비록
birok[piɾo̞k̚]
The English phrase 'even though' is expressed in Korean using 비록 (birok).
비록 is an adverb that is typically placed at the beginning of a clause to set up a concessive statement.
Meaning: although (conj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To complete the sense of 'even though' in a sentence, 비록 is often used in conjunction with the suffix -더라도. For a more formal expression of 'even though' or 'no matter how', it can be paired with the suffix -을지라도.
How do you pronounce it?
birok
Did you know?
- The word 비록 is a Sino-Korean word that traces back to the characters 祕錄, which can be translated as 'secret record'.
- Using 비록 in a casual, everyday conversation with close friends can sometimes sound unintentionally stiff or overly literary.
- In spoken Korean, the formal 비록 is often dropped entirely, leaving only the suffix like -더라도 to carry the meaning of 'even though'.
Examples in context
- 열심히 공부했어도 시험에서 점수가 안 좋았어요.Even though I studied hard, my test score was not good.
- 일찍 일어날 시간이 없다고 해도 늦지 말아요.Even if you don't have time to wake up early, don't be late.
- 비록 힘들지만 포기하지 마세요.birok himdeuljiman pogihaji maseyo.Even though it is hard, do not give up.
- 비록 가격은 비싸지만 품질이 좋아요.birok gagyeogeun bissajiman pumjiri joayo.Even though the price is expensive, the quality is good.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are discussing a difficult project.
- 지훈 Ji-hun비록 힘들지만 거의 다 끝났어요.biryok himdeuljiman geoui da kkeunnatseoyo.Even though it's hard, it's almost finished.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 고생 많았어요, 지훈 씨.jeongmal gosaeng manasseoyo, Jihun ssi.You really worked hard, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun도와줘서 정말 고마워요, 지은 씨.dowajwoseo jeongmal gomawoyo, Jieun ssi.Thank you so much for helping me, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun별말씀을요. 이제 좀 쉬세요.byeolmalsseumeulyo. ije jom swiseyo.You're welcome. Please get some rest now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 비록, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 비록, CC BY-SA 4.0.
