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Easy Korean - Level 9, Unit 30: Even if it means... (-는 한이 있더라도)

Congratulations on reaching the final unit of Level 9!

For our last grammar point, we learn a dramatic expression used to show extreme determination. When you are willing to face a terrible consequence in order to achieve something else, you use -는 한이 있더라도.

It translates to "Even if it means I have to..." or "At the risk of..."

Structure Breakdown

  • -는 = present modifier
  • 한 (限) = limit / condition
  • 이 있더라도 = even if it exists

Literally: "Even if the extreme condition of [X] exists..." Naturally: "Even if I have to go as far as doing [X]..."

How to Conjugate

Just attach -는 한이 있더라도 to the verb stem of the terrible consequence.

  • 죽다 -> 죽는 한이 있더라도 (Even if I die / Even if it means dying)
  • 굶다 -> 굶는 한이 있더라도 (Even if I have to starve)
  • 포기하다 -> 포기하는 한이 있더라도 (Even if it means giving up)
  • 실패하다 -> 실패하는 한이 있더라도 (Even if I fail)

The Logic of the Sentence

The first half of the sentence is the worst-case scenario. The second half is your strong determination to do what you must.

  • [Terrible Consequence]-는 한이 있더라도, [My Determined Action] 할 거예요.

Example Sentences

  1. 제가 죽는 한이 있더라도 이 비밀은 지킬 거예요. (Even if it means dying, I will keep this secret.)

  2. 밤을 새우는 한이 있더라도 오늘 안에 일을 끝내겠습니다. (Even if it means staying up all night, I will finish the work by today.)

  3. 회사에서 쫓겨나는 한이 있더라도 할 말은 해야겠어요. (Even if it means getting fired from the company, I have to say what I have to say.)

  4. 지금 굶는 한이 있더라도 그 돈은 쓸 수 없어요. (Even if I have to starve right now, I cannot spend that money.)