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A2 conjunction #300 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

지만

Top 300

At the A1 level, '지만' is introduced as the basic way to connect two opposite ideas in one sentence. It is the Korean equivalent of 'but.' You use it by taking a verb or adjective, removing the '다' at the end, and adding '지만.' For example, if you want to say 'The food is spicy but delicious,' you take '맵다' (spicy) and '맛있다' (delicious). You change '맵다' to '맵' and add '지만' to get '맵지만 맛있어요.' This is very useful for simple descriptions. You will mostly use it with present tense adjectives and verbs to describe things around you, like the weather, food, or your feelings. It helps you make longer sentences instead of just saying two short ones. It's a key step in making your Korean sound more connected and natural.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of '지만' to include different tenses and more varied situations. You learn that you can use it with the past tense by adding '-았/었-' before '지만.' For example, '어제는 바빴지만 오늘은 안 바빠요' (I was busy yesterday, but I'm not busy today). You also start using it with nouns by adding '-(이)지만.' For example, '저는 학생이지만 돈이 많아요' (I am a student, but I have a lot of money). At this level, you also learn polite phrases like '죄송하지만' (I'm sorry, but...) and '실례지만' (Excuse me, but...) which are essential for social interactions. You begin to see the difference between '지만' and other connectors like '-는데,' understanding that '지만' is for clear, direct contrasts.

At the B1 level, you use '지만' to express more complex thoughts and concessions. You might use the future tense '-겠지만' to express a guess or intention that has a 'but' attached to it, such as '힘들겠지만 해볼게요' (It will probably be hard, but I'll try). You also start using the 'Verb-기는 Verb-지만' pattern to show that you agree with something partially but have a different opinion or situation. For example, '한국말을 할 수는 있지만 잘 못해요' (I can speak Korean, but I'm not good at it). This level involves using '지만' in longer, more detailed stories and explanations, where you need to balance different viewpoints or explain why something didn't happen as expected. You are expected to use it accurately with honorifics as well.

At the B2 level, you use '지만' with a high degree of precision in both speaking and writing. You understand its role in formal debates and academic writing, where it is used to concede a point before presenting a counter-argument. You can distinguish between '지만' and more formal alternatives like '-으나' or '-건만' and choose the appropriate one for the context. You also recognize the use of '지만' in idiomatic expressions and more sophisticated sentence structures. Your use of '지만' helps you create a logical flow in your arguments, showing that you can handle complex logical relationships. You are also aware of the subtle nuances when '지만' is used at the end of a sentence to imply something without saying it directly, which is common in nuanced social situations.

At the C1 level, '지만' is a tool for stylistic variation and rhetorical effect. You use it to create rhythm in your prose and to highlight specific contrasts for emphasis. You are fully aware of its historical roots and how it compares to archaic or dialectal forms of contrast. You can use '지만' in highly formal settings, such as giving a speech or writing a professional report, ensuring that the contrast is presented clearly and professionally. You also understand the psychological impact of using '지만' in negotiations or sensitive conversations, using it to acknowledge the other person's position before asserting your own. Your mastery of '지만' allows you to express subtle ironies and complex emotional states where multiple conflicting feelings are present.

At the C2 level, your use of '지만' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it effortlessly in any context, from spontaneous casual banter to deep philosophical discussions. You can analyze the use of '지만' in classical Korean literature and understand how its usage has evolved over time. You are able to use '지만' to construct intricate, multi-layered sentences that convey deep meaning and sophisticated logic. You also have a keen sense of when *not* to use '지만,' opting for even more subtle ways to express contrast when the situation calls for it. For a C2 learner, '지만' is not just a grammar point, but a versatile instrument for precise and eloquent communication in the Korean language.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

지만 en 30 secondes

Connects two clauses with a 'but' relationship.
Attaches directly to verb and adjective stems.
Can be used with past (-았/었지만) and future (-겠지만) tenses.
Used for direct contrast, unlike the softer '-는데'.

The Korean conjunction 지만 is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the Korean language, serving as the primary way to express contrast, contradiction, or concession between two clauses. At its core, it functions similarly to the English words 'but,' 'however,' or 'although.' When a speaker uses 지만, they are acknowledging the truth or existence of the first statement while immediately introducing a second statement that provides a different perspective, a surprising result, or a direct opposition. This grammatical structure is essential for moving beyond simple, isolated sentences into complex, nuanced communication. In daily life, you will hear it used to describe personal preferences, compare products, explain situations where things didn't go as planned, and politely disagree with others. It is a bridge that allows for the complexity of human thought, where two seemingly opposing ideas can coexist in a single sentence. For example, one might say they are tired but still want to study, or that a restaurant is expensive but the food is delicious.

Semantic Function: The primary role is to establish a contrastive relationship where the second clause (P2) is unexpected or contrary given the first clause (P1).

한국어 공부는 어렵지만 재미있어요. (Korean study is difficult, but it is fun.)

Beyond simple contrast, 지만 is also used in polite inquiries or requests to soften the blow of an interruption. For instance, '죄송하지만...' (I am sorry, but...) is a standard way to start a sentence when asking for help or a favor. This 'concessive' use acknowledges the potential inconvenience to the listener before proceeding with the main point. In terms of frequency, it is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Korean, appearing in everything from casual text messages to formal academic papers. Its versatility stems from its ability to attach to almost any verb or adjective stem, as well as the copula '이다' (to be). Historically, it evolved from a combination of the nominalizing suffix -지 and the contrastive particle -만, which literally translates to 'only the fact that...', emphasizing the specific condition of the first clause before moving to the next. Understanding 지만 is not just about learning a word; it is about learning how to balance thoughts and communicate the complexities of reality where things are rarely just one way or another. It allows speakers to provide context and background that makes their main point more impactful. For instance, saying 'I bought it' is simple, but saying 'It was expensive, but I bought it' tells a much richer story about value and desire. This conjunction is the key to expressive and descriptive Korean speech.

Using 지만 correctly involves understanding how it attaches to different parts of speech and how it interacts with tenses. The most basic rule is that 지만 attaches directly to the stem of a verb or an adjective. For example, the verb '가다' (to go) has the stem '가-', so it becomes '가지만'. The adjective '크다' (to be big) has the stem '크-', so it becomes '크지만'. This rule applies regardless of whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. For example, '먹다' (to eat) becomes '먹지만'.

Conjugation Rule: Verb/Adjective Stem + 지만. For nouns, use -(이)지만 (이 is added if the noun ends in a consonant).

어제는 비가 왔지만 오늘은 날씨가 맑아요. (It rained yesterday, but the weather is clear today.)

One of the most important aspects of 지만 is its compatibility with tense markers. Unlike some other connectors that require the first clause to be in the present tense regardless of the actual time, 지만 allows for past and future tense markers to be attached to the stem before the conjunction. For the past tense, you use -았/었/였- followed by 지만. For example, '공부했다' (studied) becomes '공부했지만' (studied, but...). For the future or presumptive tense, you use -겠- followed by 지만, resulting in '-겠지만' (will..., but... or I guess..., but...). This flexibility makes it a very precise tool for temporal contrast. When using 지만 with nouns, the copula '이다' is required. If the noun ends in a vowel, like '의사' (doctor), it becomes '의사지만' (though the '이' is often dropped in speech, '의사이지만' is the full form). If the noun ends in a consonant, like '학생' (student), it must be '학생이지만'. In complex sentences, 지만 can also be used with honorifics. The honorific marker -(으)시- is placed before 지만, as in '바쁘시지만' (Though [you/he/she] are busy...). This is crucial for maintaining proper etiquette when speaking about someone of higher status. Another advanced usage involves repeating the same verb to emphasize the contrast, such as '가기는 가지만...' (I am going, but [I don't really want to]). This construction uses the nominalized form -기는 followed by the verb again with 지만. This adds a layer of nuance, suggesting a reluctant agreement or a partial truth. Finally, it is worth noting that while 지만 usually connects two clauses, it can occasionally appear at the end of a sentence in spoken Korean to leave a thought trailing off, implying a 'but' that the listener is expected to understand from context. This is often done to be polite or to avoid saying something negative directly. Mastering these various forms allows a learner to express a wide range of logical relationships and emotional tones.

You will encounter 지만 in virtually every corner of Korean life, from the most mundane daily interactions to the highest levels of formal discourse. In a typical Korean household, you might hear a parent say, '사탕은 맛있지만 이빨에 안 좋아' (Candy is delicious, but it's bad for your teeth). This illustrates its role in teaching and providing cautionary advice. In the workplace, 지만 is indispensable for professional communication. A colleague might say, '죄송하지만 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요?' (I'm sorry, but could you explain that one more time?). Here, it functions as a polite buffer, softening a request that might otherwise seem demanding.

Common Contexts: Customer service, news broadcasts, debating, personal storytelling, and polite interruptions.

실례지만 길 좀 물어볼게요. (Excuse me, but I'd like to ask for directions.)

In Korean media, such as K-dramas and variety shows, 지만 is frequently used to build tension or reveal character motivations. A protagonist might confess, '너를 사랑하지만 떠나야 해' (I love you, but I have to leave). This dramatic use highlights the internal conflict that is central to many storylines. On the news, anchors use it to report contrasting facts: '경제는 성장하고 있지만 서민들의 삶은 여전히 어렵습니다' (The economy is growing, but the lives of ordinary people are still difficult). This usage demonstrates its importance in objective reporting and analysis. In the world of shopping and services, you'll hear it when clerks explain limitations: '이 옷은 예쁘지만 사이즈가 이것뿐이에요' (This clothing is pretty, but this is the only size). It's also common in weather reports, sports commentary, and academic lectures. Because it is a neutral conjunction, it doesn't carry a specific 'vibe' on its own; rather, it takes on the tone of the surrounding words. Whether you are reading a classic novel where a narrator describes a beautiful but lonely landscape, or scrolling through social media where a friend posts about a fun but exhausting trip, 지만 is the thread that ties these contrasting experiences together. It is a linguistic tool that reflects the Korean cultural tendency to acknowledge multiple sides of a situation, maintaining harmony even when expressing disagreement or pointing out flaws. By paying attention to how native speakers use 지만, you can learn a lot about the rhythm of Korean conversation and the subtle ways that contrast is managed in different social settings.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 지만 is confusing it with the connector -는데/은데/ㄴ데. While both can sometimes be translated as 'but' in English, their functions in Korean are distinct. 지만 is used for a strong, direct contrast between two facts. In contrast, -는데 is often used to provide background information or set the scene for what follows, and the 'but' meaning is often much weaker or non-existent. For example, '비가 오지만 나갔어요' (It rained, but I went out anyway - direct contrast) vs. '비가 오는데 어디 가요?' (It's raining, so/and where are you going? - background). Using 지만 when -는데 is more appropriate can make your speech sound overly blunt or logically disconnected.

Mistake 1: Tense Placement: Incorrectly attaching the tense marker after the conjunction instead of before it. It must be '갔지만', not '가지만았어요'.

❌ 먹다지만 (Wrong) -> ✅ 먹지만 (Correct)

Another common error is forgetting the copula '이' when attaching 지만 to a noun ending in a consonant. For example, saying '학생지만' instead of '학생이지만'. This '이' is essential for the grammatical structure to hold. Learners also sometimes struggle with the 'reluctant agreement' pattern (Verb-기는 Verb-지만). They might forget to repeat the verb or use the wrong form in the first part. For example, '가기는 하지만' is correct, but '가지만 하지만' is nonsensical. Overusing 지만 is another pitfall. While it is a great word, using it in every sentence where you want to say 'but' can make your Korean sound repetitive and textbook-like. Native speakers often use other structures like -아/어도 (even though) or -는데 to vary their speech. Additionally, beginners sometimes try to use 지만 at the beginning of a sentence as a standalone word like 'But...'. In Korean, you should use '하지만' or '그렇지만' for that purpose. 지만 is a connective suffix, meaning it must be attached to a word that precedes it. Finally, some learners confuse 지만 with -지 마세요 (don't do something). While they share the '지' sound, they are completely unrelated grammatically. '지 마세요' is an imperative ending, while 지만 is a conjunction. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you avoid the most common traps and sound more like a native speaker.

While 지만 is the most common way to say 'but,' Korean offers several alternatives that carry slightly different nuances or levels of formality. The most frequent alternative is -는데/은데/ㄴ데. As mentioned before, this is often more about providing background than direct contrast. If 지만 is a sharp 'but,' -는데 is a softer 'and/but/so.' Another similar structure is -아/어도, which translates to 'even though' or 'even if.' This is used when the second clause happens despite the first clause, often implying a sense of persistence or unexpectedness. For example, '비가 와도 갈 거예요' (Even if it rains, I will go).

Comparison: 지만 vs. 나/으나: -나/으나 is a more formal, literary version of 지만. It is often found in written texts, speeches, or proverbs.

몸은 멀리 있으나 마음은 가까이 있다. (The body is far, but the heart is near.)

In very formal or academic writing, you might see -건만, which expresses a strong sense of regret or unfulfilled expectation regarding the second clause. For instance, '열심히 공부했건만 시험에 떨어졌다' (I studied hard, but [regrettably] I failed the exam). Another formal alternative is -거늘, which is used to point out a logical contradiction, often in a rhetorical or moralizing way. For everyday speech, if you want to start a new sentence with 'But,' you would use 하지만, 그렇지만, or the more casual 근데 (a shortened form of 그런데). There is also the suffix -되, which is used in formal instructions or legal contexts to mean 'but' or 'provided that.' For example, '참석은 자유로되 미리 알려주세요' (Attendance is free, but please let us know in advance). Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the right 'but' for the right situation, whether you are writing a poem, giving a business presentation, or chatting with friends. Each one adds a different flavor to the contrast you are trying to express. By mastering 지만 first, you build a solid foundation for these more advanced and nuanced contrastive structures.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"본 제품은 고가이지만 성능이 뛰어납니다."

Neutre

"날씨는 춥지만 하늘은 맑아요."

Informel

"배는 고프지만 먹기 싫어."

Child friendly

"약은 쓰지만 몸에 좋아."

Argot

"돈은 없지만 가오는 살려야지."

Le savais-tu ?

In Middle Korean, the contrastive meaning was often expressed with different suffixes, and -지만 as we know it today became standardized in the modern era.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dʑi.man/

US /dʒi.mɑːn/

The stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis may fall on the first syllable '지' to highlight the contrast.

Rime avec

지만 (jiman) 그만 (geuman) 미안 (mian) 시간 (sigan) 계란 (gyeran) 현관 (hyeongwan) 비만 (biman) 기만 (giman)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing '지' like 'zee' (it should be 'jee').
Pronouncing 'man' like the English word 'man' (it should be 'mahn').
Making the 'j' sound too aspirated like 'chi'.
Shortening the 'i' sound too much.
Nasalizing the 'a' in 'man' too much.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a connector in text.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct stem attachment and tense usage.

Expression orale 2/5

Very common and easy to use once the pattern is learned.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation and easy to spot in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

이다 가다 먹다 크다 작다

Apprends ensuite

-는데 -아/어도 -으니까 -기 때문에

Avancé

-으나 -건만 -거늘 -되

Grammaire à connaître

Verb/Adjective Stem + 지만

가다 -> 가지만

Past Tense + 지만

먹었다 -> 먹었지만

Future Tense + 지만

하겠다 -> 하겠지만

Noun + (이)지만

선생님 -> 선생님이지만

Honorific + 지만

오시다 -> 오시지만

Exemples par niveau

사과는 비싸지만 맛있어요.

Apples are expensive but delicious.

비싸다 (expensive) + 지만

키가 작지만 힘이 세요.

I am short but strong.

작다 (small/short) + 지만

한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.

Korean is difficult but fun.

어렵다 (difficult) + 지만

가방은 무겁지만 예뻐요.

The bag is heavy but pretty.

무겁다 (heavy) + 지만

밖은 춥지만 안은 따뜻해요.

It's cold outside but warm inside.

춥다 (cold) + 지만

공부는 힘들지만 중요해요.

Studying is hard but important.

힘들다 (hard/tiring) + 지만

영화는 길지만 재미있어요.

The movie is long but interesting.

길다 (long) + 지만

이름은 모르지만 얼굴은 알아요.

I don't know the name, but I know the face.

모르다 (to not know) + 지만

어제는 비가 왔지만 오늘은 맑아요.

It rained yesterday, but it's clear today.

왔다 (past of 오다) + 지만

저는 학생이지만 직업이 있어요.

I am a student, but I have a job.

학생 (noun) + 이지만

죄송하지만 길 좀 알려주세요.

I'm sorry, but please tell me the way.

죄송하다 (to be sorry) + 지만

많이 먹었지만 배가 고파요.

I ate a lot, but I'm still hungry.

먹었다 (past of 먹다) + 지만

그 사람은 외국인이지만 한국말을 잘해요.

That person is a foreigner, but they speak Korean well.

외국인 (noun) + 이지만

옷이 작지만 그냥 입을게요.

The clothes are small, but I'll just wear them.

작다 (small) + 지만

노래는 못하지만 춤은 잘 춰요.

I can't sing well, but I dance well.

못하다 (to be bad at) + 지만

실례지만 성함이 어떻게 되세요?

Excuse me, but what is your name?

실례하다 (to excuse/interrupt) + 지만

돈은 없지만 마음은 부자예요.

I don't have money, but I'm rich in spirit.

없다 (to not have) + 지만

열심히 했지만 결과가 안 좋았어요.

I worked hard, but the result wasn't good.

했다 (past of 하다) + 지만

바쁘시겠지만 시간 좀 내주세요.

I know you're busy, but please spare some time.

바쁘시다 (honorific of 바쁘다) + 지만

알고는 있지만 설명하기 어려워요.

I know it, but it's hard to explain.

알고 있다 (to know) + 지만

그 영화를 보기는 했지만 기억이 안 나요.

I did see that movie, but I don't remember it.

보기는 했다 (emphasized past) + 지만

위험하겠지만 도전해 보고 싶어요.

It might be dangerous, but I want to try the challenge.

위험하겠다 (future/guess) + 지만

몸은 아프지만 기분은 좋아요.

My body hurts, but I feel good.

아프다 (to be sick/hurt) + 지만

약속은 했지만 지키지 못했어요.

I made a promise, but I couldn't keep it.

했다 (past of 하다) + 지만

사실이지만 믿기 힘든 이야기예요.

It's true, but it's a hard story to believe.

사실 (noun) + 이지만

겉은 화려하지만 속은 비어 있어요.

The outside is flashy, but the inside is empty.

화려하다 (flashy) + 지만

성공했지만 행복하지는 않았어요.

I succeeded, but I wasn't happy.

성공했다 (past) + 지만

비록 작지만 큰 힘이 될 거예요.

Although it's small, it will be a big help.

비록 (although) + 작다 + 지만

말은 쉽지만 행동은 어려워요.

Words are easy, but actions are difficult.

쉽다 (easy) + 지만

잘못은 인정하지만 사과는 안 해요.

I admit the mistake, but I won't apologize.

인정하다 (admit) + 지만

부족하지만 정성껏 준비했습니다.

It's lacking, but I prepared it with all my heart.

부족하다 (lacking) + 지만

나이는 어리지만 생각이 깊어요.

He is young, but his thoughts are deep.

어리다 (young) + 지만

이상은 높지만 현실은 냉혹합니다.

Ideals are high, but reality is cold/harsh.

높다 (high) + 지만

기술은 발전했지만 윤리적 문제는 남았습니다.

Technology has advanced, but ethical issues remain.

발전했다 (past) + 지만

전통을 지키지만 변화를 거부하지는 않아요.

We keep tradition, but we don't reject change.

지키다 (keep) + 지만

비판은 달게 받겠지만 억측은 사양합니다.

I will take criticism, but I decline groundless speculation.

받겠다 (future/intent) + 지만

증거는 불충분하지만 정황은 확실합니다.

The evidence is insufficient, but the circumstances are clear.

불충분하다 (insufficient) + 지만

과정은 험난했지만 결과는 보람찼습니다.

The process was arduous, but the result was rewarding.

험난했다 (past) + 지만

개성은 존중하지만 질서는 지켜야 합니다.

We respect individuality, but order must be maintained.

존중하다 (respect) + 지만

문장은 유려하지만 내용은 빈약합니다.

The sentences are elegant, but the content is poor.

유려하다 (elegant) + 지만

진리는 자명하지만 실천은 요원합니다.

The truth is self-evident, but practice is far off.

자명하다 (self-evident) + 지만

권력은 유한하지만 명예는 영원합니다.

Power is finite, but honor is eternal.

유한하다 (finite) + 지만

인생은 짧지만 예술은 길다.

Life is short, but art is long.

짧다 (short) + 지만

고난은 우리를 단련시키지만 좌절시키지는 못한다.

Hardship tempers us, but it cannot frustrate/break us.

단련시키다 (to temper) + 지만

침묵은 금이지만 때로는 독이 되기도 한다.

Silence is golden, but sometimes it becomes poison.

금 (gold/noun) + 이지만

역사는 반복되지만 결코 똑같지는 않다.

History repeats itself, but it is never exactly the same.

반복되다 (to repeat) + 지만

인간은 이성적이지만 감정에 휘둘리기 쉽다.

Humans are rational, but they are easily swayed by emotions.

이성적이다 (rational) + 지만

법은 엄격하지만 자비가 있어야 한다.

The law is strict, but there must be mercy.

엄격하다 (strict) + 지만

Collocations courantes

죄송하지만

실례지만

어렵지만

바쁘시겠지만

부족하지만

비싸지만

작지만

힘들겠지만

알고는 있지만

사실이지만

Phrases Courantes

말은 쉽지만

늦었지만

비록 ~지만

알고 보니 ~지만

보기에는 ~지만

생각은 했지만

마음은 굴뚝같지만

죄송하지만 안 됩니다

다 좋지만

믿기지 않지만

Souvent confondu avec

지만 vs -는데

지만 is for direct contrast; -는데 is for background or softer contrast.

지만 vs -아/어도

지만 is 'but'; -아/어도 is 'even though/if'.

지만 vs -지 마세요

Unrelated; -지 마세요 is a command not to do something.

Expressions idiomatiques

"몸은 멀리 있지만 마음은 가까이 있다"

Far in distance but close in heart.

우리 떨어져 있지만 마음은 가까이 있자.

Neutral

"말은 쉽지만 행동은 어렵다"

Actions speak louder than words (Contrast between saying and doing).

말은 쉽지만 행동은 어려운 법이야.

Neutral

"입은 삐뚤어져도 말은 바로 해라"

Even if your mouth is crooked, speak straight (Tell the truth despite circumstances).

입은 삐뚤어져도 말은 바로 해야지!

Proverb

"빛 좋은 개살구지만"

Looks good on the outside but lacks substance.

그 차는 빛 좋은 개살구지만 타보면 별로야.

Informal

"하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍은 있다지만"

They say there's always a way out even if the sky falls, but...

하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍은 있다지만 지금은 막막해.

Proverbial

"돈은 없지만 가오는 있다"

I don't have money, but I have pride/style (slangy).

나 돈은 없지만 가오는 있어!

Slang

"가기는 가지만 마음은 무겁다"

I'm going, but my heart is heavy.

가기는 가지만 걱정이 되네요.

Neutral

"알 건 다 알지만 모르는 척하다"

To know everything but pretend not to.

그는 알 건 다 알지만 모르는 척하고 있어요.

Neutral

"얼굴은 예쁘지만 마음은 못됐다"

Pretty face but an ugly heart.

그 여자는 얼굴은 예쁘지만 마음은 못됐어.

Informal

"공부는 못하지만 성격은 좋다"

Not good at studying but has a good personality.

우리 아들은 공부는 못하지만 성격은 좋아요.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

지만 vs -는데

Both can translate to 'but'.

지만 is a strong contrast. -는데 is a background provider or soft contrast.

비가 오지만 가요 (Contrast) vs 비가 오는데 어디 가요? (Background)

지만 vs 하지만

Both mean 'but'.

지만 is a suffix (middle of sentence). 하지만 is a conjunction (start of sentence).

맵지만 맛있어요 vs 하지만 매워요.

지만 vs -나

Both mean 'but'.

-나 is more formal/literary than 지만.

작으나 강하다 (Formal) vs 작지만 강하다 (Neutral).

지만 vs -아/어도

Similar 'concession' meaning.

-아/어도 implies 'no matter if'. 지만 implies 'it is true that X, but Y'.

추워도 가요 (Even if cold) vs 춥지만 가요 (It's cold but I'm going).

지만 vs 그런데

Both mean 'but'.

그런데 is more conversational and can also mean 'by the way'.

그런데 그건 뭐예요? (By the way...)

Structures de phrases

Adj/Verb Stem + 지만

싸지만 좋아요.

Past Stem + 지만

어제는 추웠지만 오늘은 따뜻해요.

Noun + (이)지만

초보자지만 열심히 해요.

Future Stem + 지만

어렵겠지만 해볼게요.

Verb-기는 Verb-지만

먹기는 먹지만 맛은 없어요.

비록 ~지만

비록 작지만 소중해요.

Honorific + 지만

바쁘시겠지만 부탁드립니다.

Abstract Noun + 이지만

진리이지만 실천은 어렵다.

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely High

Erreurs courantes

먹다지만 → 먹지만
You must remove the '다' from the dictionary form before adding '지만'.
학생지만 → 학생이지만
Nouns ending in a consonant need '이' before '지만'.
가지만았어요 → 갔지만
Tense markers must come before the conjunction '지만'.
Using 지만 to start a sentence. → 하지만 / 그렇지만
지만 is a suffix and cannot stand alone at the beginning of a sentence.
Confusing 지만 with -지 마세요. → N/A
One is a contrastive conjunction, the other is a negative imperative.

Astuces

Stem Attachment

Always attach 지만 to the verb or adjective stem. Never use the dictionary form (ending in -다).

Polite Buffer

Use '실례지만' or '죄송하지만' when approaching strangers or asking for favors.

Tense Consistency

Ensure the tense in the first clause matches the context of your story.

Noun Copula

Remember the '이' for nouns: 학생 + 이 + 지만.

Avoid Overuse

Try using '-는데' or '-아/어도' occasionally to make your Korean sound more natural.

Direct Contrast

Use 지만 when you want to emphasize that two things are truly opposite.

Intonation

A slight rise in pitch on '지' can help emphasize the contrast.

Formal Writing

In very formal essays, consider using '-으나' instead of '지만'.

Catching the Turn

When you hear '지만', prepare for the speaker to change the direction of their thought.

The 'But' Bridge

Visualize '지만' as a bridge connecting two different islands.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'G-Man' (Jiman). A G-man (government agent) says 'I know your secret, BUT I won't tell.'

Association visuelle

Imagine a seesaw with two different items on each side, connected by a hinge labeled '지만'.

Word Web

Contrast But However Concession Opposite Linker Grammar Korean

Défi

Try to describe three things in your room using '지만' (e.g., The bed is small but comfortable).

Origine du mot

The suffix -지만 is a compound of the nominalizing suffix -지 and the contrastive particle -만. The -지 suffix often indicates a specific fact or state, and -만 means 'only' or 'just'. Together, they originally meant something like 'only the fact that...', which evolved into the contrastive 'but'.

Sens originel : Only the fact that (Clause 1), (Clause 2 follows).

Koreanic

Contexte culturel

When disagreeing with a superior, it is better to use '죄송하지만' or '실례지만' to remain respectful.

English speakers use 'but' very frequently. '지만' is the closest equivalent, but be careful not to use it at the start of a sentence; use '하지만' instead.

The phrase '인생은 짧지만 예술은 길다' (Life is short but art is long) is a common proverb in Korea. K-pop lyrics often use '사랑하지만' (I love you but...) to express heartbreak. News headlines frequently use '-지만' to contrast economic indicators.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping

비싸지만 사요
예쁘지만 커요
좋지만 비싸요
작지만 비싸요

Weather

춥지만 맑아요
덥지만 시원해요
비가 오지만 가요
눈이 오지만 안 추워요

Food

맵지만 맛있어요
쓰지만 건강해요
달지만 짜요
비싸지만 맛있어요

Work

바쁘지만 괜찮아요
힘들지만 보람차요
죄송하지만 안 돼요
실례지만 물어볼게요

Feelings

슬프지만 웃어요
화나지만 참아요
좋지만 부끄러워요
무섭지만 궁금해요

Amorces de conversation

"한국어 공부는 어떻지만 재미있어요?"

"어제는 바빴지만 오늘은 어때요?"

"매운 음식을 좋아하지만 잘 못 먹나요?"

"실례지만 어디서 오셨어요?"

"죄송하지만 사진 좀 찍어 주실래요?"

Sujets d'écriture

오늘 힘들었지만 보람찼던 일에 대해 써보세요.

내가 좋아하는 것이지만 남들은 싫어하는 것은 무엇인가요?

과거에는 그랬지만 지금은 바뀐 생각에 대해 써보세요.

어렵지만 꼭 배우고 싶은 기술은 무엇인가요?

비싸지만 꼭 사고 싶은 물건이 있나요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 지만 is a suffix. Use '하지만' or '그렇지만' to start a sentence.

지만 is for a clear contrast (A but B). -는데 is for background (A is happening, and/but B).

Add -(이)지만. Use '이지만' if the noun ends in a consonant (학생이지만) and '지만' if it ends in a vowel (의사지만).

Yes, attach the past tense marker to the stem first, then add 지만 (e.g., 먹었지만).

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations.

It means 'I'm sorry, but...' and is used to politely lead into a request.

Yes, add -(으)시- before 지만 (e.g., 바쁘시지만).

-으나 is the formal, written version of 지만.

In spoken Korean, yes, to imply a 'but' that you don't want to say out loud. It sounds hesitant or polite.

No, it always stays '지만' regardless of the stem's vowels or consonants.