Dictionary — Entry No. 0900
아무리 해도
amuri-haedo · expression
아무리 해도
amuri-haedo
[AH-moo-ree-hae-DOH]
expressionintermediate
Meaning
No matter what; even if; regardless of effort or circumstance. The complete expression of ‘amuri’ + ‘haedo’ (even if/though), emphasizing that a situation remains unchanged despite any action taken. Expresses resignation, determination, or inevitability.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
One of the most frequently used expressions in K-Drama dialogue, especially in emotional confrontation scenes. NewJeans and other artists reference this in songs about perseverance. The phrase carries emotional weight in contexts of unrequited love, family conflict, and social injustice—core K-Drama themes.
Example Sentences
아무리 해도 그는 나를 사랑하지 않는다.
amuri haedo geuneun nareul saranghaji anhneunda.
No matter what I do, he doesn’t love me. (expressing hopelessness in romance)
아무리 해도 돌아올 수 없다.
amuri haedo doraol su eopda.
No matter what, I can’t go back. (expressing irreversibility)
아무리 해도 소용없다.
amuri haedo soyong-eopda.
No matter what, it’s no use. (expressing futility)
⚠️ Don’t use amuri-haedo when…
1) This is always a complete phrase—don’t separate ‘아무리’ and ‘해도’ in modern usage; they’re inseparable. 2) Avoid in formal writing; it’s emotional and colloquial, better suited for dialogue and personal expression.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim — Secretary Kim repeatedly uses this when facing her boss’s cold rejection and family pressure.
- K-Pop: aespa — ‘Spicy’ (implied theme: moving forward no matter what obstacles arise)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.