Korean Grammar Point
~어/아도 [eo/ado] (Even if)

~어/아도 [eo/ado] (Even if)

Short explanation:

Used to express 'even if' indicating a condition or assumption.

Formation:

Verb stem + 어/아(If the verb stem final syllable has vowel 'ㅏ' or 'ㅗ') + 도

Examples:

비가 오더라도 나는 계속 걸어갈 거예요, 그것이 제일 빠른 방법이라고 생각해요.
Biga odeorado naneun gyesok georeogal geoyeyo, geugeosi jeil ppareun bangbeobirago saenggakhaeyo.
Even if it rains, I will continue to walk, as I think that is the fastest method.
피곤하다고 아무리 말해도 저는 계속 일해야 합니다, 이 일을 끝내야 해요.
Pigonhadago amuri malhaedo jeoneun gyesok ilhaeya habnida, i ireul kkeutnaeya haeyo.
Even if I say I'm tired no matter how much, I must keep working, I need to finish this job.
어려운 문제라도 저는 포기하지 않고 계속 시도할 거예요, 저는 항상 도전을 좋아해요.
Eoryeoun munjeralado jeoneun pogihaji anhgo gyesok sidohal geoyeyo, jeoneun hangsang dojeoneul joahaeyo.
Even if it is a hard question, I won't give up and continue to try, I always like a challenge.
시험 결과가 좋지 않아도 저는 분발하겠어요, 실패는 성공의 어머니라고 생각합니다.
Siheom gyeolgwaga jojinhaji anhado jeoneun bunbalhagessueyo, silpaeneun seonggongui eomeonirago saenggakhabnida.
Even if the test results are not good, I will exert myself, I think failure is the mother of success.

Long explanation:

'~어/아도 [eo/ado]' is a conjunctive form in Korean that is used to express an assumption or a conditional situation that could occur. The suffix '도' carries the meaning of 'even if' or 'although'. The preceding vowels '어/아' are dependent on the verb stem's last vowel, similar to other Korean grammar forms. It essentially allows for the creation of conditional sentences, where the consequence or effects of a hypothetical action or state are discussed. It does not imply a negative connotation and is neutral in tone.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~어/아도 [eo/ado] (Even if)

Korean Grammar Point: ~어/아도 [eo/ado] (Even if)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~어/아도 [eo/ado] (Even if)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~어/아도 is used to express a condition that allows for a concession, similar to saying "even if" in English. It indicates that regardless of the situation presented, the outcome remains the same.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The structure ~어/아도 translates to "even if" or "even though". It is used to show that something does not change regardless of the circumstance presented.

  • Structure: The structure is attached to the verb stem or adjective stem, depending on the vowel harmony:

    • If the last vowel of the stem is or : attach -아도
    • If the last vowel is ㅐ, ㅔ, ㅣ, ㅜ, ㅓ, ㅡ: attach -어도

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem Last Vowel Form
가 (to go) 가도
보다 (to see) 보아도
듣다 (to listen) 들어도
공부하다 (to study) 공부해도

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • ~지만 [jiman]: Means "but" and is used for contrasting statements rather than conceding to a situation.

    • Example: 비가 오지만 가고 싶어요 (It's raining, but I want to go.)
  • ~더라도 [deorado]: Similar to ~어/아도, but often implies more hypothetical or extreme situations.

    • Example: 아무리 힘들더라도 포기하지 않을 거예요 (Even if it’s very difficult, I won’t give up.)

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal: 비가 오더라도 우리는 경기를 할 것입니다.
    (Even if it rains, we will have the match.)
  2. Informal: 네가 싫어해도 나는 너를 도와줄 거야.
    (Even if you dislike it, I will help you.)
  3. Written: 그는 바빠도 항상 약속을 지킵니다.
    (Even if he is busy, he always keeps his promises.)
  4. Spoken: 돈이 없어도 여행 가고 싶어.
    (Even if I have no money, I want to travel.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing a concession can be tied to the importance of relationships and social harmony. Using ~어/아도 shows consideration for others' feelings and maintains polite discourse, especially in formal situations.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 해도 괜찮아 [haedo gwaenchanha]: "It's okay even if..."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Attachment: Students often mistakenly attach the wrong form, e.g., using -어도 instead of -아도.
    • Correct: 가도 (to go) → "Even if I go"

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the vowel rule with mnemonic devices:
    • A or O → A-do. "A for A or O."
    • Others → E or O → E-do. "Others go with E."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~어/아도 means "even if" and is used to express that the result does not change regardless of the situation.
  • The connection to using this structure reflects cultural norms around politeness and relationship consideration.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~어/아도 mean?
  2. Attach the correct form: From the verb 읽다 (to read).
  3. Give an example sentence using ~어/아도 in a formal context.

Feel free to refer back to this summary whenever you need a refresher on the grammar point ~어/아도!

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