Processing keyword: ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 [(eu)n/neundedo bulguhago] (Despite, in spite of)

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 [(eu)n/neundedo bulguhago] (Despite, in spite of)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar structure ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 translates to "despite" or "in spite of" in English. It is used to express a contrast between two clauses, where the action or state in the second clause occurs despite the condition stated in the first clause. This expression emphasizes that the expected outcome did not occur, highlighting an unexpected or contrary result.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Indicates that an action or state happens despite a certain condition.
• Emphasizes the contrast between the expected outcome and the actual result.

Structure

The structure of ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 depends on the type of verb or adjective and its ending.

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Type	Stem Ending	Suffix
Action Verb	Any	-는데도 불구하고
Descriptive Verb (Adjective)	Vowel	-ㄴ데도 불구하고
Descriptive Verb (Adjective)	Consonant	-은데도 불구하고
Noun + 이다	Vowel	-ㄴ데도 불구하고
Noun + 이다	Consonant	-인데도 불구하고

Breakdown

• Action Verbs: Attach -는데도 불구하고 to the verb stem.
• Descriptive Verbs ending with a vowel: Attach -ㄴ데도 불구하고.
• Descriptive Verbs ending with a consonant: Attach -은데도 불구하고.
• Nouns + 이다:
  • Noun ending with vowel: -ㄴ데도 불구하고.
  • Noun ending with consonant: -인데도 불구하고.

Examples of Formation

1. Action Verb (가다 - to go)
   • 가 + 는데도 불구하고 = 가는데도 불구하고
   • Despite going
2. Descriptive Verb with Vowel Ending (크다 - to be big)
   • 크 + ㄴ데도 불구하고 = 큰데도 불구하고
   • Despite being big
3. Descriptive Verb with Consonant Ending (작다 - to be small)
   • 작 + 은데도 불구하고 = 작은데도 불구하고
   • Despite being small
4. Noun + 이다 (학생이다 - to be a student)
   • 학생 + 인데도 불구하고 = 학생인데도 불구하고
   • Despite being a student

Visual Aid: How to Attach the Suffix

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + [Suffix] + 불구하고
- For action verbs:    먹 + 는데도 불구하고 → 먹는데도 불구하고
- For adjectives (vowel ending):    예쁘 + ㄴ데도 불구하고 → 예쁜데도 불구하고
- For adjectives (consonant ending): 춥 + 은데도 불구하고 → 추운데도 불구하고

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~지만 (but, however)
   • Usage: Connects two clauses with contrasting information.
   • Example: 피곤하지만 일해야 해요. (I'm tired, but I have to work.)
   • Difference: ~지만 is less emphatic and doesn't necessarily imply an unexpected outcome.
2. ~(으)ㄴ/는데 (but, and)
   • Usage: Provides background information or contrasts.
   • Example: 비가 오는데 우산이 없어요. (It's raining, and I don't have an umbrella.)
   • Difference: ~(으)ㄴ/는데 is a softer contrast and often sets the scene rather than emphasizing the unexpected.
3. ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 (even though)
   • Usage: Similar to ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 but less formal.
   • Example: 많이 먹었는데도 배가 고파요. (Even though I ate a lot, I'm hungry.)
   • Difference: ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 is more formal and emphatic.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

Formal Speech/Writing

1. 그는 최선을 다했는데도 불구하고 성공하지 못했습니다.
   • Despite doing his best, he couldn't succeed.
2. 가격이 비싼데도 불구하고 그 제품은 잘 팔립니다.
   • The product sells well despite its high price.

Informal Conversation

1. 비가 오는데도 불구하고 축구하러 나갔어.
   • He went out to play soccer despite the rain.
2. 아픈데도 불구하고 학교에 갔어.
   • I went to school despite being sick.

Written Context

1. 많은 불편함이 있었는데도 불구하고 행사는 성공적으로 마무리되었습니다.
   • Despite many inconveniences, the event concluded successfully.
2. 시간이 늦었는데도 불구하고 그는 집에 돌아오지 않았다.
   • Despite the late hour, he did not return home.

Spoken Context

1. 겨울인데도 불구하고 날씨가 따뜻하네요.
   • It's warm despite being winter.
2. 차가 막히는데도 불구하고 제시간에 도착했어요?
   • You arrived on time despite the traffic jams?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• The use of ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 reflects the Korean value of perseverance.
• It often highlights situations where individuals push through obstacles, a theme common in Korean stories and media.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 is considered formal and is frequently used in written language, news reports, and formal speeches.
• In casual speech, people might shorten it to ~(으)ㄴ/는데도.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 불구하고 itself means "disregarding" or "ignoring," so it often appears in idiomatic expressions emphasizing overcoming obstacles.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Attachment of Suffixes
   • Mistake: 짧다 → 짧는데도 불구하고 (Incorrect)
   • Correction: 짧다 → 짧은데도 불구하고 (Correct)
   • Tip: For adjectives ending with a consonant, remember to use -은데도 불구하고.
2. Confusing with ~지만
   • Mistake: 비가 오지만 축제에 갔어요.
   • While grammatically correct, using ~지만 doesn't convey the same emphasis on the unexpectedness as ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고.
   • Tip: Use ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 when you want to stress that something happened contrary to expectations.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 불구하고 as "regardless" – the action happens regardless of the preceding condition.
• Practice: Create example sentences contrasting expected and actual outcomes to solidify understanding.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 is used to express that despite a certain condition, an unexpected result occurs.
• It is more formal and emphatic than other contrasting conjunctions like ~지만.
• Proper attachment of the suffix depends on whether the verb or adjective ends with a vowel or consonant and whether it's an action or descriptive verb.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 시간이 없는데도 불구하고 그는 도와주었어요.
   • What does this sentence mean?
     • Despite not having time, he helped.
2. Choose the correct form of 예쁘다 with ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고.
   • a) 예쁜데도 불구하고
   • b) 예쁘는데도 불구하고
   • Answer: a) 예쁜데도 불구하고
3. True or False: ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고 can be used interchangeably with ~지만 without any change in meaning.
   • Answer: False

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By mastering ~(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고, you enhance your ability to express complex contrasts and unexpected outcomes in Korean, bringing greater depth and nuance to your communication.

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