Core Grammar: ~는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다
This pattern is used to state that a certain action or quality is the most important thing, above all else. It's a strong way to express your core values or priorities.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "Doing/Being ~ is more important than anything" or "The most important thing is ~". It combines the nominalizing form ~는 것 (the act of doing ~) with the phrase 무엇보다 중요하다 (is more important than anything).
When to use: Use it when you want to emphasize your number one priority in a specific context, such as in relationships, at work, or in life in general. It clearly and assertively communicates your fundamental beliefs.
Formation Rules
Rule: This pattern is attached to the stem of a verb or an adjective. The form is always Verb/Adjective Stem + ~는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. Since it uses ~는 것, the conjugation is consistent regardless of whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Examples:
가다 (to go) → 가는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. (Going is more important than anything.)
먹다 (to eat) → 먹는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. (Eating is more important than anything.)
솔직하다 (to be honest) → 솔직한 것이 무엇보다 중요하다. (Being honest is more important than anything.)
Verb/Adjective Stem + ~는 것이 무엇보다 중요하다
Core Grammar: ~더라도
This pattern expresses a concession, similar to "even if" or "even though" in English. It indicates that the action or state in the second clause will happen regardless of the condition mentioned in the first clause.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: "Even if/though ~". It acknowledges a potential obstacle or situation in the first clause but asserts that it won't affect the outcome in the second clause.
When to use: Use it to show that something is not a determining factor. For example, you might say "Even if he is handsome, I don't like him if he's rude." The handsomeness is conceded, but it's not enough to change the final decision. It often highlights a stronger, underlying principle.
Conjugation Rules
Rule: Attach ~더라도 to the verb or adjective stem. The conjugation is straightforward.