Learn Korean: 그래도 + Verb

Let’s take a look at the Korean sentence pattern 그래도 + Verb. We use this to make a point that despite what someone thinks or says, there is another side of the coin that matters and must be considered. For example, my sons are fighting over toys again and this time, the younger one crosses the line by badmouthing his brother. I have to step in and teach him a lesson. He tries to reason out, but badmouthing is never good. I said But still, you shouldn’t cuss at your brother. The phrase but still is the equivalent of 그래도 here. The actual sentence is 그래도 형한테 욕하면 안 되지(죠). Here is another example. The company is looking for new models and we are finalizing the shortlist. There is a guy named Rukawa whom I think is the most charming applicant. The panel agrees that he has the potential, but the head thinks his short height is prominent. He says (Yeah, he is good looking) but still he is short. The actual sentence is 잘생긴 한데 그래도 키가 좀 작아(요).

그래도 시험 봐야 해요.

But still you have to take the test. (even if you are the class valedictorian)

그래도 야생 동물이잖아.

But still, it’s a wild animal. It’s cute, but I can’t let you have that as a pet.

 

그래도 돈 많이 벌 수 있어.

It’s a dirty job, you can make a lot of money.