V+(으)ㄹ망정 / (으)ㄹ지언정

Overview

V+(으)ㄹ망정 / (으)ㄹ지언정 is a connective ending used to express that even if the preceding clause is true, the following clause still holds true, is preferred, or is a consequence. It often implies a strong resolve, a concession, or a contrast.

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Usage

This pattern is used when the speaker acknowledges a certain fact or condition (often negative, difficult, or undesirable) in the first clause, but then strongly asserts or prefers the content of the second clause. It emphasizes that the condition in the first clause, while acknowledged, does not deter or change the outcome or preference in the second clause. It can convey a sense of determination, concession, or strong contrast.

Both (으)ㄹ망정 and (으)ㄹ지언정 are largely interchangeable, but (으)ㄹ지언정 can sometimes feel slightly more formal or literary.

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Conjugation Rules

This pattern attaches to verb stems.

• Verbs ending in a consonant (excluding ㄹ): V + 을망정 / 을지언정
  • e.g., 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹을망정 / 먹을지언정
  • e.g., 늦다 (to be late) -> 늦을망정 / 늦을지언정
• Verbs ending in a vowel or ㄹ: V + ㄹ망정 / ㄹ지언정
  • e.g., 가다 (to go) -> 갈망정 / 갈지언정
  • e.g., 만들다 (to make) -> 만들망정 / 만들지언정

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Knowledge Plus

This pattern is often used in more formal or literary contexts and can sound quite strong. It's less common in casual everyday conversation compared to simpler 'even though' expressions like -아/어도 or -(느)ㄴ데도.

The second clause often contains an expression of determination, preference, or a strong statement.

It shares a similar meaning with -아/어도 or -(느)ㄴ다 해도, but (으)ㄹ망정 / (으)ㄹ지언정 often carries a stronger nuance of concession or resolve.