Processing keyword: 아/어/여도 [a/eo/yeodo] (Even if)

Korean Grammar Point: 아/어/여도 [a/eo/yeodo] (Even if)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern 아/어/여도 is used in Korean to express the meaning of "even if," "even though," or "although." It indicates that regardless of the preceding action or state, the result in the main clause remains unaffected.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 아/어/여도 conveys that even if something happens or is the case, it does not influence the outcome.
• It emphasizes a contrast between the condition and the result.

Structure

The structure combines the verb stem with 아/어/여도:

Verb/Adjective Stem + 아/어/여도

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Stem Ending	Connector
Ends with 아 or 오 vowel	-아도
Ends with other vowels	-어도
하다	-여도 (becomes 해도)

Formation Examples

• 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 어도 = 먹어도 (Even if [someone] eats)
• 가다 (to go) → 가 + 아도 = 가도 (Even if [someone] goes)
• 공부하다 (to study) → 공부하 + 여도 = 공부해도 (Even if [someone] studies)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with -지만 (but/however)

• -지만 connects two clauses with contrasting meanings but doesn't carry the conditional "even if" nuance.
  • 비가 오지만 갑니다. (It is raining, but I am going.)
• 아/어/여도 implies that the result will occur regardless of the condition.
  • 비가 와도 갑니다. (Even if it rains, I will go.)

Comparison with -더라도 (even if)

• -더라도 is similar to 아/어/여도 but often emphasizes a hypothetical or less likely condition.
  • 시간이 없더라도 꼭 오세요. (Even if you don't have time, please come.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 아무리 노력해도 실패할 때가 있습니다.
   • Even if you try hard, there are times when you fail.
2. 비싸도 살 거예요.
   • Even if it's expensive, I will buy it.

Informal Speech

1. 늦어도 기다릴게.
   • Even if you're late, I'll wait.
2. 바빠도 운동은 해야지.
   • Even if you're busy, you should exercise.

Written Context

1. 문제가 어려워도 포기하지 마십시오.
   • Even if the problems are difficult, do not give up.

Spoken Context

1. 피곤해도 해야 해요.
   • Even if you're tired, you have to do it.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• The ending -도 itself doesn't change formality levels.
• Politeness is adjusted by conjugating the verb in the main clause accordingly.
  • 와도 돼요. (It's okay even if you come. - Polite)
  • 와도 돼. (It's okay even if you come. - Casual)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 죽어도 못 해요.
  • I can't do it even if I die. (Meaning: I absolutely cannot do it.)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Incorrect: 먹아도
   • Correct: 먹어도
2. Mixing with Other Grammar Points
   • Confusing 아/어/여도 with (으)면 (if/when)
     • 비가 오면 못 가요. (If it rains, I can't go.)
     • 비가 와도 가요. (Even if it rains, I will go.)

Tips

• Remember that 아도 attaches to stems ending with 아 or 오 vowels.
• Use 어도 for stems ending with other vowels.
• For 하다 verbs, it becomes 해도.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 아/어/여도 is used to express "even if" or "although."
• It shows that the result occurs regardless of the condition.
• Formation depends on the vowel harmony of the verb stem.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach 아/어/여도 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • 읽어도
2. Translate to Korean: "Even if it's cold, I will swim."
   • 추워도 수영할 거예요.
3. What's the difference between -지만 and 아/어/여도?
   • -지만 means "but/however" and connects contrasting statements.
   • 아/어/여도 means "even if" and indicates that the result is unaffected by the condition.

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By understanding and practicing 아/어/여도, you can express conditions that do not alter outcomes, adding depth to your Korean language skills.

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