-(으)ㄹ지라도
Used to acknowledge a hypothetical or extreme situation, but strongly emphasizing that the second part remains unaffected or true regardless.
Summary
Equivalent
Even if (it might be)... / Regardless of whether...
Also: -아도/어도 · -더라도
Example
No matter what hardships may come, do not give up on your dreams.
어떤 어려움이 닥칠지라도 꿈을 포기하지 마세요.
Grammar rules
- It creates a stronger contrast than '-더라도' and heavily emphasizes the speaker's determination or the inevitability of the second clause.
- Often used in formal speaking, speeches, or writing alongside '비록' (even though) or '아무리' (no matter how).
- '-아도/어도' implies the condition is highly likely. '-더라도' implies the condition has a low chance. '-(으)ㄹ지라도' is used to strongly emphasize the speaker's resolve regardless of probability.
비가 올지라도 경기는 계속됩니다. (Even if it rains, the game will continue.)
Patterns
A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)
과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · -았을지라도 / 었을지라도
A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ지라도
N이다 (Noun-based)
과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · 였을지라도 / 이었을지라도
N이다 (Noun-based)
현재 (Present) · 일지라도
Example sentences
No matter what hardships may come, do not give up on your dreams.
어떤 어려움이 닥칠지라도 꿈을 포기하지 마세요.
Even if you might fail, it is important to try.
비록 실패할지라도 도전해 보는 것이 중요합니다.
Even if others may laugh at me, I will live my own way.
남들이 비웃을지라도 저는 제 방식대로 살겠습니다.
Conversation
A: Wouldn't starting a new business be dangerous?
새로운 사업을 시작하는 게 위험하지 않을까요?
B: Even if there might be risks, I don't want to miss this opportunity.
위험이 따를지라도 이 기회를 놓치고 싶지 않습니다.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase indicating strong resolve against a hypothetical condition.
힘들어도 끝까지 할 거예요.
남들이 반대해도 저는 이 일을 할 거예요.