-아도/어도 vs -는데도

Intermediate · TOPIK II

-는데도 is only for something that is actually the case: 'even though (in fact) A, still B'; -아도/어도 works for both real and hypothetical situations: 'even if A, B'.

-아도/어도A connective ending used when assuming or recognizing the truth of the preceding statement, although it is not related to or does not influence the following statement.-는데도An expression used to indicate that the following situation will occur, regardless of the preceding situation.

Rules of thumb

Hypothetical or future situations (내일 비가 와도… 'Even if it rains tomorrow…'): only -아도.
Real facts where the result defies expectations (약을 먹었는데도 안 나아요 'I took medicine but I'm still not better'): -는데도 is more emphatic.
If the main clause is a command or suggestion, use -아도, not -는데도.
Forms: verb + -는데도, adjective + -(으)ㄴ데도, noun + 인데도, past -았/었는데도.
-는데도 often carries surprise or frustration.

Example sentences

-는데도
Even though I took medicine, my head still hurts.
-아도/어도
Even if it rains tomorrow, I'll go hiking.
내일 비가 오는데도 등산을 갈 거예요.
Incorrect
Even though it's raining tomorrow, I'll go hiking. [Wrong: tomorrow is hypothetical, but -neundedo is only for real facts; use -ado]
-아도/어도
Even if it's hard, hang in there a little longer.
-는데도
Even though I studied hard, I failed the exam.

Often confused with

-아도/어도 vs -더라도

← All confused pairs