Unit 1: Even If (-더라도)

Welcome to Easy Korean Level 8, our most advanced level! We are starting with -더라도, which means "even if" or "even though."

Structure

Verb / Adjective Stem + -더라도

• 가다 -> 가더라도 (Even if I go)
• 바쁘다 -> 바쁘더라도 (Even if you are busy)

Difference from -아/어/여도

You learned -아/어/여도 in the past. -더라도 is very similar, but it is often used when assuming a hypothetical or extreme situation that hasn't happened yet. It emphasizes that regardless of the assumed extreme condition, the result will not change.

Examples

• 내일 비가 오더라도 저는 등산을 갈 거예요. (Even if it rains tomorrow, I will go hiking.)
• 조금 비싸더라도 품질이 좋은 것을 사고 싶어요. (Even if it is a bit expensive, I want to buy something with good quality.)
• 아무리 화가 나더라도 참으세요. (No matter how angry you get, please endure it.)