Hannip 한입
Open the app
Korean Grammar Patterns
-ㄹ망정
Meaning
even if / may be… but (concession)
How to use it
Attaches to a verb/adjective stem to concede the first clause—often something undesirable or extreme—while asserting that the second clause still holds, usually contrary to expectation. It frequently contrasts a negative present state with a firm stance: 'I may be X, but I will (not) do Y'. It is emphatic, somewhat literary, and the second clause often carries the speaker's will or pride.
Close to -ㄹ지언정 but slightly less archaic; both express strong concession.,Often patterns as 'A-ㄹ망정 B': accept A, yet still B (e.g. 가난할망정 떳떳하다).
Examples
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 지금은 가난할망정 양심을 팔지는 않겠어요. jigeumeun gananhalmangjeong yangsimeul paljineun ankesseoyo. | I may be poor now, but I won't sell my conscience. |
| 도움이 못 될망정 방해는 하지 마세요. doumi mot doelmangjeong banghaeneun haji maseyo. | Even if you can't help, at least don't get in the way. |
한입 Hannip — learn Korean one bite a day
This entry (and hundreds more) is in the Hannip app with native pronunciation, quizzes and translations in English, 한국어, 日本語, 中文, Tiếng Việt and ไทย.
Start learning free →