Even though

This pattern expresses an unexpected or contrary result, similar to "even though" or "despite the fact that." It connects a clause stating a fact or situation with a second clause that defies expectations.

Formation Rules

The ending attaches differently depending on the word type and tense.

Action Verbs (Present Tense): Attach -는데도 directly to the verb stem.

운동하다 → 운동하는데도 (Even though I exercise)

Action Verbs (Past Tense): Attach -았/었는데도 to the verb stem.

먹다 → 먹었는데도 (Even though I ate)

자다 → 잤는데도 (Even though I slept)

Descriptive Verbs (Adjectives):

Stems ending in a vowel: -ㄴ데도 (e.g., 비싸다 → 비싼데도)

Stems ending in a consonant: -은데도 (e.g., 좋다 → 좋은데도)

Nouns: Attach -(이)ㄴ데도.

Nouns ending in a vowel: -ㄴ데도 (e.g., 주말 + 이다 → 주말인데도)

Nouns ending in a consonant: -인데도 (e.g., 학생 + 이다 → 학생인데도)

있다 / 없다: Attach -는데도.

있다 → 있는데도

없다 → 없는데도

운동하는데도 살이 안 빠져. / 먹었는데도 배고파. / 비싼데도 맛없어. / 주말인데도 일해.

Both -(으)ㄴ/는데도 and -아/어도 can be translated as "even though," but they have different nuances.

-(으)ㄴ/는데도: Factual Contrast

This pattern emphasizes a specific, existing reality. The first clause is a fact that has already happened or is currently true, and the second clause is the surprising result. It often carries a nuance of surprise, complaint, or frustration.

Meaning: "Despite the fact that..."

Example: 약을 먹었는데도 아파요. (I took the medicine (fact), but it still hurts (unexpected result).)

-아/어도: General or Hypothetical Concession

This pattern is more general and can be used for hypothetical situations. It means "even if" or "regardless of whether." It concedes a point but states that it doesn't change the outcome.