V/A + -(으)면 몰라도, N + -(이)면 몰라도 (Unless it is ..., otherwise cannot)
Meaning: Maybe if ..., I don't know, but otherwise ... (sets an exceptional condition under which something might be possible, while denying it in the current state).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Present: V/A + -(으)면 몰라도 | Noun (N) + -(이)면 몰라도
- Past: V/A + -았/었으면 몰라도
Detailed Usage
Acknowledges a single hypothetical exception in the first clause in order to strongly negate or refuse the main clause under normal circumstances.
Example Sentences
- 1
몸에 이상이 있으면 몰라도 그냥 병원에 가고 싶지는 않다.
Mome isangi isseumyeon mollado geunyang byeongwone gago sipjineun anda.
Maybe if there were something wrong with my body, I don't know, but otherwise I don't want to go to the hospital.
- 2
아팠으면 몰라도 아무 이유 없이 결석하는 건 안 되지요.
Apasseumyeon mollado amu iyu eopsi gyeolseokhaneun geon an doejiyo.
It might be excusable if you had been sick, but being absent for no reason at all is unacceptable.
- 3
부모님이면 몰라도 일반 친구는 중환자실 면회를 할 수 없다.
Bumonimimyeon mollado ilban chinguneun junghwanjasil myeonhoereul hal su eopda.
Unless you are a parent, regular friends cannot visit the intensive care unit.
Important Notes
The main clause always expresses negation, refusal, or difficulty.
