여도)¶

In this unit, we will learn how to say "even if" or "even though."

We previously learned that -도 (do) means "also" or "even" when attached to a noun (e.g., 저도요 = Me too). When you attach -도 to the end of a verb or adjective conjugated in the present tense form, it means "even if I do [verb]" or "even though it is [adjective]."

Structure: Verb/Adjective Stem + -아/어/여도¶

The conjugation rules are exactly the same as the present tense (-아/어/여요), you just replace '요' with '도'.

Vowel is 아 or 오: Add -아도
- 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 아도 = 가도 (Even if I go)
- 작다 (to be small) -> 작 + 아도 = 작아도 (Even if it is small)
Vowel is NOT 아 or 오: Add -어도
- 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 어도 = 먹어도 (Even if I eat)
- 멀다 (to be far) -> 멀 + 어도 = 멀어도 (Even though it is far)
Verb ends in 하다: Change to -해도
- 공부하다 (to study) -> 공부해도 (Even if I study)
- 피곤하다 (to be tired) -> 피곤해도 (Even though I am tired)

Adding "아무리 (a-mu-ri)" for emphasis¶

To emphasize the meaning of "no matter how much" or "even if," Koreans often put the adverb 아무리 (a-mu-ri) at the beginning of the sentence.

아무리 바빠도... = No matter how busy you are... / Even if you are very busy...
아무리 비싸도 살 거예요. = No matter how expensive it is, I will buy it.

Example Sentences¶

비가 와도 축구를 할 거예요. (Even if it rains, I will play soccer.)
이 옷은 비싸도 사고 싶어요. (Even though these clothes are expensive, I want to buy them.)
밥을 많이 먹어도 배가 고파요. (Even though I eat a lot, I am hungry.)
아무리 공부를 해도 어려워요. (No matter how much I study, it is difficult.)