Core Pattern Rule: -아/어도 (Even if)
This pattern expresses concession, similar to "even if" or "even though" in English. It indicates that the action or state in the main clause occurs regardless of the condition or situation described in the first clause.
Formation
It attaches to the stem of verbs and adjectives.
Stems ending in ㅏ or ㅗ: Add -아도.
가다 (to go) → 가도
보다 (to see) → 봐도 (irregular)
작다 (to be small) → 작아도
Stems ending in other vowels: Add -어도.
먹다 (to eat) → 먹어도
춥다 (to be cold) → 추워도 (irregular)
하다 verbs: These become -해도.
공부하다 (to study) → 공부해도
실패하다 (to fail) → 실패해도
Usage
Use it to connect a hypothetical or actual condition with a result that is contrary to what one might expect. It often shows determination or a lack of effect.
Example: 비가 와도 갈 거야. (Even if it rains, I'm going to go.)
The rain (condition) will not stop me from going (result).
비가 와도 갈 거야. / 피곤해도 공부해야 해. / 비싸도 살 거야.
Common Combinations: 아무리 -아/어도
To add emphasis, -아/어도 is frequently paired with the adverb 아무리, which means "no matter how (much)." This combination strengthens the concessive meaning, highlighting the extremity of the condition.
Meaning
아무리 + Verb/Adjective-아/어도 translates to "No matter how much [Verb]..." or "No matter how [Adjective]..."
It implies that even if the action or state is performed or exists to a great degree, the result in the main clause remains unchanged.
Examples
아무리 먹어도 배가 안 불러. (No matter how much I eat, I don't feel full.)
아무리 바빠도 전화는 해야지. (No matter how busy you are, you should at least call.)
아무리 피곤해도 운동은 할 거예요. (No matter how tired I am, I'm going to exercise.)