V+더라도

Overview

The grammatical pattern V+더라도 is used to express that a certain outcome or state will definitely occur or remain true, even if a particular condition or action in the preceding clause is met or takes place. It conveys a strong sense of inevitability or determination regarding the main clause's content, despite any potential obstacles or hypothetical situations.

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Usage

V+더라도 is primarily used when the speaker wants to acknowledge a hypothetical or actual situation (the first clause) but strongly assert that it will not alter the result or decision in the main clause. It implies a concessive relationship where the main clause's event is presented as unchangeable or certain. This pattern often carries a nuance of strong resolve, determination, or conviction. It can be used in various contexts, from expressing personal will to describing general truths. The main clause frequently contains future tense, imperative, or propositive endings, reflecting the speaker's firm stance.

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Conjugation Rules

The conjugation for V+더라도 is straightforward as it attaches directly to the verb stem. There are no special rules based on whether the verb stem ends in a consonant or a vowel.

• Verb Stem + 더라도

  • 가다 (to go) -> 가더라도 (even if one goes)
  • 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹더라도 (even if one eats)
  • 공부하다 (to study) -> 공부하더라도 (even if one studies)
  • 작다 (to be small) -> 작더라도 (even if it's small)

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Knowledge Plus

1. Stronger Concession: V+더라도 often conveys a stronger sense of concession and inevitability compared to similar expressions like -아/어도 (even if/though). While -아/어도 can simply state a fact, -더라도 emphasizes the unchangeable nature of the main clause's outcome despite the preceding condition.
2. Hypothetical or Actual Situations: It can be used for both hypothetical situations ("Even if it rains...") and situations that are considered possible or even actual ("Even if I'm busy...").
3. Expressing Resolve: This pattern is frequently used to express the speaker's firm will or determination. For example, "아무리 힘들더라도 포기하지 않을 거예요" (Even if it's really hard, I won't give up).
4. Past Tense Usage: It can also be combined with the past tense marker -았/었- to form V았/었더라도, meaning "even if one had done/been...". This expresses a hypothetical past situation that would not have changed the outcome. For instance, "그때 갔었더라도 소용없었을 거예요" (Even if I had gone then, it would have been useless).