-(으)ㄴ 들
Used to say that even if the preceding situation is true, the following result will be contrary to expectations or have no effect. Often used in rhetorical questions to stress that something is useless.
Summary
Equivalent
Even if..., No matter how much...
Also: -아/어 봤자 · -어/아도
Example
What's the use of regretting it even if you do, once your parents have passed away?
부모님께서 돌아가신 후에 후회한 들 무슨 소용이 있겠어요?
Grammar rules
- It implies 'Even if [X], what's the point?
- / It won't change [Y].' Commonly used in phrases like '-(으)ㄴ 들 무슨 소용이 있겠어요?' (What's the use even if...?).
Patterns
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -(으)ㄴ 들
Example sentences
What's the use of regretting it even if you do, once your parents have passed away?
부모님께서 돌아가신 후에 후회한 들 무슨 소용이 있겠어요?
No matter how much money you have, if you lose your health, it's the same as losing everything.
아무리 돈이 많은 들 건강을 잃으면 다 잃는 것이나 마찬가지예요.
The bus has already left, so what's the point of rushing now?
이미 버스는 떠났는데 이제 와서 서두른 들 어쩌겠어요?
Conversation
A: Should I try explaining it to them again?
그 사람한테 다시 설명해 볼까요?
B: Even if you explain it well, do you think they'll understand? Just give up.
아무리 설명을 잘한 들 그 사람이 알아듣겠어요? 포기하세요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct phrase for 'useless even if X happens'.
Regretting too late.
Money isn't everything.