V + 아/어/해 봤자

1. Title : 아/어 봤자 Expressing Futility

2. Grammar Explanation

The Korean expression -아/어/해 봤자 is used to convey the futility of attempting or considering an action because it will not yield any significant result or meet expectations. It can be translated to "even if (you) try," "no matter how (much you) try," or "it's no use (doing something)" in English.

Usage:

1. -아/어/해 봤자 is attached to the verb stem:

   • If the verb stem ends in other than ㅏ or ㅗ, use -어 봤자.

   • If the verb stem ends in ㅏ or ㅗ, use -아 봤자.

   • For verbs ending in 하다, use -해 봤자.

2. -아/어/해 봤자 is used to describe hypothetical situations, and it implies that the outcome will not be significant or beneficial regardless of the effort.

3. It cannot be used with past tense forms directly before or after the expression. However, supposition about past situations can be expressed using -아/어 봤자 -았/었을 거예요 to indicate that even if something had been tried in the past, it would not have made a difference.

3. Example Sentences

1. 공부를 많이 해 봤자, 저는 서울 대학교에 못 갈 거예요.

   • Even if I study a lot, I can’t go to Seoul National University.

2. 지금 출발해 봤자 늦을 거예요.

   • Even if we leave now, we'll be late.

3. 설명을 다시 들어 봤자 이해하지 못할 거예요.

   • Even if you listen to the explanation again, you won't understand.

4. 운동을 열심히 해 봤자, 그 여자는 저한테 관심이 없을 거예요.

   • Even if you exercise hard, she will be interested in me.

4. Sample Dialogues

• A: 사장님, 지금 출발해 봤자 이미 늦었어요. 오늘 회사에 못 갈 거 같아요.

  (Boss, Even if you leave now, you're already late. I think I can not go to work today.)

  B: 괜찮아요. 내일부터 오지 마세요.

  (it’s okay, do not come to work from tomorrow.)

• A: 저는 턱이 너무 길어서 성형수술을 하려고 해요.

  (I will have plastic surgery because my chin is too long.)

  B: 성형수술 해봤자 못생긴 건 똑같아요.

  (Even if you get plastic surgery, it’s still the same that you are ugly.)

5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

1. I will study hard, but even if I try, I may not understand everything.

2. My mom will clean the house, but even if she does, it will get dirty again soon.

3. My friend will apologize, but even if he does, they won't forgive him.

4. I can work overtime, but even if I do, I won't finish the project today.

5. You can try calling him, but even if you do, he won't answer.

6. I will save money, but even if I do, I can't buy that car.

7. We can ask for help, but even if we do, no one will come.

8. The teacher will explain it again, but even if she does, I won't get it.

9. My sister can practice the piano every day, but even if she does, she won't improve.

10. We will plan carefully, but even if we do, things may still go wrong.