TL;DR 🦄
- 🏛️ -(으)ㄹ지라도 [-(eu)l-ji-ra-do] means even if / even though / supposing that, with a formal or literary feeling.
- 🧭 It says: A may be true, but A does not block B. 어려울지라도 계속하겠습니다. [eo-ryeo-ul-ji-ra-do gye-sok-ha-get-seum-ni-da] = Even if it is difficult, I will continue.
- ✍️ Write it attached as one ending: 많을지라도, not 많을 지라도. This is official grammar, not a detachable Lego piece. 🧱
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use Korean Helper Widgets to hear 어려울지라도, 늦을지라도, 학생일지라도, and 비록 작을지라도. Listen for the formal “even if this is true, still...” rhythm. 🏛️
🌈 The Big Picture
-(으)ㄹ지라도 is an advanced concession ending. It presents or assumes a situation, then says the following result is not changed by that situation.
Think:
- Even if A, B still happens.
- Even though A may be true, B remains true.
- Supposing A is the case, B still stands.
Examples:
- 결과가 좋지 않을지라도 끝까지 해 보겠습니다.
[gyeol-gwa-ga jo-chi a-neul-ji-ra-do kkeut-kka-ji hae bo-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if the result is not good, I will try until the end. 🎯
결과 = result; 좋지 않다 = to not be good; 끝까지 = until the end.
- 길이 멀지라도 직접 확인해야 합니다.
[gi-ri meol-ji-ra-do jik-jeop hwa-gi-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if the road is far, we must check directly. 🛣️
길 = road/way; 멀다 = to be far; 직접 = directly.
- 작은 도움일지라도 큰 힘이 될 수 있습니다.
[ja-geun do-u-mil-ji-ra-do keun hi-mi doel su it-seum-ni-da]
Even if it is a small help, it can become great strength. 🤝
도움 = help; 힘 = strength.
This grammar is more formal, literary, or written than everyday -아/어도. It appears naturally in speeches, essays, formal promises, serious advice, and polished writing.
🎨 The Core -(으)ㄹ지라도 Family
1. Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ지라도
Use this when the conceded situation is an action.
- 가다 → 갈지라도 [gal-ji-ra-do] — even if someone goes
- 받다 → 받을지라도 [ba-deul-ji-ra-do] — even if someone receives
- 읽다 → 읽을지라도 [il-geul-ji-ra-do] — even if someone reads
- 포기하다 → 포기할지라도 [po-gi-hal-ji-ra-do] — even if someone gives up
2. Descriptive verb/adjective stem + -(으)ㄹ지라도
Use this when the conceded situation is a state or quality.
- 어렵다 → 어려울지라도 [eo-ryeo-ul-ji-ra-do] — even if it is difficult
- 멀다 → 멀지라도 [meol-ji-ra-do] — even if it is far
- 작다 → 작을지라도 [ja-geul-ji-ra-do] — even if it is small
- 부족하다 → 부족할지라도 [bu-jo-kal-ji-ra-do] — even if it is lacking
3. Noun + 일지라도
Use this when the conceded situation is a noun identity.
- 학생일지라도 [hak-saeng-il-ji-ra-do] — even if someone is a student 🎓
- 초보자일지라도 [cho-bo-ja-il-ji-ra-do] — even if someone is a beginner 🐣
- 작은 실수일지라도 [ja-geun sil-su-il-ji-ra-do] — even if it is a small mistake 🧾
4. 비록 ... -(으)ㄹ지라도
비록 [bi-rok] means although / even though, and it often pairs with formal concession grammar.
- 비록 시간이 부족할지라도 최선을 다하겠습니다.
[bi-rok si-ga-ni bu-jo-kal-ji-ra-do choe-seo-neul da-ha-get-seum-ni-da]
Even though time is lacking, I will do my best. ⏳
The 비록 is optional, but it makes the sentence sound more formal and dramatic — tiny courtroom spotlight included. ⚖️
🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence
- 상황이 불리할지라도 원칙을 지켜야 합니다.
[sang-hwa-ngi bul-li-hal-ji-ra-do won-chi-geul ji-kyeo-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if the situation is unfavorable, we must keep our principles. ⚖️
상황 = situation; 불리하다 = to be unfavorable; 원칙 = principle.
- 계획이 바뀔지라도 목표는 변하지 않습니다.
[gye-hoe-gi ba-kkwil-ji-ra-do mok-pyo-neun byeon-ha-ji an-seum-ni-da]
Even if the plan changes, the goal does not change. 🎯
계획 = plan; 바뀌다 = to change; 목표 = goal.
- 비록 작은 차이일지라도 결과에 영향을 줄 수 있습니다.
[bi-rok ja-geun cha-i-il-ji-ra-do gyeol-gwa-e yeong-hya-ngeul jul su it-seum-ni-da]
Even if it is a small difference, it can affect the result. 🔍
차이 = difference; 영향을 주다 = to affect.
🧩 General Formation Rule
1. Vowel-ending stem + ㄹ지라도
- 가다 → 갈지라도 — even if someone goes
- 보다 → 볼지라도 — even if someone sees/tries
- 바뀌다 → 바뀔지라도 — even if something changes
- 포기하다 → 포기할지라도 — even if someone gives up
2. Consonant-ending stem + 을지라도
- 먹다 → 먹을지라도 — even if someone eats
- 받다 → 받을지라도 — even if someone receives
- 읽다 → 읽을지라도 — even if someone reads
- 늦다 → 늦을지라도 — even if someone is late
3. ㄹ-ending stem + 지라도
Keep the ㄹ and attach 지라도.
- 살다 → 살지라도 — even if someone lives
- 만들다 → 만들지라도 — even if someone makes it
- 멀다 → 멀지라도 — even if it is far
4. Nouns + 일지라도
- 학생 → 학생일지라도 — even if someone is a student
- 초보자 → 초보자일지라도 — even if someone is a beginner
- 문제 → 문제일지라도 — even if it is a problem
🚨 Exception Rule(s)
- ㅂ-irregular descriptive verbs usually change before -(으)ㄹ:
- 어렵다 → 어려울지라도 — even if it is difficult
- 춥다 → 추울지라도 — even if it is cold
- 무겁다 → 무거울지라도 — even if it is heavy
- ㄹ-ending stems do not add 을:
- ✅ 멀지라도, 살지라도
- ❌ 멀을지라도, 살을지라도
- Past meaning can use -았/었을지라도:
- 늦었을지라도 연락은 했어야 합니다.
[neu-jeo-sseul-ji-ra-do yeol-la-geun hae-sseo-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if you were late, you should have contacted them.
- Spacing matters: this is an ending, so write it attached.
- ✅ 많을지라도
- ❌ 많을 지라도
📚 Cross-check note
The form and spelling of -(으)ㄹ지라도 as a connective ending for presenting or assuming a situation and then adding an unrelated or opposite result were cross-checked against korean.go.kr. Korean spelling guidance also confirms that endings like -ㄹ지라도 are written attached, not spaced. ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
These are all “even if” neighbors, but each has its own room:
- -아/어도 — everyday even if / even though 🌧️
- 아무리 -아/어도 — no matter how / no matter how much 🔁
- -더라도 — stronger or more hypothetical even if 💪
- -다 하더라도 — even supposing / even if we say that; explicitly hypothetical 🤔
- -(으)ㄹ지라도 — formal/literary even if; polished concession 🏛️
- -(으)ㄹ지언정 — even if it means; often principled, resolute, or sacrifice-oriented 🛡️
- -(으)ㄹ망정 — even if / rather than; often strong sacrifice or contrast 🔥
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 먹지라도 → ✅ 먹을지라도 (consonant stem + 을지라도).
- ❌ 가을지라도 → ✅ 갈지라도 (vowel stem + ㄹ지라도).
- ❌ 멀을지라도 → ✅ 멀지라도 (ㄹ-ending stem keeps ㄹ, no extra 을).
- ❌ 학생지라도 → ✅ 학생일지라도 (noun + 일지라도).
- ❌ 어렵을지라도 → ✅ 어려울지라도 (ㅂ-irregular).
- ❌ Using -(으)ㄹ지라도 in casual tiny situations → ✅ use -아/어도 for normal daily speech.
🏛️ Bottom line: -(으)ㄹ지라도 is formal “even if.” It lets you write polished concession sentences where the obstacle is real or possible, but the result still stands. Tiny umbrella; big grammar. ☂️
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct -(으)ㄹ지라도 or 일지라도 form. Say the full sentence aloud, then check the Answer toggle.
1. 어렵다 → ____ 계속하겠습니다.
[eo-ryeop-da → ____ gye-sok-ha-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if it is difficult, I will continue. 🧗
Answer
어려울지라도 — ㅂ-irregular: 어렵다 → 어려울지라도.
2. 늦다 → 조금 ____ 연락해 주세요.
[neut-da → jo-geum ____ yeol-la-kae ju-se-yo]
Even if you are a little late, please contact me. ⏰
Answer
늦을지라도 — consonant stem + 을지라도.
3. 작다 → 도움은 ____ 의미가 있습니다.
[jak-da → do-u-meun ____ ui-mi-ga it-seum-ni-da]
Even if the help is small, it has meaning. 🤝
Answer
작을지라도.
4. 멀다 → 길이 ____ 직접 가겠습니다.
[meol-da → gi-ri ____ jik-jeop ga-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if the road is far, I will go directly. 🛣️
Answer
멀지라도 — ㄹ-ending stem + 지라도.
5. 학생 → ____ 책임을 져야 합니다.
[hak-saeng → ____ chae-gi-meul jyeo-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if someone is a student, they must take responsibility. 🎓
Answer
학생일지라도 — noun + 일지라도.
6. 바뀌다 → 계획이 ____ 목표는 같습니다.
[ba-kkwi-da → gye-hoe-gi ____ mok-pyo-neun gat-seum-ni-da]
Even if the plan changes, the goal is the same. 🎯
Answer
바뀔지라도.
7. 받다 → 비판을 ____ 설명해야 합니다.
[bat-da → bi-pa-neul ____ seol-myeong-hae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if we receive criticism, we must explain. 📣
Answer
받을지라도.
8. 부족하다 → 자료가 ____ 판단해야 합니다.
[bu-jok-ha-da → ja-ryo-ga ____ pan-da-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if the data is lacking, we must judge. 📊
Answer
부족할지라도.
9. ❌ 많을 지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
많을지라도 — write the ending attached.
10. Choose the formal sentence:
① 힘들어도 해 볼게요.
② 힘들지라도 해 보겠습니다.
Answer
② — 힘들지라도 해 보겠습니다 sounds more formal and written.
Vocabulary Box
- 어렵다 → to be difficult
- 계속하다 → to continue
- 늦다 → to be late
- 연락하다 → to contact
- 작다 → to be small
- 도움 → help
- 멀다 → to be far
- 학생 → student
- 책임을 지다 → to take responsibility
- 계획 → plan
- 목표 → goal
- 비판 → criticism
- 자료 → data/materials
Tip 💡 Use this grammar when the sentence sounds formal, determined, or literary.
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below turns formal “even if” grammar into a full workout. 🏛️
🎯 Practice Hub — Even if/Supposing: -(으)ㄹ지라도
Welcome to the formal concession hall. 🏛️ You’ll practice building -(으)ㄹ지라도, choosing it over everyday -아/어도, and using it in polished sentences where an obstacle may exist but the main result still stands.
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence aloud.
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank, read the sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Ask: “What obstacle is being conceded, and what result remains true?”
Exercise 1 — Form Builder: Formal Even If 🔧
A. 가다 → ____
[ga-da → ____]
even if someone goes 🚶
Answer
갈지라도.
B. 먹다 → ____
[meok-da → ____]
even if someone eats 🍚
Answer
먹을지라도.
C. 보다 → ____
[bo-da → ____]
even if someone sees/tries 👀
Answer
볼지라도.
D. 읽다 → ____
[ik-da → ____]
even if someone reads 📖
Answer
읽을지라도.
E. 살다 → ____
[sal-da → ____]
even if someone lives 🏠
Answer
살지라도 — ㄹ-ending stem keeps ㄹ.
F. 만들다 → ____
[man-deul-da → ____]
even if someone makes it 🛠️
Answer
만들지라도.
G. 어렵다 → ____
[eo-ryeop-da → ____]
even if it is difficult 🧩
Answer
어려울지라도.
H. 춥다 → ____
[chup-da → ____]
even if it is cold ❄️
Answer
추울지라도.
I. 초보자 → ____
[cho-bo-ja → ____]
even if someone is a beginner 🐣
Answer
초보자일지라도.
J. 문제 → ____
[mun-je → ____]
even if it is a problem 🚧
Answer
문제일지라도.
Form Box
- Vowel stem → ㄹ지라도
- Consonant stem → 을지라도
- ㄹ-ending stem → keep ㄹ + 지라도
- 하다 → 할지라도
- Noun → 일지라도
Tip 💡 The whole ending attaches: 갈지라도, 먹을지라도.
Exercise 2 — Obstacles and Determination 💪
A. 어렵다 → 일이 ____ 끝까지 하겠습니다.
[eo-ryeop-da → i-ri ____ kkeut-kka-ji ha-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if the work is difficult, I will do it until the end. 🧗
Answer
어려울지라도.
B. 늦다 → 출발이 ____ 도착하겠습니다.
[neut-da → chul-ba-ri ____ do-cha-ka-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if departure is late, I will arrive. 🚆
Answer
늦을지라도.
C. 실패하다 → 한 번 ____ 다시 도전하겠습니다.
[sil-pae-ha-da → han beon ____ da-si do-jeon-ha-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if I fail once, I will try again. 🔁
Answer
실패할지라도.
D. 반대가 있다 → 반대가 ____ 계획은 진행됩니다.
[ban-dae-ga it-da → ban-dae-ga ____ gye-hoe-geun jin-haeng-doem-ni-da]
Even if there is opposition, the plan will proceed. 📋
Answer
있을지라도.
E. 비판을 받다 → 비판을 ____ 설명을 멈추지 않겠습니다.
[bi-pa-neul bat-da → bi-pa-neul ____ seol-myeo-ngeul meom-chu-ji an-ket-seum-ni-da]
Even if I receive criticism, I will not stop explaining. 📣
Answer
받을지라도.
F. 힘들다 → 과정이 ____ 의미는 있습니다.
[him-deul-da → gwa-jeo-ngi ____ ui-mi-neun it-seum-ni-da]
Even if the process is hard, it has meaning. 🌱
Answer
힘들지라도.
G. 자료가 부족하다 → 자료가 ____ 판단해야 합니다.
[ja-ryo-ga bu-jo-ka-da → ja-ryo-ga ____ pan-da-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if the data is lacking, we must make a judgment. 📊
Answer
부족할지라도.
H. 길이 멀다 → 길이 ____ 직접 확인하겠습니다.
[gi-ri meol-da → gi-ri ____ jik-jeop hwa-gi-na-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if the road is far, I will check directly. 🛣️
Answer
멀지라도.
I. 시간이 걸리다 → 시간이 ____ 정확하게 하겠습니다.
[si-ga-ni geol-li-da → si-ga-ni ____ jeong-hwa-ka-ge ha-get-seum-ni-da]
Even if it takes time, I will do it accurately. ⏳
Answer
걸릴지라도.
J. 기회가 작다 → 기회가 ____ 놓치지 않겠습니다.
[gi-hoe-ga jak-da → gi-hoe-ga ____ no-chi-ji an-ket-seum-ni-da]
Even if the opportunity is small, I will not miss it. 🎟️
Answer
작을지라도.
Vocabulary Box
- 일 → work/task
- 끝까지 → until the end
- 출발 → departure
- 도착하다 → to arrive
- 실패하다 → to fail
- 도전하다 → to challenge/try
- 반대 → opposition
- 진행되다 → to proceed
- 비판 → criticism
- 설명 → explanation
- 정확하다 → to be accurate
- 놓치다 → to miss
Tip 💡 The second clause often sounds firm: 하겠습니다, 해야 합니다, 멈추지 않겠습니다.
Exercise 3 — Nouns and Formal Claims 🧾
A. 초보자 → ____ 질문할 수 있습니다.
[cho-bo-ja → ____ jil-mun-hal su it-seum-ni-da]
Even if someone is a beginner, they can ask questions. 🐣
Answer
초보자일지라도.
B. 학생 → ____ 책임을 져야 합니다.
[hak-saeng → ____ chae-gi-meul jyeo-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if someone is a student, they must take responsibility. 🎓
Answer
학생일지라도.
C. 작은 실수 → ____ 그냥 넘기면 안 됩니다.
[ja-geun sil-su → ____ geu-nyang neom-gi-myeon an doem-ni-da]
Even if it is a small mistake, we must not just ignore it. 🧾
Answer
작은 실수일지라도.
D. 사소한 차이 → ____ 결과에 영향을 줍니다.
[sa-so-han cha-i → ____ gyeol-gwa-e yeong-hya-ngeul jum-ni-da]
Even if it is a minor difference, it affects the result. 🔍
Answer
사소한 차이일지라도.
E. 가정 → ____ 논리적으로 검토해야 합니다.
[ga-jeong → ____ nol-li-jeo-geu-ro geom-to-hae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if it is an assumption, we must review it logically. 🤔
Answer
가정일지라도.
F. 불편한 진실 → ____ 받아들여야 합니다.
[bul-pyeo-nan jin-sil → ____ ba-da-deu-ryeo-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if it is an uncomfortable truth, we must accept it. 🪞
Answer
불편한 진실일지라도.
G. 작은 도움 → ____ 큰 힘이 됩니다.
[ja-geun do-um → ____ keun hi-mi doem-ni-da]
Even if it is small help, it becomes great strength. 🤝
Answer
작은 도움일지라도.
H. 개인 의견 → ____ 존중해야 합니다.
[gae-in ui-gyeon → ____ jon-jung-hae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if it is a personal opinion, we must respect it. 💬
Answer
개인 의견일지라도.
I. 임시 결정 → ____ 기록해야 합니다.
[im-si gyeol-jeong → ____ gi-ro-kae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if it is a temporary decision, we must record it. 📝
Answer
임시 결정일지라도.
J. 작은 문제 → ____ 확인해야 합니다.
[ja-geun mun-je → ____ hwa-gi-nae-ya ham-ni-da]
Even if it is a small problem, we must check it. 🚧
Answer
작은 문제일지라도.
Vocabulary Box
- 초보자 → beginner
- 질문하다 → to ask a question
- 책임 → responsibility
- 실수 → mistake
- 넘기다 → to pass over/ignore
- 사소하다 → to be minor/trivial
- 차이 → difference
- 가정 → assumption
- 진실 → truth
- 받아들이다 → to accept
- 존중하다 → to respect
- 기록하다 → to record
Tip 💡 Nouns take 일지라도, not plain 지라도.
Exercise 4 — Choose the Right “Even If” Tone 🧭
A. Casual: “Even if it rains, I’ll go.”
① 비가 와도 갈 거예요.
② 비가 올지라도 갈 거예요.
Answer
① — everyday situation → -아/어도 is natural.
B. Formal: “Even if there is opposition, the policy will continue.”
① 반대가 있을지라도 정책은 계속됩니다.
② 반대가 있어도 정책은 계속돼요.
Answer
① — formal written style.
C. No matter how: “No matter how busy you are, contact me.”
① 아무리 바빠도 연락해 주세요.
② 바쁠지라도 연락해 주세요.
Answer
① — 아무리 gives “no matter how.”
D. Formal concession: “Even if it is a small difference, it matters.”
① 사소한 차이일지라도 중요합니다.
② 사소한 차이라도 좋아요.
Answer
① — formal concession and noun + 일지라도.
E. Explicit supposition: “Even if we say the result is bad...”
① 결과가 나쁘다 하더라도 다시 검토해야 합니다.
② 결과가 나빠서 다시 검토해야 합니다.
Answer
① — -다 하더라도 explicitly means “even if we say/suppose that...”
F. Resolute sacrifice: “Even if I fail, I will not give up.”
① 실패할지언정 포기하지 않겠습니다.
② 실패해서 포기하지 않겠습니다.
Answer
① — -(으)ㄹ지언정 sounds resolute and sacrifice-oriented.
G. Formal spelling check:
① 많을 지라도
② 많을지라도
Answer
② — attach the ending.
H. Everyday permission: “May I eat this?”
① 이것을 먹을지라도 됩니까?
② 이거 먹어도 돼요?
Answer
② — permission uses -아/어도 돼요?.
I. Formal: “Even if the data is insufficient, we must decide.”
① 자료가 부족할지라도 결정해야 합니다.
② 자료가 부족하지만 결정해야 합니다.
Answer
① — stronger “even if” concession; ② is simple “but.”
J. Noun form: “Even if it is a problem...”
① 문제지라도
② 문제일지라도
Answer
② — noun + 일지라도.
Decision Box
- daily even if → -아/어도
- no matter how → 아무리 -아/어도
- formal even if → -(으)ㄹ지라도
- explicit supposing → -다 하더라도
- resolute sacrifice → -(으)ㄹ지언정
Tip 💡 If the sentence sounds like an essay, speech, policy, or formal promise, -(으)ㄹ지라도 can fit.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. ❌ 먹지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
먹을지라도 — consonant stem + 을지라도.
B. ❌ 가을지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
갈지라도 — vowel stem + ㄹ지라도.
C. ❌ 멀을지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
멀지라도 — ㄹ-ending stem keeps ㄹ, no extra 을.
D. ❌ 초보자지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
초보자일지라도 — noun + 일지라도.
E. ❌ 어렵을지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
어려울지라도 — ㅂ-irregular.
F. ❌ 많을 지라도 → ✅ ____
Answer
많을지라도 — attach the ending.
G. 비록 작을지라도 의미가 있습니다. means:
Answer
Even if it is small, it has meaning.
H. Translate: “Even if the plan changes, the goal is the same.”
Answer
계획이 바뀔지라도 목표는 같습니다.
I. Translate: “Even if it is a small problem, we must check it.”
Answer
작은 문제일지라도 확인해야 합니다.
J. Tone check: -(으)ㄹ지라도 sounds best in:
Answer
Formal writing, speeches, essays, polished advice, and literary-style concession.
Final Check
- 가다 → 갈지라도
- 먹다 → 먹을지라도
- 멀다 → 멀지라도
- 어렵다 → 어려울지라도
- 학생 → 학생일지라도
- attached spelling → 많을지라도
Tip 💡 The first clause concedes an obstacle; the second clause says what still remains true.
🎉 Formal “even if” unlocked. You can now write polished concession sentences like 어려울지라도 계속하겠습니다, 학생일지라도 책임을 져야 합니다, and 작은 도움일지라도 큰 힘이 됩니다. 🏛️✨