-으려도
-euryeodo
even trying to; though I try to
Attaches to verb stems to indicate that, although one has the intention to do something, one is unable to — 'even if I try to X, I can't'.
Form
- Attaches to
- Verb, Adjective, Auxiliary
- Other shapes
- -려도
Meanings
- 1
An expression used to indicate that although one intends to do a certain act, one cannot do it.
어떤 행동을 할 의도가 있지만 할 수 없음을 나타내는 표현.
※ ‘-으려고 하여도’가 줄어든 말이다.
Examples
나쁜 일은 피하려도 피하기 어렵다.
It's hard to avoid bad things even when you try to.
다리 떠는 버릇을 고치려도 쉽지가 않다.
It's not easy to fix the habit of shaking my leg, even when I try to.
요즘은 전화번호를 외우려도 도저히 외워지질 않는다.
These days, no matter how much I try to memorize phone numbers, I just can't.
잠을 자려도 도무지 잠이 들지가 않아요. 그럼 자기 전에 따뜻한 우유를 한 잔 마셔 보세요.
I try to sleep, but I just can't fall asleep at all. Then try drinking a warm glass of milk before bed.
화가 나서 참으려도 참을 수가 없어요.
I'm so angry that even when I try to hold it in, I can't.
손에 잉크가 묻어서 씻으려도 깨끗하게 지워지지가 않아요.
I got ink on my hands, and even when I try to wash it off, it won't come out cleanly.
Examples: 한국어기초사전, CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.
Quick check
1. What does ‘-으려도’ mean?
2. Which form means “even trying to; though I try to”?