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.