ is used to express concession, meaning something remains true even if a condition exists. It can apply to past, present, or future situations, but sounds more formal and is often used in writing or speeches. Learning this pattern will help you add stronger contrast and nuance to your Korean expressions.