-아/어 봤자
Used in conversation to say that even if an action is performed, the result will be useless or won't change. Often used with '아무리'.
Summary
Equivalent
Even if..., No matter how much..., It's no use even if...
Also: -(으)ㄴ 들 · -어/아도
Example
The bus has already left, so it's no use running now.
이미 버스가 떠났는데 지금 뛰어 봤자 소용없어요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'X will have no effect.' It sounds more colloquial and slightly more dismissive than '-(으)ㄴ 들'.
- Often used when criticizing someone's futile effort.
Patterns
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -아/어 봤자
Example sentences
The bus has already left, so it's no use running now.
이미 버스가 떠났는데 지금 뛰어 봤자 소용없어요.
No matter how much you rush, it's clear you'll be late for the appointment.
아무리 서둘러 봤자 약속 시간에 늦을 게 뻔해요.
Even if you apologize, that friend won't change their mind.
사과해 봤자 그 친구가 마음을 돌리지는 않을 거예요.
Conversation
A: Should we try running just in case?
혹시 모르니까 한번 뛰어 가 볼까요?
B: No matter how much we run, it'll be better to just wait for the next bus.
아무리 뛰어 봤자 다음 버스를 기다리는 게 나을 거예요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'no use even if...' phrase.
Yelling won't help.
Height doesn't matter much.