But & Although in Korean: Using `지만` to Contrast Ideas
지만 to flip the direction of your sentence with a direct 'but' or 'although' contrast.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -지만 to connect two sentences with contrasting ideas, meaning 'but' or 'although'.
- Attach -지만 directly to the verb or adjective stem.
- It works for both present and past tense stems.
- The second clause often expresses a result contrary to the first.
Overview
Korean language learners at an A2 level often encounter situations requiring the expression of contrast or concession. The connective ending 지만 (jiman) serves this crucial function, directly translating to "but," "although," or "even though" in English. It is a foundational element for constructing more complex and nuanced sentences, moving beyond simple declarative statements.
Understanding 지만 enables you to link two distinct ideas, where the second idea presents a contrast, an exception, or an unexpected outcome relative to the first. Mastery of 지만 is essential for expressing opinions, describing discrepancies, and engaging in natural, sophisticated Korean conversation.
This grammatical pattern facilitates the acknowledgment of one fact while immediately pivoting to a contrasting or qualifying statement. Without 지만, expressions of disagreement, compromise, or nuanced observation become cumbersome and less natural. It provides a linguistic tool to connect what might seem like opposing or conflicting pieces of information into a coherent thought.
You will find 지만 widely used in all forms of communication, from casual conversation and texting to formal presentations and written reports.
How This Grammar Works
지만 functions as a bridge between two clauses within a single sentence. The first clause (Clause 1) establishes an initial statement or condition, and 지만 attaches to the predicate of this clause. The second clause (Clause 2) then introduces a contrasting, contradictory, or unexpected element related to Clause 1.지만 is highly regular and exceptionally versatile. It attaches directly to the stem of verbs, adjectives, and the copula 이다 (ida, to be). This regularity means you do not need to consider batchim (final consonant) rules for its basic formation, simplifying its application significantly.지만 itself. This allows 지만 to be used across various registers, from highly formal 합니다체 (hamnida-che) to casual 해체 (hae-che), maintaining its form regardless of the social context.날씨는 춥지만 하늘은 맑아요. (nalssineun chupjiman haneureun malgayo. The weather is cold, but the sky is clear.) Here, 춥지만 (chupjiman) connects the initial state of "cold weather" with the contrasting observation of a "clear sky." The 지만 effectively signals that while one condition exists, another, somewhat opposing, condition is also present. This structure allows for a concise and elegant way to express complex realities, mirroring how a native speaker would naturally articulate such thoughts.지만 often carries the greater emphasis or represents the main point the speaker wishes to convey. The first clause acknowledges a fact, while the second clause provides the significant detail or the speaker's true intention. For instance, in 이 가방은 비싸지만 정말 예뻐요. (i gabang-eun bissajiman jeongmal yeppeoyo.지만 is employed.Formation Pattern
지만 is straightforward, attaching directly to the verb stem, adjective stem, or the nominal predicate. This simplicity makes it an accessible grammar point even for early learners. The core principle involves taking the dictionary form of a verb or adjective, removing the final 다 (da), and then appending 지만. For nouns, the copula 이다 (ida) is involved, with a slight variation based on whether the noun ends in a final consonant.
다 from the dictionary form and attach 지만.
지만 Form | Romanization | Meaning | Example Sentence (Formal) | Example Sentence (Casual) |
가다 (to go) | 가- | 가지만 | gajiman | go, but | 내일 학교에 가지만 일찍 올 거예요. (I'll go to school tomorrow, but I'll come early.) | 내일 학교에 가지만 일찍 올 거야. |
먹다 (to eat) | 먹- | 먹지만 | meokjiman | eat, but | 점심을 먹었지만 아직 배고파요. (I ate lunch, but I'm still hungry.) | 점심을 먹었지만 아직 배고파. |
크다 (to be big) | 크- | 크지만 | keujiman | big, but | 집은 크지만 방이 별로 없어요. (The house is big, but there aren't many rooms.) | 집은 크지만 방이 별로 없어. |
좋다 (to be good) | 좋- | 좋지만 | johjiman | good, but | 영화는 좋지만 좀 길어요. (The movie is good, but it's a bit long.) | 영화는 좋지만 좀 길어. |
이다 - to be):
지만, it combines with the copula 이다. The form depends on the preceding noun's final sound.
batchim), add 이지만.
지만 (from 이-+지만 -> 지만).
지만 Form | Romanization | Meaning | Example Sentence (Formal) | Example Sentence (Casual) |
학생 (student) | 학생이지만 | haksaengijiman | student, but | 저는 학생이지만 직장인처럼 바빠요. (I'm a student, but I'm busy like a worker.) | 나는 학생이지만 직장인처럼 바빠. |
의사 (doctor) | 의사지만 | uisajiman | doctor, but | 그분은 의사지만 요리를 아주 잘해요. (He is a doctor, but he cooks very well.) | 그분은 의사지만 요리를 아주 잘해. |
지만 typically attaches to the conjugated stem of the first clause, allowing it to convey past, future, or progressive aspects. This is a critical point that learners often overlook.
지만 to the past tense stem (-았/었/였-).
보다 (to see) -> 봤지만 (bwatjiman. saw, but)
공부하다 (to study) -> 공부했지만 (gongbuhaetjiman. studied, but)
어제 드라마를 봤지만 내용이 기억이 안 나요. (eojje deuramareul bwatjiman naeyong-i gieogi an nayo. I watched the drama yesterday, but I don't remember the content.)
지만 to the future tense marker -겠- (get-).
하겠다 (will do) -> 하겠지만 (hagetjiman. will do, but)
오겠다 (will come) -> 오겠지만 (ogetjiman. will come, but)
내일 비가 오겠지만 우리는 갈 거예요. (naeil biga ogetjiman urineun gal geoyeyo. It might rain tomorrow, but we will go.)
지만 to the progressive form -고 있다 (go itda).
먹고 있다 (eating) -> 먹고 있지만 (meokgo itjiman. eating, but)
듣고 있다 (listening) -> 듣고 있지만 (deutgo itjiman. listening, but)
지금 음악을 듣고 있지만 집중이 안 돼요. (jigeum eumageul deutgo itjiman jipjung-i an dwaeyo. I'm listening to music now, but I can't concentrate.)
지만.
When To Use It
지만 is a versatile connective ending that facilitates several communicative functions, all centered around expressing a contrast or concession between two ideas. Its appropriate use adds depth and naturalness to your Korean expressions.지만, where the second clause presents a direct counterpoint to the first. The information in Clause 1 sets up an expectation that is then contradicted or qualified by Clause 2. This can apply to descriptions, opinions, or actions.- Describing attributes:
이 컴퓨터는 비싸지만 성능이 좋아요.(i keompyuteoneun bissajiman seongneung-i johayo. This computer is expensive, but its performance is good.) Here, the high price is directly contrasted with the good performance. - Stating preferences:
저는 매운 음식을 좋아하지만 너무 매운 것은 못 먹어요.(jeoneun maeun eumsigeul johajiman neomu maeun geoseun mot meogeoyo. I like spicy food, but I can't eat things that are too spicy.) This expresses a preference with a clear limitation.
지만 can also introduce a concessive idea, meaning "although" or "even though." In this usage, Clause 1 presents a condition or situation, and Clause 2 describes an outcome that might seem unexpected given Clause 1.- Despite a condition:
피곤하지만 운동하러 갈 거예요.(pigonhajiman undonghareo gal geoyeyo. Although I'm tired, I'm going to exercise.) The tiredness (Clause 1) would typically lead to resting, but the speaker's intention to exercise (Clause 2) is an unexpected action. - Acknowledging a challenge:
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.(hangugeoneun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo. Even though Korean is difficult, it's interesting.) The difficulty does not negate the enjoyment, but rather provides context.
지만 can sometimes sound direct, it can also be used to politely introduce a differing opinion or to soften a negative response by first acknowledging a positive aspect. This is a common strategy in Korean communication for maintaining harmony.- Gentle correction:
그 아이디어는 좋지만 실현하기 어려울 것 같아요.(geu aidieoneun johjiman sirhyeonhagi eoryeoul geot gatayo. That idea is good, but I think it will be difficult to implement.) You acknowledge the positive before stating the practical challenge. - Declining an invitation:
초대해 주셔서 감사하지만 참석하기 어렵습니다.(chodaehae jusyeoseo gamsahajiman chamseokhagi eoryeopseumnida. Thank you for inviting me, but it will be difficult for me to attend.) The gratitude softens the refusal.
지만):지만 can provide background information leading to a problem or a request, though -(으)는데 often serves this purpose more softly. With 지만, the contrast is usually more pronounced.일을 다 끝냈지만 다른 문제가 생겼어요.(ireul da kkeutnaetjiman dareun munjega saenggyeosseoyo. I finished all the work, but another problem arose.) Here, finishing the work (Clause 1) should imply completion, but Clause 2 introduces a new, contrasting issue.
지만 effectively, making your Korean sound more natural and your communication clearer and more polite.Common Mistakes
지만. Recognizing these patterns and understanding the underlying reasons will help you avoid them and use 지만 accurately.지만. If the event in Clause 1 occurred in the past, 지만 must attach to the past-tense stem, not the present-tense stem.- Incorrect:
어제 영화가 좋지만 내용이 슬펐어요.(eojje yeonghwaga johjiman naeyong-i seulpeosseoyo. Yesterday's movie is good, but the content was sad.) - Explanation:
좋지만implies the movie is good now. Since the movie was watched yesterday, the past tense is required. - Correct:
어제 영화가 좋았지만 내용이 슬펐어요.(eojje yeonghwaga johatjiman naeyong-i seulpeosseoyo. Yesterday's movie was good, but the content was sad.)
지만 must follow -겠-.- Incorrect:
내일 비가 오지만 공원에 갈 거예요.(naeil biga ojiman gongwone gal geoyeyo. Tomorrow it rains, but I will go to the park.) - Correct:
내일 비가 오겠지만 공원에 갈 거예요.(naeil biga ogetjiman gongwone gal geoyeyo. Tomorrow it will rain, but I will go to the park.)
지만 vs. -(으)는데:지만 expresses a relatively strong and direct contrast. While appropriate in many situations, overusing 지만 in every contrasting context can make your speech sound abrupt or even a little confrontational. For softer transitions, providing background information, or a less direct contrast, -(으)는데 (eun/neunde) is often preferred by native speakers. -(으)는데 presents a contrast with a more explanatory or anticipatory nuance, whereas 지만 often feels like a direct "however" or "but."지만(direct contrast):이 책은 좋지만 좀 지루해요.(i chaegeun johjiman jom jiruhaeyo. This book is good, but it's a bit boring.) – A strong statement of opposition.-(으)는데(softer contrast/background):이 책이 좋은데 좀 지루해요.(i chaegi joheunde jom jiruhaeyo. This book is good, and it's a bit boring.) – Presents the second part more as additional information or an observation, not a hard contradiction.
지만 in every instance where a soft contrast is implied might not sound natural and could inadvertently convey a stronger sense of disagreement than intended, particularly in social interactions.이 in 이지만 when a noun ends in a batchim (final consonant) is a common error.- Incorrect:
저는 학생지만 매일 공부해요.(jeoneun haksaengjiman maeil gongbuhaeyo.) - Correct:
저는 학생이지만 매일 공부해요.(jeoneun haksaengijiman maeil gongbuhaeyo. I am a student, but I study every day.) - Explanation: The copula
이다is이에요or이어요after a consonant, and예요or여요after a vowel. The이is integral when the noun ends in a consonant to smoothly connect with지만.
지만 should only be used when there is a genuine, logical contrast or concession between the two clauses. Connecting two unrelated facts with 지만 will sound nonsensical.- Illogical:
저는 한국 사람이지만 김치를 안 먹어요.(jeoneun hanguk saramijiman gimchireul an meogeoyo. I am Korean, but I don't eat kimchi.) - Explanation: This implies that being Korean inherently means eating kimchi, making the
Conjugation of -지만
| Verb/Adjective | Stem | Present + 지만 | Past + 지만 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가다
|
가-
|
가지만
|
갔지만
|
|
먹다
|
먹-
|
먹지만
|
먹었지만
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘-
|
예쁘지만
|
예뻤지만
|
|
춥다
|
춥-
|
춥지만
|
추웠지만
|
|
하다
|
하-
|
하지만
|
했지만
|
|
작다
|
작-
|
작지만
|
작았지만
|
Meanings
Used to connect two clauses where the second clause contrasts with or provides a concession to the first.
Direct Contrast
Expressing a contradiction between two facts.
“비싸지만 맛있어요.”
“공부는 했지만 시험을 못 봤어요.”
Concession
Admitting one fact while highlighting another.
“미안하지만 도와줄 수 없어요.”
“알지만 말하고 싶지 않아요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Present
|
Stem + 지만
|
먹지만
|
|
Past
|
Past Stem + 지만
|
먹었지만
|
|
Adjective
|
Stem + 지만
|
예쁘지만
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + 지만
|
안 먹지만
|
|
Polite
|
Stem + 지만 + -요
|
먹지만요
|
|
Formal
|
Stem + 지만 + -입니다
|
먹지만입니다
|
Formality Spectrum
가고 싶지만 갈 수 없습니다. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶지만 갈 수 없어요. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶지만 못 가. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶은데 못 감. (Declining an invitation)
The Contrast Bridge
Usage
- Contrast Opposite ideas
- Concession Softening refusal
Contrastive Markers
Examples by Level
맵지만 맛있어요.
It's spicy, but delicious.
작지만 예뻐요.
It's small, but pretty.
비싸지만 샀어요.
It's expensive, but I bought it.
춥지만 좋아요.
It's cold, but I like it.
어제 공부했지만 어려웠어요.
I studied yesterday, but it was hard.
가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요.
I want to go, but I don't have time.
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.
Korean is hard, but fun.
죄송하지만 다시 말해주세요.
I'm sorry, but please say it again.
그는 똑똑하지만 가끔 실수를 해요.
He is smart, but sometimes makes mistakes.
열심히 일했지만 결과가 좋지 않았어요.
I worked hard, but the results weren't good.
비가 오지만 산책을 할 거예요.
It's raining, but I will go for a walk.
이 식당은 유명하지만 서비스가 별로예요.
This restaurant is famous, but the service is not great.
계획은 완벽했지만 예상치 못한 문제가 생겼습니다.
The plan was perfect, but unexpected problems arose.
그녀는 제안을 거절했지만 정중하게 말했어요.
She declined the offer, but she spoke politely.
많은 사람들이 반대했지만 그는 포기하지 않았어요.
Many people opposed it, but he didn't give up.
이론적으로는 가능하지만 실제로는 어렵습니다.
Theoretically it's possible, but practically it's difficult.
그의 주장은 논리적이지만 감정적인 호소가 부족합니다.
His argument is logical, but lacks emotional appeal.
정부의 정책은 효과적이지만 부작용이 우려됩니다.
The government's policy is effective, but side effects are concerning.
비록 힘들지만 이 과정을 끝까지 마쳐야 합니다.
Although it is hard, I must finish this process to the end.
그는 천재적이지만 사회성이 조금 부족한 편입니다.
He is brilliant, but tends to lack social skills.
역사적 사실은 명확하지만 해석의 여지는 남아있습니다.
The historical facts are clear, but room for interpretation remains.
그의 문체는 화려하지만 내용의 깊이는 다소 부족합니다.
His writing style is ornate, but the depth of content is somewhat lacking.
전통적인 방식은 불편하지만 그 가치는 무시할 수 없습니다.
The traditional way is inconvenient, but its value cannot be ignored.
현대 사회는 풍요롭지만 정신적인 빈곤은 심화되고 있습니다.
Modern society is affluent, but spiritual poverty is deepening.
Easily Confused
Both connect sentences. -지만 is for contrast; -는데 is for background.
-나 is more literary/formal.
Both are connectives.
Common Mistakes
먹어요지만
먹지만
비싸다지만
비싸지만
가지만요
가지만
크지만은
크지만
갔었지만
갔지만
예쁘지만은
예쁘지만
먹고지만
먹지만
알지만은
알지만
가지만 했어요
갔지만 했어요
좋지만은 않아요
좋지는 않아요
가지만도
가지만
먹지만 했지만
먹었지만
예쁘지만 예쁘지 않아요
예쁘지만 별로예요
가지만은 않다
가지 않는다
Sentence Patterns
___지만 ___.
___했지만 ___.
___고 싶지만 ___.
___지만 ___은/는 아니에요.
Real World Usage
바쁘지만 갈게.
맵지만 맛있게 해주세요.
경험은 적지만 열심히 하겠습니다.
멀지만 꼭 가보고 싶어요.
비싸지만 예쁜 카페.
죄송하지만 환불은 어렵습니다.
Keep it short
No double endings
Use for politeness
Context matters
Smart Tips
Use -지만 to soften your refusal.
Use -지만 to balance the positive and negative.
If the second part contradicts the first, -지만 is your best friend.
Always use -지만 to provide a balanced review.
Pronunciation
Linking
The 'j' sound in -지만 is pronounced clearly.
Rising-Falling
비싸지만 ↗↘ 좋아요.
Signals the contrast clearly.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ji-man' as 'Gee, man, that's a tough contrast!'
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge with a sunny side on one end and a rainy side on the other. The bridge itself is labeled '지만'.
Rhyme
When you want to say 'but' and make it fit, just add -지만 to the verb bit.
Story
Min-su wanted to buy a car. It was fast (빠르다). But it was expensive (비싸다). He said, '차는 빠르지만 비싸요.' He walked home.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using -지만 about your day today.
Cultural Notes
Using -지만 is essential for 'kibun' (face). It allows you to say 'no' without being direct.
Often shortened to -지만 or replaced by -는데 in texting.
Used in formal speech to show respect while expressing a differing opinion.
Derived from the verb '지다' (to become) and the particle '만' (only).
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨 어때요?
한국 음식이 어때요?
이 영화 재미있었어요?
한국어 공부가 어때요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
날씨가 ___ (춥다) 좋아요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가요지만 안 가요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
It is small, but pretty.
Answer starts with: 작지만...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 가고 싶어요? B: 네, ___.
Use '어렵다' and '재미있다'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises날씨가 ___ (춥다) 좋아요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가요지만 안 가요.
맛있어요 / 비싸지만 / 이 / 음식은
It is small, but pretty.
가다 -> ?
A: 가고 싶어요? B: 네, ___.
Use '어렵다' and '재미있다'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises가방이 ________ 너무 예뻐요.
공부하고 / 피곤하지만 / 있어요 / 저는
Translate the sentence into Korean.
그분은 선생님________ 한국어를 못 해요.
영화를 보지만 재미없었어요.
Match the pairs:
키는 ________ 농구를 잘해요.
여름________ 시원해요.
Translate into Korean.
저는 피자를 먹다지만 맛없어요.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it only attaches to verbs and adjectives. For nouns, use -이지만.
It can be used in both formal and informal speech.
It doesn't matter; the form is always -지만.
Yes, attach it to the past stem (e.g., 먹었지만).
Yes, it functions as a contrastive conjunction.
-는데 is for background; -지만 is for direct contrast.
Yes, it is the standard polite way to refuse.
Yes, it is common in both formal and informal writing.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero
Korean uses a suffix; Spanish uses a separate word.
mais
Korean attaches the marker to the verb stem.
aber
Korean is agglutinative; German is not.
ga
Japanese 'ga' can also be a subject marker.
lakin
Korean is suffix-based; Arabic is word-based.
danshi
Korean uses verb conjugation; Chinese does not.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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Going to do... (-(으)러 가다/오다)
Overview The Korean grammar pattern `-(으)러 가다/오다` (Romanization: `-(eu)reo gada/oda`) is a fundamental A2-level co...
Korean Result Grammar: So That & Until (-도록)
Overview This guide introduces the Korean connective ending `도록` (pronounced `dorok`), a versatile grammatical tool cr...
Observing Changes & Results (-더니)
Overview `-더니` is an upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) Korean connective ending that expresses a direct observation made by...
