Advanced Estimated read: 3 mins

-더라도

Used when acknowledging a hypothetical or actual situation, but stating that the following action or result will happen regardless.

Summary

Equivalent

Even if... / Even though...

Also: -아도/어도 · -(으)ㄹ지라도

Example

Even if the result is bad, please don't be too disappointed.

결과가 나쁘더라도 너무 실망하지 마세요.

Grammar rules

  • It implies 'Even if [X] happens, [Y] will still be the outcome.' Often paired with '아무리' (no matter how much) to emphasize the contrast.
  • Interchangeable with '-아도/어도' but usually implies a slightly lower chance of the first clause actually happening.
  • Can be followed by commands (-으세요) or suggestions (-읍시다).

    피곤하더라도 운동을 합시다. (Even if you are tired, let's exercise.)

Patterns

1

A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)

과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · -았더라도 / 었더라도

2

A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)

현재 (Present) · -더라도

3

N이다 (Noun-based)

과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · 였더라도 / 이었더라도

4

N이다 (Noun-based)

현재 (Present) · (이)더라도

Example sentences

A/V (Adjectives/Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -더라도

Even if the result is bad, please don't be too disappointed.

결과가 나쁘더라도 너무 실망하지 마세요.

A/V (Adjectives/Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -더라도

Even if it takes a long time, please check it thoroughly.

시간이 오래 걸리더라도 꼼꼼하게 확인해 주세요.

A/V (Adjectives/Verbs) · 현재 (Present) · -더라도

No matter how busy you are, do not skip meals.

아무리 바쁘더라도 식사는 거르지 마세요.

Conversation

A: What if I fail this exam?

이번 시험에 떨어지면 어떡하죠?

B: Even if you fail the exam, you can try again, so don't worry too much.

시험에 떨어지더라도 다시 도전할 수 있으니까 너무 걱정하지 마세요.

Practice

Fill in the blank

Select the correct phrase indicating 'even if'.

오늘 길이 막혀도 가야 해요.

비싸도 살 거예요.