Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 그래도 | geuraedo | [kɯɾɛdo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kɯɾe̞do̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 그런데 | geureonde | [kɯɾʌ̹nde̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Both 그래도 and 그런데 can be used to express contrast. 그래도 is typically used to mean 'nevertheless' or 'still' at the beginning of a sentence, often in response to a situation that was just described. It emphasizes that despite a specific preceding fact or condition, a certain result or state still holds true. 그런데 is a more general conjunction used to introduce a contrasting point or to change the topic, similar to 'but' or 'by the way'. Note that if you mean 'yet' in the sense of 'not yet' (as in a time adverb), Korean typically uses the word 아직, which appears before the verb it modifies.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 그래도 is a combination of 그렇다 (to be so) and the connective suffix -어도 (even if/although), literally meaning 'even if it is so'.
Which one should you use?
Use 그래도 when you want to emphasize 'despite the previous fact'. In contrast, 그런데 is used for a broader range of functions, such as introducing a contrast or shifting the topic to something new.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
geuraedo
Did you know?
- In spoken Korean, 그런데 is very often shortened to 근데 to make the conversation flow more naturally.
- In a heated argument, using 그래도 can sound more stubborn than 그런데 because it emphasizes 'despite everything'.
- If you use 그래도 alone as a response, you are literally saying 'Even if it is so'.
Examples in context
- 아직 먹지 않았어요.I haven't eaten yet.
- 저는 아직 일을 끝내지 못했어요.I haven't finished my work yet.
- 아직 안 끝났어.It's not finished yet.
- 이 책 아직 안 읽었어.I haven't read this book yet.
- 아직 가지 않았어요I haven't gone yet.
- 배가 고파요. 그래도 참을게요.bae-ga go-pa-yo. geu-rae-do cham-eul-ge-yo.I am hungry. Nevertheless, I will endure it.
- 날씨가 추워요. 그래도 나갈 거예요.nal-ssi-ga chu-wo-yo. geu-rae-do na-gal geo-ye-yo.The weather is cold. However, I am going out.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are discussing a difficult movie.
- 민준 Min-jun영화가 너무 어려웠지?Yeonghwaga neomu eoryeowotji?The movie was too difficult, right?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 그래도 정말 재미있었어.Eung, geuraedo jeongmal jaemiisseosseo.Yes, yet it was really interesting.
- 민준 Min-jun나도 그렇게 생각해.Nado geureoke saenggakhae.I think so too.
- 지은 Ji-eun다음에 또 보자.Daume tto boja.Let's watch it again next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yet” translations and entries 그래도, 그런데, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
