V/A + -아/어 봤자 (Even if you try doing..., it is no use)
Meaning: Even if one tries doing..., it will do no good / at best it's only... (dismisses the effort in the first clause as futile).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Vowels ㅏ, ㅗ + -아 봤자
- Other vowels + -어 봤자 | 하다 -> 해 봤자
- Synonyms: -아/어 보았자 / -아/어 봐야
Detailed Usage
Expresses that even if one attempts the action in the first clause, it is pointless and will not yield the desired result. The main clause is negative, restrictive, or rhetorical.
Example Sentences
- 1
지금 출발해 봤자 약속 시간에 제때 도착할 수 없어.
Jigeum chulbalhae bwatja yaksok sigane jettae dochakhal su eopseo.
Even if you leave now, you won't be able to arrive in time for the appointment.
- 2
아무리 솔직하게 말해 봤자 부장님은 내 말을 믿지 않으실 겁니다.
Amuri soljikhage malhae bwatja bujangnimeun nae mareul mitji aneusil geomnida.
No matter how honestly I speak, the department head won't believe my words.
- 3
아이들 방은 깨끗하게 청소해 봤자 금방 다시 어질러져요.
Aideul bangeun kkaekkeuthage cheongsohae bwatja geumbang dasi eojilleojyeoyo.
Even if you clean the children's room spotless, it gets messy again right away.
Important Notes
Although 봤자 contains -았-, it functions as a fixed hypothetical connective for present/future situations.
