-아/어도
Used to show that regardless of the condition or state described in the first clause, the expected result in the second clause does not happen or happens anyway.
Summary
Equivalent
Even if / Even though
Also: -지만 (But - used for factual contrast, whereas -아/어도 is for hypothetical concession)
Example
Even if it rains tomorrow, I will go hiking.
내일 비가 와도 등산을 갈 거예요.
Grammar rules
- Conjugate similarly to the present tense form (without -요) and attach '도' (too/also).
- Often used together with adverbs like '아무리' (no matter how).
- The past tense can be used before '-아/어도' (e.g., -았/었어도) to mean 'Even if I had (done something)'.
아무리 예뻐도 성격이 나쁘면 싫어요. (Even if she is pretty, I dislike her if her personality is bad.)
Patterns
Verbs/Adjectives ('ㅏ' or 'ㅗ')
Concession · Stem + 아도
Verbs/Adjectives (Other vowels)
Concession · Stem + 어도
하다 Verbs/Adjectives
Concession · 해도
Example sentences
Even if it rains tomorrow, I will go hiking.
내일 비가 와도 등산을 갈 거예요.
No matter how busy you are, make sure to eat your meals.
아무리 바빠도 식사는 꼭 하세요.
Even though I took medicine, I'm not getting better.
약을 먹어도 화가 낫지 않아요.
Conversation
A: These shoes are a bit uncomfortable, aren't they?
이 구두가 조금 불편하지요?
B: Yes. Even though my feet hurt a bit, they are pretty so I wear them often.
네, 발이 조금 아파도 예뻐서 자주 신어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct concessive form.
Eating constantly.
Practicing.