V/A + -(으)ㄴ들, N + -인들 (Even if ..., what difference would it make?)
Meaning: Even if ... were the case, (how/what could...?) (concedes a hypothetical premise and follows with a rhetorical question to emphasize futility).
Conjugation & Pattern
- V/A with batchim + -은들 | No batchim/ㄹ + -ㄴ들
- Noun (N) + -인들
- Main clause is usually a rhetorical question: 무슨 소용이 있겠어요?, 어찌 ...겠는가?
Detailed Usage
Supposes that even if the first clause holds true, it makes no difference to the outcome. Almost always followed by a rhetorical question.
Example Sentences
- 1
기름이 없으니 차가 있은들 무슨 소용이 있어요?
Gireumi eopseuni chaga isseundeul museun soyongi isseoyo?
Since there's no gas, what good does it do even if we have a car?
- 2
이미 실패하고 나서 후회한들 무슨 소용이 있겠니?
Imi silpaehago naseo huhoehandeul museun soyongi itgenni?
Once you've already failed, what use is there in regretting it now?
- 3
아무리 부자인들 잃어버린 건강을 돈으로 살 수는 없다.
Amuri bujaindeul ileobeorin geongangeul doneuro sal suneun eopda.
No matter how wealthy one may be, lost health cannot be bought with money.
Important Notes
Note that 있다/없다 take -은들: 있은들, 없은들.
