-(으)ㄹ망정
Used to express a strong determination to choose an extreme or negative option in the first clause over doing the unacceptable action in the second clause.
Summary
Equivalent
I would rather... than...
Also: -(으)ㄹ지언정
Example
I would rather collapse from hunger than steal someone else's food.
배가 고파 쓰러질망정 남의 음식을 훔치지는 않겠다.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'I would rather suffer through [X] than ever do [Y].' Used to show very strong resolve or stubbornness.
- Interchangeable with '-(으)ㄹ지언정'.
- Can also be used similarly to '-(으)ㄹ지라도' to mean 'Even though [X] is true, [Y] happened'.
크기는 작을망정 성능은 아주 뛰어나다. (Although its size is small, its performance is highly outstanding.)
- When used as '-지는 못할망정', it highlights a shocking or heavily disappointing reaction instead of the expected normal behavior.
사과는 못할망정 왜 성질을 내? (Instead of apologizing like you should, why are you getting angry?)
Patterns
A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)
과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · -았을망정 / 었을망정
A/V (Adjectives/Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄹ망정
N이다 (Noun-based)
과거/완료 (Past/Complete) · 였을망정 / 이었을망정
N이다 (Noun-based)
현재 (Present) · 일망정
Example sentences
I would rather collapse from hunger than steal someone else's food.
배가 고파 쓰러질망정 남의 음식을 훔치지는 않겠다.
I would rather quit the company than follow an unjust order.
회사를 그만둘망정 부당한 지시는 따르지 않겠어요.
Even if you can't help, you at least shouldn't interfere.
도와주지는 못할망정 방해는 하지 말아야지.
Conversation
A: Are you going to give up on the dream you wanted so badly?
그토록 원하던 꿈을 포기할 건가요?
B: I would rather try and fail than give up halfway through.
도전하다가 실패할망정 중간에 포기하지는 않겠습니다.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase indicating strong preference for a negative alternative.
절대 거짓말을 하지 않겠어요.
위로도 안 해주고 오히려 화를 냈어요.