Even If (-더라도)
-더라도
Expresses a hypothetical concession: 'even if / even though (hypothetically).'
Pattern
Verb/Adj stem + -더라도
Explanation
-더라도 expresses a hypothetical concession — even if something were to happen, the result wouldn't change: 비가 오더라도 갈 거예요 (Even if it rains, I'll go). It's stronger than -아/어도 because it emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the condition.
This pattern can be used for both future hypotheticals and counterfactual past situations. For past: 알았더라도 말하지 않았을 거예요 (Even if I had known, I wouldn't have said anything).
Compared to -아/어도 (even if/though), -더라도 sounds more formal and emphatic. In casual speech, -아/어도 is more common, while -더라도 appears in more careful or formal expression.
Examples
아무리 힘들더라도 포기하지 마세요.
Amuri himdeuldeorado pogihaji maseyo.
No matter how hard it is, don't give up.
시간이 없더라도 꼭 오세요.
Sigani eopdeorado kkok oseyo.
Even if you don't have time, please come.
실패하더라도 다시 도전할 거예요.
Silpaehadeorado dasi dojeonhal geoyeyo.
Even if I fail, I'll try again.
비싸더라도 사고 싶어요.
Bissadeorado sago sipeoyo.
Even if it's expensive, I want to buy it.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
힘들더라도 힘들었어요.
Correct
힘들더라도 포기하지 않았어요.
The main clause should show a response to the concession, not repeat the same idea.
Wrong
비가 왔더라도 가요.
Correct
비가 오더라도 갈 거예요.
For future hypotheticals, use the plain stem + -더라도, not past tense.
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