Nuance of -ㄴ/는 대야 (Limited Possibility)

🔊

🎧 Iru Helper Note — You can type any Korean word or sentence from this lesson into

Korean Helper Widgets to hear it read aloud. This grammar often carries a skeptical rhythm, so listen for the “sure, but still…” feeling. 👂

🌈 The Big Picture

• “Even if…”

• “At most…”

• “Even supposing…”

• “No matter how much/little…”

🎨 The Core -ㄴ/는대야 Family

• 가다 (to go) → 간대야 = even if someone goes

• 읽다 (to read) → 읽는대야 = even if someone reads

• 설명하다 (to explain) → 설명한대야 = even if someone explains

• 많다 (to be many/much) → 많대야 = even if there are many / at most

• 초안이다 (to be a draft) → 초안이래야 = even if it is a draft / at most a draft

• 소용없어요 = it is useless

• 어려워요 = it is difficult

• 별로 달라지지 않아요 = it does not change much

• 몇 명뿐이에요 = it is only a few people

• 무슨 도움이 되겠어요? = what help would it be?

🛠️ How They Work in a Sentence

• 지금 항의한대야 결정은 바뀌지 않을 거예요.
(Even if we complain now, the decision probably will not change. 📄)
항의하다 = to complain/protest, 결정 = decision, 바뀌다 = to change.

• 회의에 참석한대야 발언할 시간은 거의 없어요.
(Even if I attend the meeting, there is almost no time to speak. 🗣️)
참석하다 = to attend, 발언하다 = to make a comment, 거의 없다 = to be almost nonexistent.

• 자료가 많대야 핵심 근거는 두세 개뿐이에요.
(Even if there is a lot of material, there are only two or three key pieces of evidence. 📚)
자료 = materials/data, 핵심 근거 = key evidence, 뿐이다 = to be only.

🧩 General Formation Rule

• 받침 없음: 가다 → 간대야

• 받침 있음: 읽다 → 읽는대야

• 하다 verbs: 준비하다 → 준비한대야

• 많다 → 많대야

• 낮다 → 낮대야

• 비싸다 → 비싸대야

• 받침 있음: 초안이다 → 초안이래야

• 받침 없음: 자료다 → 자료래야

📚 Cross-check note

🪞 Synonym Alert

• -아/어 봐야 — everyday “even if one tries/does it.” 말해 봐야 소용없어요. (Even if you say it, it is useless.)

• -봤자 — stronger and often dismissive. 기다려 봤자 안 와요. (Even if we wait, they will not come.)

• -더라도 — neutral “even if,” without the built-in “not enough” judgment. 늦더라도 연락하세요. (Even if you are late, contact me.)

• -ㄴ/는대야 — evaluative: “even if that happens, the result is only this much.”

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

• ❌ 열심히 한대야 꼭 성공해요. → ✅ 열심히 한대야 성공하기는 어려워요. (The second half should show limitation, not a confident positive result. 🧗)

• ❌ 지금 간대야 정말 즐거울 거예요. → ✅ 지금 간대야 행사는 거의 끝났을 거예요. (The pattern fits “too late / not useful” contexts. 🎪)

• ❌ Treating it as the same as -더라도 → ✅ Use -더라도 for neutral “even if,” and -ㄴ/는대야 for limited effect. ⚖️

• ❌ 먹는 대야 → ✅ 먹는대야 (Write this ending attached in normal grammar use. ✍️)

• ❌ Using it everywhere in casual beginner conversation → ✅ It sounds advanced, evaluative, and somewhat literary; -아/어 봐야 is often more conversational. ☕

📦

🎯 Practice Hub — Nuance of -ㄴ/는대야

 

Welcome to the limited-possibility gym, where every sentence lifts a tiny dumbbell labeled “still not enough.” 🏋️ You’ll practice forming -ㄴ/는대야, recognizing its skeptical nuance, and choosing natural follow-up clauses that show a limited result. By the end, you’ll be able to spot the difference between neutral “even if” and advanced “even if… what good would that do?” energy. 🤨

 

🔊 Audio reminder: Use

Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence out loud.

 

📝 Instructions: Complete each Korean sentence with the best form or phrase, say the full sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Focus on whether the second half really shows a limited, ineffective, or “at most” result.

 

Exercise 1 — Action Verb Forms 🧭

A. 담당자에게 연락＿＿＿＿ 오늘 안에 답은 못 받을 거예요.

Even if we contact the person in charge, we probably will not get an answer today. ☎️

Answer

한대야 — 연락하다 becomes 연락한대야.

B. 서류를 다시 확인＿＿＿＿ 이미 접수된 내용은 바뀌지 않아요.

Even if we check the documents again, the already-submitted content does not change. 📂

Answer

한대야 — 확인하다 becomes 확인한대야.

C. 그 설명을 믿＿＿＿＿ 증거가 없으면 설득력이 약해요.

Even if we believe that explanation, it is weakly persuasive without evidence. 🔍

Answer

는대야 — 믿다 has 받침, so use 믿는대야.

D. 회의록을 보내＿＿＿＿ 상대가 읽지 않으면 소용없어요.

Even if we send the meeting minutes, it is useless if the other side does not read them. 📧

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 보내다 becomes 보낸대야.

E. 문제를 숨기＿＿＿＿ 결국 감사에서 드러날 거예요.

Even if they hide the problem, it will eventually come out in the audit. 🕵️

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 숨기다 becomes 숨긴대야.

F. 새 규정을 외우＿＿＿＿ 실제 사례를 모르면 적용하기 어려워요.

Even if you memorize the new regulation, applying it is hard if you do not know real cases. 📘

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 외우다 becomes 외운대야.

G. 팀장이 허락＿＿＿＿ 예산팀 승인이 없으면 진행할 수 없어요.

Even if the team lead permits it, we cannot proceed without budget-team approval. ✅

Answer

한대야 — 허락하다 becomes 허락한대야.

H. 밤새 자료를 찾＿＿＿＿ 공개된 정보는 거의 없어요.

Even if we search for materials all night, there is almost no public information. 🌙

Answer

는대야 — 찾다 has 받침, so use 찾는대야.

I. 지금 계약서를 고치＿＿＿＿ 서명 일정은 미뤄질 거예요.

Even if we revise the contract now, the signing schedule will be delayed. 🖊️

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 고치다 becomes 고친대야.

J. 반대 의견을 듣＿＿＿＿ 최종 방향은 이미 정해졌어요.

Even if they listen to opposing opinions, the final direction has already been decided. 🧭

Answer

는대야 — 듣다 has 받침, so use 듣는대야.

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Vocabulary Box

• 담당자 → person in charge

• 연락하다 → to contact

• 답 → answer

• 서류 → documents

• 확인하다 → to check

• 접수되다 → to be submitted/received

• 설명 → explanation

• 믿다 → to believe

• 증거 → evidence

• 설득력 → persuasiveness

• 회의록 → meeting minutes

• 보내다 → to send

• 상대 → the other side

• 소용없다 → to be useless

• 숨기다 → to hide

• 감사 → audit

• 드러나다 → to be revealed

• 외우다 → to memorize

• 사례 → case/example

• 적용하다 → to apply

• 허락하다 → to permit

• 승인 → approval

• 진행하다 → to proceed

• 찾다 → to search for

• 계약서 → contract

• 고치다 → to revise/fix

• 반대 의견 → opposing opinion

• 듣다 → to listen

Tip 💡 Action verbs: vowel stem → -ㄴ대야, consonant stem → -는대야, 하다 → 한대야.

 

Exercise 2 — Descriptive Verbs + Upper Limits 📏

A. 방이 넓＿＿＿＿ 장비를 모두 두기에는 부족해요.

Even if the room is spacious, it is insufficient for placing all the equipment. 🏢

Answer

대야 — 넓다 becomes 넓대야.

B. 가격이 싸＿＿＿＿ 유지비까지 생각하면 부담돼요.

Even if the price is cheap, it is burdensome when considering maintenance costs. 💸

Answer

대야 — 싸다 becomes 싸대야.

C. 기간이 짧＿＿＿＿ 절차를 생략할 수는 없어요.

Even if the period is short, we cannot omit the procedure. ⏳

Answer

대야 — 짧다 becomes 짧대야.

D. 점수가 높＿＿＿＿ 면접 준비가 부족하면 위험해요.

Even if the score is high, it is risky if interview preparation is lacking. 🎯

Answer

대야 — 높다 becomes 높대야.

E. 설문 결과가 좋＿＿＿＿ 표본이 작으면 신뢰하기 어려워요.

Even if the survey result is good, it is hard to trust if the sample is small. 📊

Answer

대야 — 좋다 becomes 좋대야.

F. 소음이 작＿＿＿＿ 녹음에는 영향을 줄 수 있어요.

Even if the noise is small, it can affect the recording. 🎙️

Answer

대야 — 작다 becomes 작대야.

G. 일정이 여유롭＿＿＿＿ 검토할 사람은 두 명뿐이에요.

Even if the schedule is relaxed, there are only two people to review it. 📅

Answer

대야 — 여유롭다 becomes 여유롭대야.

H. 근거가 분명하＿＿＿＿ 상대가 받아들이지 않으면 소용없어요.

Even if the basis is clear, it is useless if the other side does not accept it. 🔎

Answer

대야 — 분명하다 becomes 분명하대야.

I. 피해가 적＿＿＿＿ 원인을 조사해야 해요.

Even if the damage is small, we must investigate the cause. 🧯

Answer

대야 — 적다 becomes 적대야.

J. 가능성이 낮＿＿＿＿ 완전히 무시할 수는 없어요.

Even if the possibility is low, we cannot completely ignore it. 🧪

Answer

대야 — 낮다 becomes 낮대야.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 방 → room

• 넓다 → to be spacious

• 장비 → equipment

• 부족하다 → to be insufficient

• 가격 → price

• 싸다 → to be cheap

• 유지비 → maintenance cost

• 부담되다 → to be burdensome

• 기간 → period

• 짧다 → to be short

• 절차 → procedure

• 생략하다 → to omit

• 점수 → score

• 높다 → to be high

• 면접 → interview

• 설문 → survey

• 결과 → result

• 표본 → sample

• 신뢰하다 → to trust

• 소음 → noise

• 작다 → to be small

• 녹음 → recording

• 일정 → schedule

• 여유롭다 → to be relaxed

• 근거 → basis/evidence

• 분명하다 → to be clear

• 피해 → damage

• 적다 → to be little/small in amount

• 가능성 → possibility

• 낮다 → to be low

Tip 💡 Descriptive verbs usually take -대야.

 

Exercise 3 — Noun Limits with 이래야/래야 🧾

A. 임시 방편＿＿＿＿ 장기적인 해결책은 아니에요.

Even if it is a temporary measure, it is not a long-term solution. 🩹

Answer

이래야 — 방편 has 받침: 임시 방편이래야.

B. 메모＿＿＿＿ 공식 기록으로 쓰기는 어려워요.

Even if it is a memo, it is hard to use as an official record. 🗒️

Answer

래야 — 메모 has no 받침: 메모래야.

C. 예비 명단＿＿＿＿ 확정된 참가자는 아니에요.

Even if it is a waiting list, they are not confirmed participants. 📋

Answer

이래야 — 명단 has 받침: 예비 명단이래야.

D. 초보자용 자료＿＿＿＿ 전문 용어가 너무 많아요.

Even if it is beginner material, there are too many technical terms. 📖

Answer

래야 — 자료 has no 받침: 자료래야.

E. 첫 시도＿＿＿＿ 모든 기준을 만족시키기는 힘들어요.

Even if it is the first attempt, satisfying every criterion is hard. 🎯

Answer

래야 — 시도 has no 받침: 첫 시도래야.

F. 개인 의견＿＿＿＿ 회의 분위기에 영향을 줄 수 있어요.

Even if it is a personal opinion, it can influence the meeting atmosphere. 💬

Answer

이래야 — 의견 has 받침: 개인 의견이래야.

G. 시범 운영＿＿＿＿ 이용자 반응은 확인할 수 있어요.

Even if it is a trial operation, we can check user reactions. 🧪

Answer

이래야 — 운영 has 받침: 시범 운영이래야.

H. 짧은 안내문＿＿＿＿ 핵심 조건은 담겨 있어야 해요.

Even if it is a short notice, the key conditions should be included. 📌

Answer

이래야 — 안내문 has 받침: 안내문이래야.

I. 보조 자료＿＿＿＿ 수업 흐름을 방해하면 곤란해요.

Even if it is supplementary material, it is a problem if it disrupts the class flow. 🧑‍🏫

Answer

래야 — 자료 has no 받침: 보조 자료래야.

J. 내부 보고서＿＿＿＿ 외부에 공개할 수는 없어요.

Even if it is an internal report, it cannot be released externally. 🔐

Answer

래야 — 보고서 has no 받침: 내부 보고서래야.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 임시 방편 → temporary measure

• 해결책 → solution

• 메모 → memo

• 공식 기록 → official record

• 예비 명단 → preliminary list

• 참가자 → participant

• 초보자용 → for beginners

• 전문 용어 → technical term

• 첫 시도 → first attempt

• 기준 → criterion

• 개인 의견 → personal opinion

• 분위기 → atmosphere

• 시범 운영 → trial operation

• 이용자 → user

• 안내문 → notice

• 보조 자료 → supplementary material

• 내부 보고서 → internal report

Tip 💡 Noun + 이다: 받침 → 이래야, no 받침 → 래야.

 

Exercise 4 — Choosing the Right Follow-up Clause ⚖️

A. 지금 사과한대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if they apologize now, trust will not recover immediately. 🤝

Answer

신뢰가 바로 회복되지는 않아요 — This gives a limited result.

B. 예산이 늘어난대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if the budget increases, hiring additional staff will be difficult. 💼

Answer

추가 인력을 뽑기는 어려워요 — The budget increase still does not solve the staffing issue.

C. 문장을 많이 외운대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if you memorize many sentences, speaking will not become natural by itself. 🗣️

Answer

말하기가 저절로 자연스러워지지는 않아요 — Memorization alone is insufficient.

D. 기한을 하루 늦춘대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if the deadline is delayed by one day, the workload is still too heavy. 📆

Answer

업무량은 여전히 너무 많아요 — The delay has limited effect.

E. 새 기능을 넣는대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if we add a new feature, users may not notice it. 🧩

Answer

사용자가 알아차리지 못할 수도 있어요 — The impact may still be small.

F. 혼자 조사한대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if one person investigates alone, it is hard to catch every error. 🔬

Answer

모든 오류를 잡기는 어려워요 — One person’s investigation is limited.

G. 문제가 작대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if the problem is small, ignoring it is dangerous. 🚨

Answer

무시하면 위험해요 — “Small” does not remove the risk.

H. 초안이 깔끔하대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if the draft is neat, it needs data support. 📈

Answer

데이터 근거가 필요해요 — Neatness alone is insufficient.

I. 참석자가 적대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if there are few attendees, we should record the discussion. 🎙️

Answer

논의는 기록해야 해요 — Few people does not remove the need to record.

J. 제안서가 새롭대야 ＿＿＿＿.

Even if the proposal is new, persuasion is hard without concrete figures. 📊

Answer

구체적인 수치가 없으면 설득하기 어려워요 — Novelty alone is not persuasive enough.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 사과하다 → to apologize

• 신뢰 → trust

• 회복되다 → to recover

• 예산 → budget

• 늘어나다 → to increase

• 추가 인력 → additional personnel

• 문장 → sentence

• 외우다 → to memorize

• 저절로 → by itself

• 기한 → deadline

• 늦추다 → to delay

• 업무량 → workload

• 새 기능 → new feature

• 사용자 → user

• 조사하다 → to investigate

• 오류 → error

• 위험하다 → to be dangerous

• 초안 → draft

• 깔끔하다 → to be neat

• 수치 → figure/number

Tip 💡 A good follow-up sounds like “still difficult,” “not enough,” or “only a little.”

 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. 지금 도착한대야 발표는 이미 끝났을 거예요.

Even if they arrive now, the presentation will probably already be over. 🎤

Answer

Correct — 도착하다 becomes 도착한대야, and the result is limited.

B. 열심히 준비한대야 반드시 합격할 거예요.

Even if they prepare hard, they will definitely pass. 🎓

Answer

Needs revision — ❌ The result is too confidently positive. ✅ Better: 열심히 준비한대야 합격을 장담하기는 어려워요. (Even if they prepare hard, it is hard to guarantee passing.)

C. 가격이 비싸대야 품질이 좋다는 보장은 없어요.

Even if the price is expensive, there is no guarantee the quality is good. 🏷️

Answer

Correct — The sentence limits what a high price proves.

D. 학생이래야 이미 현장 경험이 많아요.

Even if they are a student, they already have much field experience. 🧑‍🎓

Answer

Awkward for this target nuance — ❌ This sounds more simply concessive. ✅ Better: 학생이래야 맡을 수 있는 업무는 제한적이에요. (Even if they are a student, the tasks they can take on are limited.)

E. 말해 봐야 소용없어요.

Even if you say it, it is useless. 💬

Answer

Synonym pattern — This uses everyday -아/어 봐야. A more compressed advanced version is 말한대야 소용없어요.

F. 늦더라도 연락하세요.

Even if you are late, contact me. 📱

Answer

Different nuance — -더라도 is neutral “even if.” It does not automatically mean the result is limited.

G. 많대야 다섯 명 정도예요.

Even if there are many, it is about five at most. 👥

Answer

Correct — This is the upper-limit use: many = still only about five.

H. 먹는 대야 효과가 없어요.

Even if someone eats it, it has no effect. 🍽️

Answer

Spelling pitfall — ❌ Write the ending attached. ✅ 먹는대야 효과가 없어요.

I. 새 정책이래야 현장에서는 혼란만 커질 수 있어요.

Even if it is a new policy, confusion may only grow on site. 🏛️

Answer

Correct — 정책 has 받침, so 정책이래야. The result is limited and negative.

J. 기다려 봤자 답은 오지 않을 거예요.

Even if we wait, the answer probably will not come. ⏰

Answer

Stronger synonym — -봤자 is often more dismissive. A -ㄴ/는대야 version is 기다린대야 답은 오지 않을 거예요.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 도착하다 → to arrive

• 발표 → presentation

• 준비하다 → to prepare

• 합격하다 → to pass

• 장담하다 → to guarantee

• 가격 → price

• 비싸다 → to be expensive

• 품질 → quality

• 보장 → guarantee

• 학생 → student

• 현장 경험 → field experience

• 제한적 → limited

• 말하다 → to speak/say

• 늦다 → to be late

• 많다 → to be many

• 다섯 명 → five people

• 먹다 → to eat

• 정책 → policy

• 혼란 → confusion

• 기다리다 → to wait

Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: avoid positive follow-ups, do not confuse it with neutral -더라도, and write the ending attached.

 

🎉 You made it through the “limited possibility” maze. Next time you see -ㄴ/는대야, listen for the hidden judgment: “even if that happens… the result is still only this much.” 🧭✨

🔊

🎧 Iru Helper Note — Open

Korean Helper Widgets and type any Korean word or sentence from this lesson to hear it read aloud. Tiny grammar gears sound better when your ears get reps too. ⚙️

🌈 The Big Picture

🎨 The Core -ㄴ/는대야 Family

• 가다 [ga-da] “to go” → 간대야 [gan-dae-ya] “even if someone goes”

• 먹다 [meok-da] “to eat” → 먹는대야 [meong-neun-dae-ya] “even if someone eats”

• 만들다 [man-deul-da] “to make” → 만든대야 [man-deun-dae-ya] “even if someone makes it”

• 준비하다 [jun-bi-ha-da] “to prepare” → 준비한대야 [jun-bi-han-dae-ya] “even if someone prepares”

• 좋다 [jo-ta] “to be good” → 좋대야 [jo-tae-ya] “even if it is good”

• 많다 [man-ta] “to be many/much” → 많대야 [man-tae-ya] “even if it is a lot”

• 끝나다 [kkeun-na-da] “to end” → 끝났대야 [kkeun-nat-ttae-ya] “even if it ended”

• 바뀌다 [ba-kkwi-da] “to change” → 바뀌었대야 [ba-kkwi-eot-ttae-ya] “even if it changed”

• 학생 [hak-saeng] “student” → 학생이래야 [hak-saeng-i-rae-ya] “even if someone is a student”

• 기회 [gi-hoe] “opportunity” → 기회래야 [gi-hoe-rae-ya] “even if it is an opportunity”

🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence

• 지금 회의를 한대야 결정이 크게 바뀌겠어요? [ji-geum hoe-ui-reul han-dae-ya gyeol-jeong-i keu-ge ba-kkwi-get-sseo-yo] — Even if we hold a meeting now, would the decision change much? 🗂️
• 회의를 하다 = to hold a meeting; 결정 = decision; 크게 = greatly.

• 보고서를 고친대야 결과는 조금 나아질 뿐이에요. [bo-go-seo-reul go-chin-dae-ya gyeol-gwa-neun jo-geum na-a-jil ppun-i-e-yo] — Even if the report is fixed, the result will only improve a little. 📄
• 보고서 = report; 고치다 = to fix; 뿐 = only/merely.

• 혼자 설득한대야 예산이 늘겠어요? [hon-ja seol-deuk-han-dae-ya ye-san-i neul-get-sseo-yo] — Even if one person tries to persuade them alone, would the budget increase? 💸
• 혼자 = alone; 설득하다 = to persuade; 예산 = budget.

🧩 General Formation Rule

• Verb stem ending in a vowel: 가다 → 간대야

• Verb stem ending in a consonant: 먹다 → 먹는대야

• Verb stem ending in ㄹ: 만들다 → 만든대야 because ㄹ drops before ㄴ. ✂️

• 좋다 → 좋대야

• 많다 → 많대야

• -았/었대야: 끝났대야, 바뀌었대야

• Consonant-ending noun + 이래야: 학생이래야

• Vowel-ending noun + 래야: 기회래야

• 먹는대야 is pronounced [meong-neun-dae-ya]: final ㄱ before ㄴ sounds like ㅇ through nasalization.

• 끝났대야 is pronounced [kkeun-nat-ttae-ya]: ㅆ before ㄷ is a tight [t] stop, and ㄷ becomes tense.

📚 Cross-check note

🪞 Synonym Alert

• -아/어 봐야 [-a/eo bwa-ya] — everyday “even if one tries/does it, the result is limited.” Softer and more common in speech.

• -ㄴ/는대야 [-n/neun-dae-ya] — more quoted, rhetorical, and evaluative. It often sounds like the speaker is already doubtful. 🕵️

• -아/어야 [-a/eo-ya] — plain “only if / must”; do not confuse it with the skeptical limited-result feel of -대야.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

• ❌ 회의를 하는대야 → ✅ 회의를 한대야 for 하다 action verbs in this quoted present pattern.

• ❌ 좋은대야 → ✅ 좋대야 because adjectives use -대야, not the noun-modifying -은 shape here.

• ❌ Treating -ㄴ/는대야 as neutral “if” → ✅ It usually means the result is limited, doubtful, or not enough.

• ❌ Using it for cheerful possibility → ✅ Use it when the speaker is skeptical: 조금 나아질 뿐이에요 “it will only get a little better.”

• ❌ Forgetting ㄹ-dropping → ✅ 만들다 becomes 만든대야, not 만들는대야.

📦

🎯 Practice Hub — Nuance of -ㄴ/는대야

 

Welcome to your limited-possibility training room. 🧊 This Practice Hub helps you hear the difference between a plain condition and a skeptical “even if that happens, the result is still tiny” sentence. Think of it as grammar with a raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🔊 Audio reminder: Use

Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence out loud.

 

📝 Instructions: Complete each sentence with the best -ㄴ/는대야 family form, then read the whole sentence aloud. After you answer, open the toggle to check the form, the nuance, and any pronunciation note.

 

Exercise 1 — Present Action Forms 🛠️

A. 지금 회의를 ＿＿＿＿ 결정은 이미 났어요.

[ji-geum hoe-ui-reul ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-eun i-mi na-sseo-yo]

Even if we hold a meeting now, the decision has already been made. 🗂️

Answer

한대야 — 회의를 하다 → 한대야. The meeting is too late to matter much.

B. 자료를 ＿＿＿＿ 문제는 쉽게 안 보여요.

[ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun swip-ge an bo-yeo-yo]

Even if we read the materials, the problem is not easy to see. 📚

Answer

읽는대야 — consonant-stem action verb: 읽다 → 읽는대야.

C. 계획을 다시 ＿＿＿＿ 시간은 부족해요.

[gye-hoeg-eul da-si ＿＿＿＿ si-gan-eun bu-jok-hae-yo]

Even if we make the plan again, time is short. 🕰️

Answer

만든대야 — 만들다 drops ㄹ before ㄴ: 만든대야.

D. 보고서를 ＿＿＿＿ 차이는 크지 않아요.

[bo-go-seo-reul ＿＿＿＿ cha-i-neun keu-ji a-na-yo]

Even if we fix the report, the difference is not big. 📄

Answer

고친대야 — 고치다 → 고친대야. Vowel stem + ㄴ대야.

E. 혼자 예산을 ＿＿＿＿ 결과가 바뀌겠어요?

[hon-ja ye-san-eul ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-gwa-ga ba-kkwi-get-sseo-yo]

Even if one person persuades them about the budget alone, would the result change? 💸

Answer

설득한대야 — 설득하다 → 설득한대야. The rhetorical ending shows doubt.

F. 일정을 ＿＿＿＿ 겨우 반나절이에요.

[il-jeong-eul ＿＿＿＿ gyeo-u ban-na-jeol-i-e-yo]

Even if we reduce the schedule, it is barely half a day. 📅

Answer

줄인대야 — 줄이다 → 줄인대야. 겨우 reinforces the small limit.

G. 지금 ＿＿＿＿ 기회는 이미 줄었어요.

[ji-geum ＿＿＿＿ gi-hoe-neun i-mi ju-reo-sseo-yo]

Even if we go now, the opportunity has already shrunk. 🚪

Answer

간대야 — 가다 → 간대야.

H. 준비를 ＿＿＿＿ 문제는 남겠어요.

[jun-bi-reul ＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun nam-get-sseo-yo]

Even if we prepare, the problem will remain. 🧰

Answer

준비한대야 — 준비하다 → 준비한대야.

I. 혼자 ＿＿＿＿ 이기기는 어려워요.

[hon-ja ＿＿＿＿ i-gi-gi-neun eo-ryeo-wo-yo]

Even if one person tries to win alone, winning is difficult. 🏁

Answer

이긴대야 — 이기다 → 이긴대야. Vowel stem + ㄴ대야.

J. 아무리 ＿＿＿＿ 도움은 조금뿐이에요.

[a-mu-ri ＿＿＿＿ do-um-eun jo-geum-ppun-i-e-yo]

Even if we eat, the help is only small. 🍚

Answer

먹는대야 — 먹다 → 먹는대야. Pronunciation: [meong-neun-dae-ya] because ㄱ nasalizes before ㄴ.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 회의를 하다 → to hold a meeting

• 결정 → decision

• 자료 → materials

• 읽다 → to read

• 문제 → problem

• 계획 → plan

• 만들다 → to make

• 시간 → time

• 보고서 → report

• 고치다 → to fix

• 차이 → difference

• 설득하다 → to persuade

• 예산 → budget

• 줄이다 → to reduce

• 가다 → to go

• 준비하다 → to prepare

• 이기다 → to win

• 먹다 → to eat

Tip 💡 Present action verbs use ㄴ대야 after vowel stems and 는대야 after consonant stems.

 

Exercise 2 — Descriptive + Past Forms 🕰️

A. 결과가 ＿＿＿＿ 이미 결정은 났어요.

[gyeol-gwa-ga ＿＿＿＿ i-mi gyeol-jeong-eun na-sseo-yo]

Even if the result is good, the decision has already been made. ✅

Answer

좋대야 — 좋다 → 좋대야. Descriptive verbs do not use 좋은대야.

B. 도움이 ＿＿＿＿ 혼자 하기는 어려워요.

[do-um-i ＿＿＿＿ hon-ja ha-gi-neun eo-ryeo-wo-yo]

Even if there is a lot of help, doing it alone is hard. 🧰

Answer

많대야 — 많다 → 많대야.

C. 시간이 ＿＿＿＿ 일정은 줄여야 해요.

[si-gan-i ＿＿＿＿ il-jeong-eun ju-ryeo-ya hae-yo]

Even if there is plenty of time, the schedule must be reduced. 🕰️

Answer

많대야 — 시간이 많다 uses the descriptive form 많대야.

D. 기회가 ＿＿＿＿ 예산은 그대로예요.

[gi-hoe-ga ＿＿＿＿ ye-san-eun geu-dae-ro-ye-yo]

Even if the opportunity is good, the budget stays the same. 🚪

Answer

좋대야 — The sentence means the opportunity being good still does not change the budget.

E. 회의가 이미 ＿＿＿＿ 결과는 안 바뀌어요.

[hoe-ui-ga i-mi ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-gwa-neun an ba-kkwi-eo-yo]

Even if the meeting already ended, the result does not change. 🗂️

Answer

끝났대야 — past statement: 끝나다 → 끝났대야.

F. 계획이 ＿＿＿＿ 문제는 남아요.

[gye-hoe-gi ＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun na-ma-yo]

Even if the plan changed, the problem remains. 🔁

Answer

바뀌었대야 — 바뀌다 → 바뀌었대야.

G. 보고서가 ＿＿＿＿ 차이는 작아요.

[bo-go-seo-ga ＿＿＿＿ cha-i-neun ja-ga-yo]

Even if the report improved, the difference is small. 📄

Answer

나아졌대야 — 나아지다 → 나아졌대야.

H. 예산이 조금 ＿＿＿＿ 크게 도움은 안 돼요.

[ye-sa-ni jo-geum ＿＿＿＿ keu-ge do-um-eun an dwae-yo]

Even if the budget increased a little, it is not much help. 💸

Answer

늘었대야 — past form: 늘다 → 늘었대야.

I. 일정이 이미 ＿＿＿＿ 겨우 하루예요.

[il-jeong-i i-mi ＿＿＿＿ gyeo-u ha-ru-ye-yo]

Even if the schedule was reduced already, it is barely one day. 📅

Answer

줄었대야 — 줄다 → 줄었대야.

J. 자료가 ＿＿＿＿ 아직 부족해요.

[ja-ryo-ga ＿＿＿＿ a-jik bu-jok-hae-yo]

Even if the materials are many, they are still insufficient. 📚

Answer

많대야 — descriptive 많다 becomes 많대야.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 좋다 → to be good

• 많다 → to be many/much

• 끝나다 → to end

• 바뀌다 → to change

• 나아지다 → to improve

• 늘다 → to increase

• 줄다 → to decrease

• 결과 → result

• 결정 → decision

• 도움 → help

• 시간 → time

• 일정 → schedule

• 기회 → opportunity

• 예산 → budget

• 회의 → meeting

• 보고서 → report

• 자료 → materials

Tip 💡 Descriptive verbs use -대야; past statements use -았/었대야.

 

Exercise 3 — Nouns and “Only a Little” Signals 🧺

A. 기회＿＿＿＿ 겨우 한 번이에요.

[gi-hoe＿＿＿＿ gyeo-u han beon-i-e-yo]

Even if it is an opportunity, it is barely one time. 🚪

Answer

래야 — vowel-ending noun 기회 + 래야.

B. 학생＿＿＿＿ 혼자 결정하기는 어려워요.

[hak-saeng＿＿＿＿ hon-ja gyeol-jeong-ha-gi-neun eo-ryeo-wo-yo]

Even if someone is a student, deciding alone is difficult. 🎒

Answer

이래야 — consonant-ending noun 학생 + 이래야.

C. 회의＿＿＿＿ 결정은 그대로예요.

[hoe-ui＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-eun geu-dae-ro-ye-yo]

Even if it is a meeting, the decision stays the same. 🗂️

Answer

래야 — 회의 ends in a vowel sound, so 래야.

D. 보고서＿＿＿＿ 도움은 조금뿐이에요.

[bo-go-seo＿＿＿＿ do-um-eun jo-geum-ppun-i-e-yo]

Even if it is a report, the help is only a little. 📄

Answer

래야 — 보고서 + 래야.

E. 예산＿＿＿＿ 이미 줄었어요.

[ye-san＿＿＿＿ i-mi ju-reo-sseo-yo]

Even if it is the budget, it already decreased. 💸

Answer

이래야 — consonant-ending noun 예산 + 이래야.

F. 일정＿＿＿＿ 차이는 크지 않아요.

[il-jeong＿＿＿＿ cha-i-neun keu-ji a-na-yo]

Even if it is the schedule, the difference is not big. 📅

Answer

이래야 — 일정 ends in a consonant.

G. 자료＿＿＿＿ 문제는 그대로 남아요.

[ja-ryo＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun geu-dae-ro na-ma-yo]

Even if it is materials, the problem remains as it is. 📚

Answer

래야 — vowel-ending noun 자료 + 래야.

H. 결과＿＿＿＿ 얼마나 좋겠어요?

[gyeol-gwa＿＿＿＿ eol-ma-na jo-ket-sseo-yo]

Even if it is the result, how good could it be? 🧊

Answer

래야 — 결과 + 래야.

I. 문제＿＿＿＿ 결국 하나예요.

[mun-je＿＿＿＿ gyeol-guk ha-na-ye-yo]

Even if it is a problem, in the end it is one. 🧩

Answer

래야 — 문제 + 래야.

J. 시간＿＿＿＿ 겨우 반나절이에요.

[si-gan＿＿＿＿ gyeo-u ban-na-jeol-i-e-yo]

Even if it is time, it is barely half a day. 🕰️

Answer

이래야 — consonant-ending noun 시간 + 이래야.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 기회 → opportunity

• 학생 → student

• 회의 → meeting

• 보고서 → report

• 예산 → budget

• 일정 → schedule

• 자료 → materials

• 결과 → result

• 문제 → problem

• 시간 → time

• 겨우 → barely

• 조금 → a little

• 얼마나 → how much

• 결국 → in the end

Tip 💡 Nouns use 이래야 after consonants and 래야 after vowels.

 

Exercise 4 — Nuance Choice: Skeptical or Neutral? 🔍

A. 아무리 준비를 ＿＿＿＿ 결과는 조금 나아질 뿐이에요.

[a-mu-ri jun-bi-reul ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-gwa-neun jo-geum na-a-jil ppun-i-e-yo]

No matter how much we prepare, the result will only improve a little. 🧰

Answer

한대야 — 준비를 하다 → 한대야. 아무리 pairs naturally with this limited-result feel.

B. 지금 자료를 ＿＿＿＿ 이미 늦었어요.

[ji-geum ja-ryo-reul ＿＿＿＿ i-mi neu-jeo-sseo-yo]

Even if we read the materials now, it is already late. 📚

Answer

읽는대야 — The sentence does not neutrally say “if”; it says the action would not help enough.

C. 혼자 계획을 ＿＿＿＿ 결정은 안 바뀌어요.

[hon-ja gye-hoe-geul ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-eun an ba-kkwi-eo-yo]

Even if one person makes a plan alone, the decision does not change. 📝

Answer

만든대야 — 만들다 → 만든대야, with ㄹ-dropping.

D. 회의에서 문제를 ＿＿＿＿ 도움은 크지 않아요.

[hoe-ui-e-seo mun-je-reul ＿＿＿＿ do-um-eun keu-ji a-na-yo]

Even if they fix the problem in the meeting, the help is not big. 🧩

Answer

고친대야 — 고치다 → 고친대야.

E. 예산이 ＿＿＿＿ 결국 도움은 조금뿐이에요.

[ye-sa-ni ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-guk do-um-eun jo-geum-ppun-i-e-yo]

Even if the budget is large, in the end the help is only small. 💸

Answer

많대야 — 많다 is descriptive, so use 많대야. The sentence still limits the result: the help is only small.

F. 일정을 ＿＿＿＿ 이미 시간은 부족해요.

[il-jeong-eul ＿＿＿＿ i-mi si-gan-eun bu-jok-hae-yo]

Even if we reduce the schedule, time is already short. 📅

Answer

줄인대야 — Vowel-stem action verb: 줄이다 → 줄인대야.

G. 결과가 ＿＿＿＿ 차이는 겨우 하나예요.

[gyeol-gwa-ga ＿＿＿＿ cha-i-neun gyeo-u ha-na-ye-yo]

Even if the result changes, the difference is barely one thing. 🔁

Answer

바뀐대야 — 바뀌다 → 바뀐대야. The follow-up limits the result.

H. 도움이 ＿＿＿＿ 문제는 그대로예요.

[do-um-i ＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun geu-dae-ro-ye-yo]

Even if there is help, the problem stays the same. 🧰

Answer

있대야 — 있다 as a descriptive/existential verb uses 있대야.

I. 기회가 ＿＿＿＿ 혼자 이기기는 어려워요.

[gi-hoe-ga ＿＿＿＿ hon-ja i-gi-gi-neun eo-ryeo-wo-yo]

Even if there is an opportunity, winning alone is difficult. 🏁

Answer

있대야 — 있다 → 있대야, with a skeptical result.

J. 보고서가 ＿＿＿＿ 얼마나 좋겠어요?

[bo-go-seo-ga ＿＿＿＿ eol-ma-na jo-ket-sseo-yo]

Even if the report is good, how good could it be? 📄

Answer

좋대야 — 좋다 → 좋대야. 얼마나 makes the rhetorical doubt clear.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 아무리 → no matter how

• 준비를 하다 → to prepare

• 결과 → result

• 자료 → materials

• 읽다 → to read

• 늦다 → to be late

• 계획 → plan

• 만들다 → to make

• 회의 → meeting

• 고치다 → to fix

• 예산 → budget

• 많다 → to be many/much

• 줄이다 → to reduce

• 바뀌다 → to change

• 있다 → to exist / to have

• 좋다 → to be good

Tip 💡 Look for result-limit words: 겨우, 조금, 이미, and rhetorical 얼마나.

 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. 좋＿＿＿＿ 얼마나 좋겠어요?

[jo＿＿＿＿ eol-ma-na jo-ket-sseo-yo]

Even if it is good, how good could it be? 🧊

Answer

대야 — ❌ 좋은대야 → ✅ 좋대야. Descriptive verbs use -대야.

B. 회의를 하＿＿＿＿ 결정은 그대로예요.

[hoe-ui-reul ha＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-eun geu-dae-ro-ye-yo]

Even if we hold a meeting, the decision stays the same. 🗂️

Answer

ㄴ대야 — ❌ 하는대야 → ✅ 한대야 for this 하다 action-verb pattern.

C. 계획을 만드＿＿＿＿ 시간은 부족해요.

[gye-hoe-geul man-deu＿＿＿＿ si-gan-eun bu-jok-hae-yo]

Even if we make a plan, time is short. 📝

Answer

ㄴ대야 — ❌ 만들는대야 → ✅ 만든대야. ㄹ drops before ㄴ.

D. 자료를 읽＿＿＿＿ 문제는 안 보여요.

[ja-ryo-reul ilk＿＿＿＿ mun-je-neun an bo-yeo-yo]

Even if we read the materials, the problem is not visible. 📚

Answer

는대야 — 읽다 → 읽는대야. Pronunciation: [ing-neun-dae-ya], with nasalization before ㄴ.

E. 기회＿＿＿＿ 결국 하나뿐이에요.

[gi-hoe＿＿＿＿ gyeol-guk ha-na-ppun-i-e-yo]

Even if it is an opportunity, in the end there is only one. 🚪

Answer

래야 — vowel-ending noun + 래야. ❌ 기회이래야 sounds clunky.

F. 학생＿＿＿＿ 혼자 준비하기는 어려워요.

[hak-saeng＿＿＿＿ hon-ja jun-bi-ha-gi-neun eo-ryeo-wo-yo]

Even if someone is a student, preparing alone is difficult. 🎒

Answer

이래야 — consonant-ending noun + 이래야.

G. 보고서를 고치＿＿＿＿ 결과는 조금뿐이에요.

[bo-go-seo-reul go-chi＿＿＿＿ gyeol-gwa-neun jo-geum-ppun-i-e-yo]

Even if we fix the report, the result is only a little. 📄

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 고치다 → 고친대야. Do not use neutral “if” when the sentence limits the result.

H. 예산이 늘었＿＿＿＿ 도움은 크지 않아요.

[ye-sa-ni neu-reot＿＿＿＿ do-um-eun keu-ji a-na-yo]

Even if the budget increased, the help is not big. 💸

Answer

대야 — past statement + 대야: 늘었대야.

I. 일정을 줄이＿＿＿＿ 겨우 반나절이에요.

[il-jeong-eul ju-ri＿＿＿＿ gyeo-u ban-na-jeol-i-e-yo]

Even if we reduce the schedule, it is barely half a day. 📅

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 줄이다 → 줄인대야. 겨우 makes the limit explicit.

J. 아무리 설득하＿＿＿＿ 결정은 안 바뀌어요.

[a-mu-ri seol-deuk-ha＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-eun an ba-kkwi-eo-yo]

No matter how much we persuade them, the decision does not change. 🗣️

Answer

ㄴ대야 — 설득하다 → 설득한대야. ❌ Treating it as hopeful possibility → ✅ It expresses limited effect.

📚

Vocabulary Box

• 좋다 → to be good

• 회의를 하다 → to hold a meeting

• 결정 → decision

• 계획 → plan

• 만들다 → to make

• 자료 → materials

• 읽다 → to read

• 기회 → opportunity

• 학생 → student

• 보고서 → report

• 고치다 → to fix

• 예산 → budget

• 늘다 → to increase

• 일정 → schedule

• 줄이다 → to reduce

• 설득하다 → to persuade

Tip 💡 Pitfall patrol: watch 하다 verbs, ㄹ-dropping, descriptive verbs, and noun forms.

 

🎉 Excellent work — -ㄴ/는대야 is now your “even if… barely” tool. Use it when the action exists, but the result limps in wearing tiny shoes. 👟