Processing keyword: ~을/ㄹ지라도 [eul/ljirado] (Even if)

Korean Grammar Point: ~을/ㄹ지라도 [eul/ljirado] (Even if)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing conditions and concessions is essential for fluency. The grammar point ~을/ㄹ지라도 is used to convey the meaning of "even if" or "even though," emphasizing that a certain condition does not affect the outcome.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~을/ㄹ지라도 is used to indicate that even if the preceding clause is true, it does not change the fact stated in the following clause.

• Translation: "Even if", "Even though", "Regardless of"

Structure

Attach ~을지라도 or ~ㄹ지라도 to the verb stem, depending on whether it ends with a consonant or a vowel.

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Stem + 을지라도 (consonant-ending stem)
                   ㄹ지라도 (vowel-ending stem)

Conjugation Rules

Verb/Adjective Type	Ending with Consonant	Ending with Vowel
Add	을지라도	ㄹ지라도

Examples of Conjugation

Verb/Adjective Stem	Ending	Conjugated Form	Meaning
먹다 (to eat)	ㄷ	먹을지라도	Even if (someone) eats
가다 (to go)	ㅏ	갈지라도	Even if (someone) goes
춥다 (to be cold)	ㅂ	추울지라도	Even if it's cold
크다 (to be big)	ㅡ	클지라도	Even if it's big

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~아/어도 (Even if)
   • Usage: General condition "even if"
   • Nuance: Less emphatic than ~을/ㄹ지라도
   • Example: 늦어도 갈게요. (Even if I'm late, I'll go.)
2. ~더라도 (Even if, even though)
   • Usage: Hypothetical situations, stronger emphasis
   • Nuance: Similar in meaning but ~을/ㄹ지라도 is more formal and stronger in written contexts
   • Example: 비가 오더라도 갈 거예요. (Even if it rains, I will go.)

Distinctive Features of ~을/ㄹ지라도

• Formality: More formal, often used in written language
• Emphasis: Strong emphasis on the concession
• Usage: Highlights that the condition has no impact on the result

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 환경이 어려울지라도 포기하지 맙시다. Hwangyeongi eoryeouljirado pogihaji mapsida.
   • Translation: Even if the environment is difficult, let's not give up.
2. 시간이 늦을지라도 반드시 완성해야 합니다. Sigani neujeuljirado banjeonghi wansunghaeya hamnida.
   • Translation: Even if it's late, we must complete it.

Informal Spoken Context

3. 아무리 바쁠지라도 연락은 해야지. Amuri bappeuljirado yeollageun haeyaji.
   • Translation: Even if you're so busy, you should at least contact me.
4. 힘들지라도 참아 봐. Himdeuljirado chama bwa.
   • Translation: Even if it's tough, try to endure it.

Conditional Scenario

5. 비가 올지라도 경기는 취소되지 않습니다. Biga oljirado gyeonggineun chwisosdoeji anseumnida.
   • Translation: Even if it rains, the game will not be canceled.
6. 그가 반대할지라도 나는 내 길을 가겠다. Geuga bandaehaljirado naneun nae gireul gagetta.
   • Translation: Even if he opposes, I will go my own way.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~을/ㄹ지라도 is considered formal and is often used in written language, speeches, or formal situations.
• Using this grammar point can reflect a higher level of respect and seriousness in communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 죽을지라도 해야 한다. Jugeuljirado haeya handa.
  • Translation: Even if I were to die, I must do it.
  • Note: An expression of strong determination.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment
   • Mistake: Using ~을지라도 after a vowel-ending stem.
     • Incorrect: 가을지라도
     • Correction: 갈지라도
2. Confusion with Similar Grammar
   • Mistake: Confusing ~을/ㄹ지라도 with ~아/어도
     • While both mean "even if," ~을/ㄹ지라도 is more formal and emphatic.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "지라도" adds a sense of "no matter the condition".
• Practice: Create sentences using both ~을/ㄹ지라도 and ~아/어도 to feel the nuance.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~을/ㄹ지라도 is used to mean "even if" or "even though," emphasizing that a condition does not affect the outcome.
• It is more formal and emphatic than other similar expressions.
• Proper attachment to the verb/adjective stem is crucial: ~을지라도 after consonants, ~ㄹ지라도 after vowels.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~을/ㄹ지라도 to the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽을지라도
2. Translate the following sentence using ~을/ㄹ지라도:
   • "Even if it's expensive, I will buy it."
   • Answer: 비쌀지라도 살 거예요.
3. True or False: ~을/ㄹ지라도 is less formal than ~아/어도.
   • Answer: False (It's more formal)

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Feel free to leave comments or ask questions for further clarification!

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