Even if

This pattern is used to express that the action or state in the main clause will happen regardless of the hypothetical condition mentioned in the first clause. It's a strong way to say "even if" or "although it may be..." and often conveys a sense of determination.

Formation

This pattern attaches to verb and adjective stems.

Stems ending in a vowel or ㄹ: Add -ㄹ지라도

가다 (to go) → 갈지라도

비싸다 (to be expensive) → 비쌀지라도

멀다 (to be far) → 멀지라도 (ㄹ is not dropped)

Stems ending in a consonant: Add -을지라도

먹다 (to eat) → 먹을지라도

좋다 (to be good) → 좋을지라도

Nouns: Add -(이)ㄹ지라도

거짓말 (a lie) + 이다 → 거짓말일지라도

학생 (a student) + 이다 → 학생일지라도

Usage

-(으)ㄹ지라도 is typically used in more formal, written, or dramatic contexts. It emphasizes the speaker's strong will to carry out an action despite a potential obstacle.

비가 올지라도 간다. / 실패할지라도 도전할 거야. / 거짓말일지라도 믿고 싶어. / 세상이 두 쪽 날지라도 먹는다.

Both -(으)ㄹ지라도 and -아/어도 can be translated as "even if," but they have different nuances and are used in different contexts.

-(으)ㄹ지라도

Nuance: More formal, literary, and emphatic. It's often used for hypothetical situations that are more extreme or less likely to happen. It carries a strong sense of the speaker's resolve and determination against a significant obstacle.

Best for: Written language, speeches, or when making a dramatic or very firm statement.

Example: 죽을지라도 이건 지킬 거야. (Even if I die, I will protect this.) - The situation is extreme, so -(으)ㄹ지라도 fits perfectly.

-아/어도

Nuance: Much more common in everyday conversation. It's a versatile, all-purpose "even if" that can be used for both likely and unlikely situations. It sounds softer and more natural in casual speech.

Best for: Most spoken situations.

Example: 비가 와도 갈 거야. (Even if it rains, I'm going to go.) - This is a very common and natural way to express this idea in daily conversation.

In short: Use -아/어도 for your daily conversational needs. Save -(으)ㄹ지라도 for when you want to add emphasis, formality, or a touch of drama.

비가 올지라도 경기는 계속할 거예요. / 비가 와도 경기는 계속할 거예요. / 힘들지라도 포기하지 마세요. / 힘들어도 포기하지 마세요.

The -(으)ㄹ지라도 clause itself is neutral in terms of politeness. The overall formality of the sentence is determined by the final verb ending in the main clause.

As you can see in the script, each example is presented in both a casual (반말) and a polite (해요체) form.

Casual (반말): Used with close friends, family, or those younger than you. The sentence often ends with forms like -ㄴ다, -어/아, -ㄹ 거야, or -지 마.

e.g., 힘들지라도 포기하지 마. (Even if it's hard, don't give up.)

Polite (해요체): Used in most daily situations with people you don't know well, colleagues, or elders. The sentence typically ends in -아요/어요 or -ㄹ 거예요.

e.g., 힘들지라도 포기하지 마세요. (Even if it's hard, please don't give up.)

While it can be used in speech, the pattern has a slightly literary or formal nuance, making it less common in very casual, everyday chat compared to alternatives like -아/어도.

욕을 먹을지라도 할 말은 한다. / 욕을 먹을지라도 할 말은 해요. / 바쁠지라도 갈게. / 바쁠지라도 갈게요. / 모두가 반대할지라도 난 할 거야. / 모두가 반대할지라도 전 할 거예요.