Connective Ending: `지만` (but, although)
지만 is the essential Korean connector for linking two contrasting ideas within a single sentence.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '지만' to connect two clauses where the second clause contrasts with or contradicts the first.
- Attach '지만' directly to the verb or adjective stem: '가다' -> '가지만'.
- It works for both past and present tenses: '먹었지만' (ate, but).
- The subject can be the same or different in both clauses.
Overview
The Korean connective ending 지만 (romanized as jiman) functions as a direct conjunction, expressing contrast or opposition between two clauses. It directly translates to "but," "although," or "even though" in English. Its primary role is to link two statements where the second statement presents information that is contrary to, unexpected given, or in direct opposition to the first.
This grammatical pattern is fundamental for constructing nuanced sentences that reflect complex thoughts, moving beyond simple declarative statements to express a relationship of concession or contradiction.
Linguistically, 지만 attaches to the stem of a verb or adjective (or to the copula 이다 / ida "to be") that concludes the first clause. The entire construct then acts as a single, cohesive sentence. This structure allows speakers to acknowledge a certain fact or situation in the initial clause while simultaneously introducing a differing or contradictory aspect in the subsequent clause, thereby creating a more sophisticated and natural flow of communication.
Mastery of 지만 is crucial for A2 learners as it enables the expression of contrasting ideas within a single grammatical unit, a common feature in everyday Korean discourse.
For example, consider the sentence 날씨가 좋지만 바람이 많이 불어요 (nalssiga jotjiman barami mani bureoyo), meaning "The weather is nice, but the wind blows a lot." Here, the positive assessment of "nice weather" is immediately contrasted with the negative aspect of "strong wind." 지만 effectively bridges these two disparate ideas, preventing the need for two separate, less connected sentences.
How This Grammar Works
지만 operates as a subordinating conjunction, meaning it connects a subordinate clause (the first part of the sentence) to a main clause (the second part). The information presented in the first clause, to which 지만 is attached, often sets an expectation or provides a context that the second clause then modifies or contradicts. This mechanism allows for efficient communication of complex relationships between ideas.지만 is the expression of adversative contrast. It tells the listener that despite the truth or existence of the first clause, the second clause also holds true and is presented as a counterpoint. This isn't merely about listing two different facts; it's about highlighting their conflicting nature.저는 돈이 없지만 행복해요 (jeoneun doni eopjiman haengbokhaeyo), "I don't have money, but I am happy," 지만 juxtaposes the perceived hardship of lacking money with the unexpected reality of happiness. This reveals a deeper layer of meaning than simply stating "I don't have money. I am happy."[Clause 1]지만 [Clause 2] ensures that both ideas are inherently linked and processed as a single thought. The predicate of the first clause takes the 지만 ending, indicating that it is complete in its statement, yet still connected to what follows. The final predicate of the second clause then carries the sentence's ultimate politeness level and tense.지만 a powerful tool for expressing concessions, disagreements, or unexpected outcomes in a natural and concise manner. It serves to manage the listener's expectations, preparing them for a contrasting piece of information.한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요 (hangugeo-neun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo), "Korean is difficult, but it's fun." The difficulty of Korean might lead one to expect it to be tedious or unenjoyable. However, 지만 introduces the contrasting idea that it is, in fact, fun. This single sentence effectively conveys a balanced perspective, acknowledging a challenge while emphasizing a positive aspect.Formation Pattern
지만 is remarkably straightforward, making it one of the more accessible connective endings for A2 learners. It attaches directly to the stem of verbs, adjectives, and the copula 이다 (to be), regardless of whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. This eliminates the need for separate forms based on phonological environment.
지만 with a verb or an adjective, simply remove the dictionary ending 다 (da) and append 지만 to the remaining stem.
지만 Form | Romanization | English |
먹다 (meokda) - to eat | 먹 (meok) | 먹지만 (meokjiman) | eats, but... |
가다 (gada) - to go | 가 (ga) | 가지만 (gajiman) | goes, but... |
작다 (jakda) - to be small | 작 (jak) | 작지만 (jakjiman) | is small, but... |
크다 (keuda) - to be big | 크 (keu) | 크지만 (keujiman) | is big, but... |
예쁘다 (yeppeuda) - to be pretty | 예쁘 (yeppeu) | 예쁘지만 (yeppeujiman) | is pretty, but... |
이 옷은 비싸지만 아주 예뻐요. (i oseun bissajiman aju yeppeoyo.)
이다)
지만 is used with a noun, it attaches to the copula 이다 (to be). The form varies based on the noun stem's final sound:
이지만 (ijiman).
지만 (jiman).
이다 Form | 지만 Form | Romanization | English |
학생 (haksaeng) - student | 학생이다 | 학생이지만 (haksaeng-ijiman) | is a student, but... |
의사 (uisa) - doctor | 의사이다 | 의사지만 (uisajiman) | is a doctor, but... |
친구 (chingu) - friend | 친구이다 | 친구지만 (chingujiman) | is a friend, but... |
그 사람은 학생이지만 나이가 많아요. (geu sarameun haksaeng-ijiman naiga manayo.)
지만 in the past tense, you first conjugate the verb or adjective into its past tense stem (using 았/었/했 (at/eot/haet)), and then attach 지만.
았/었/했) | 지만 Form | Romanization | English |
먹다 (meokda) | 먹었 (meogeot) | 먹었지만 (meogeotjiman) | ate, but... |
공부하다 (gongbuhada) | 공부했 (gongbuhaet) | 공부했지만 (gongbuhaetjiman) | studied, but... |
춥다 (chupda) | 추웠 (chuweot) | 추웠지만 (chuweotjiman) | was cold, but... |
어제 시험을 봤지만 잘 못 봤어요. (eoje siheomeul bwatjiman jal mot bwasseoyo.)
[Verb/Adjective/Copula Stem] + 지만.
When To Use It
지만 is a versatile connective ending used whenever you need to introduce a contrasting or opposing idea to a preceding statement. Its application spans various conversational contexts, from simple observations to more complex negotiations of ideas.- 1. Direct Contrast or Opposition:
지만. You present one fact, and the second clause immediately offers a contrasting fact or situation. The two clauses are often direct opposites or stand in clear contention.이 책은 좋지만 너무 비싸요.(i chaekeun jotjiman neomu bissayo.) - "This book is good, but it's too expensive."여름은 덥지만 겨울은 추워요.(yeoreumeun deopjiman gyeoureun chuweoyo.) - "Summer is hot, but winter is cold."저는 커피를 좋아하지만 남편은 차를 좋아해요.(jeoneun keopireul joahajiman nampyeoneun chareul joahaeyo.) - "I like coffee, but my husband likes tea."
- 2. Expressing Concession or Unexpected Outcome:
한국어를 오랫동안 공부했지만 아직 어려워요.(hangugeoreul oraetdongan gongbuhaetjiman ajik eoryeowoyo.) - "I have studied Korean for a long time, but it's still difficult."날씨가 안 좋지만 우리는 밖에 나갈 거예요.(nalssiga an jotjiman urineun bakke nagal geoyeyo.) - "The weather is bad, but we are going outside."피곤했지만 숙제를 다 했어요.(pigonhaetjiman sukjereul da haesseoyo.) - "I was tired, but I finished all my homework."
- 3. Polite Disagreement or Refusal:
지만 can be strategically used to soften a refusal or express a polite disagreement by acknowledging the other person's point or your own desire, before presenting the contrasting reason why you cannot comply. This makes your response less abrupt.가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요.(gago sipjiman sigani eopseoyo.) - "I want to go, but I don't have time."이해는 하지만 동의할 수는 없어요.(ihaeneun hajiman donguihal suneun eopseoyo.) - "I understand, but I cannot agree."
- 4. Highlighting Pros and Cons / Balanced Perspective:
지만 is the ideal connector.이 식당은 분위기가 좋지만 음식이 좀 비싸요.(i sikdangeun bunwigiga jotjiman eumsigi jom bissayo.) - "This restaurant has a good atmosphere, but the food is a bit expensive."혼자 사는 것은 자유롭지만 가끔 외로워요.(honja saneun geoseun jayuroptjiman gakkeum oerowoyo.) - "Living alone is free, but sometimes lonely."
Common Mistakes
지만 is straightforward in formation, its appropriate usage, especially in distinguishing it from similar-meaning Korean connectives, is a frequent point of confusion for learners. Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly enhance your accuracy and naturalness in Korean.- 1. Confusing
지만with그런데(geureonde) or그렇지만(geureochiman)
지만 is a connective ending that attaches to the predicate stem of the first clause, forming a single, grammatically integrated sentence. In contrast, 그런데 and 그렇지만 are conjunctive adverbs. They typically appear at the beginning of a new sentence and connect that sentence to the preceding one. They introduce contrast across sentence boundaries, making the pause more pronounced.지만 | 그런데 / 그렇지만 |지만 [Clause 2]. | [Sentence 1]. 그런데/그렇지만 [Sentence 2]. |날씨가 덥지만 바람이 불어서 시원해요. (nalssiga deopjiman barami bureoseo siwonhaeyo.*) - "The weather is hot, but because the wind blows, it's cool."
날씨가 더워요. 그렇지만 바람이 불어서 시원해요. (nalssiga deowoyo. geureochiman barami bureoseo siwonhaeyo.*) - "The weather is hot. However, because the wind blows, it's cool."
- 2. Misusing
지만for-(으)나(-(eu)na)
-(으)나 also means "but" or "although." However, the key distinction lies in register and formality. 지만 is neutral and suitable for all contexts. -(으)나 is significantly more formal and literary, primarily found in written texts like news reports or academic papers. Using -(으)나 in casual conversation sounds stiff and unnatural.비가 오지만 경기는 계속될 거예요. (biga ojiman gyeonggineun gyesokdoel geoyeyo.) - "It's raining, but the game will continue."비가 오나 경기는 계속될 예정입니다. (biga ona gyeonggineun gyesokdoel yejeongimnida.) - "Although it is raining, the game is scheduled to continue."- 3. Confusing
지만with-(으)ㄴ/는데(-(eu)n/neunde)
지만 signals strong, direct, and explicit contrast or opposition, often highlighting a clear point of divergence or an unexpected outcome. -(으)ㄴ/는데 is more versatile, indicating: background information or context, mild or subtle contrast, or an explanation/reason for the following clause.지만 (Direct Contrast) | -(으)ㄴ/는데 (Background, Mild Contrast, Context) |지만):저는 사과를 좋아하지만 제 친구는 오렌지를 좋아해요. (jeoneun sagwareul joahajiman je chinguneun orenjireul joahaeyo.) - "I like apples, but my friend likes oranges." (Direct opposition of preferences)-(으)ㄴ/는데):밖에 비가 오는데 우산 가져왔어요? (bakke biga oneunde usan gajyeowasseoyo?) - "It's raining outside, (so) did you bring an umbrella?" (Rain is context for the question, not an opposition.)지만 emphasizes the strong opposition, while -(으)ㄴ/는데 provides the preceding clause more as context. For A2 learners, if you want to strongly highlight a contradiction or unexpected outcome, use 지만.- 4. Incorrect Past Tense Conjugation:
지만 directly to a verb/adjective that has not been correctly conjugated into the past tense first. The order is: [Verb/Adjective Stem] + [Past Tense Ending 았/었/했] + 지만.어제 영화를 봤지만어요. (X)어제 영화를 봤지만 재미없었어요. (eoje yeonghwareul bwatjiman jaemieopseosseoyo.*) - "I watched a movie yesterday, but it wasn't fun."- 5. Using
지만for Cause and Effect:
지만 signifies contrast, not causation. Do not use it where you should use -(아/어)서 (-(a/eo)seo) (because, so) or -(으)니까 (-(eu)nikka) (because, since).피곤하지만 일찍 잤어요. (X) - "I was tired, but I slept early." (Tiredness is a reason* for sleeping early, not a contrasting fact.)피곤해서 일찍 잤어요. (pigonhaeseo iljjik jasseoyo.*) - "Because I was tired, I slept early."지만: 피곤하지만 잠이 안 와요. (pigonhaejiman jami an wayo.) - "I'm tired, but I can't sleep." (Valid contrast: tiredness usually leads to sleep, but here it doesn't.)Real Conversations
In authentic Korean conversations, 지만 appears frequently, allowing speakers to navigate complex situations and express nuanced opinions. Its presence facilitates smoother social interactions.
- Scenario 1: Describing experiences with mixed feelings
A
어제 본 영화 어땠어요? (eoje bon yeonghwa eottaesseoyo?) - "How was the movie you watched yesterday?"B
내용은 슬펐지만 배우들 연기가 정말 좋았어요. (naeyongeun seulpeotjiman baeudeul yeongiga jeongmal joasseoyo.) - "The content was sad, but the actors' performances were really good."- Observation: Speaker B uses 지만 to present a balanced review, acknowledging the movie's sad plot while praising the acting. This avoids a one-sided assessment.
- Scenario 2: Making polite refusals or expressing inability
A
이번 주말에 같이 전시회 갈까요? (ibeon jumare gachi jeonsihoe galkkayo?) - "Shall we go to the exhibition together this weekend?"B
가고 싶지만 선약이 있어서 어려울 것 같아요. (gago sipjiman seonyagi isseoseo eoryeoul geot gatayo.) - "I want to go, but I have a prior engagement, so it seems difficult."- Observation: Speaker B softens the refusal by expressing a desire to go (가고 싶지만) before stating the conflicting reason (선약이 있어서). This is a common polite tactic in Korean communication.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can I end a sentence with
지만?
No. 지만 is a connective ending; it explicitly requires a second clause to follow and complete the sentence. Ending a sentence with 지만 would leave it grammatically incomplete, similar to ending an English sentence with "I'm tired, but..." and leaving the listener hanging.
- Q: Is
지만formal or informal?
지만 itself is neutral in formality. Its politeness level is determined by the conjugation of the final verb in the sentence. For example, 어렵지만 재미있어요 (informal polite) and 어렵지만 재미있습니다 (formal polite) both use the same 지만 form.
- Q: What is the biggest difference between
지만and-(으)ㄴ/는데?
The primary distinction is the strength and nature of the contrast. 지만 denotes a strong, direct, and often opposing contrast between two facts. -(으)ㄴ/는데 provides background information or context, where the second clause might present a mild contrast, an explanation, or a follow-up question. If the contrast feels like a direct "but," 지만 is typically the correct choice.
Formation of -지만
| Verb/Adj Stem | Connector | Combined Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
가
|
지만
|
가지만
|
go, but
|
|
먹
|
지만
|
먹지만
|
eat, but
|
|
예쁘
|
지만
|
예쁘지만
|
pretty, but
|
|
작
|
지만
|
작지만
|
small, but
|
|
갔
|
지만
|
갔지만
|
went, but
|
|
먹었
|
지만
|
먹었지만
|
ate, but
|
Meanings
The connective ending '지만' is used to link two clauses, where the second clause provides a contrast, limitation, or unexpected result compared to the first.
Contrast
Direct opposition between two facts.
“저는 한국어를 공부하지만 친구는 일본어를 공부해요.”
“비싸지만 맛있어요.”
Concession
Admitting a fact while introducing a contrary point.
“열심히 했지만 실패했어요.”
“미안하지만 도와줄 수 없어요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Present
|
Stem + 지만
|
가지만 (go, but)
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 었/았/였 + 지만
|
갔지만 (went, but)
|
|
Adjective
|
Stem + 지만
|
좋지만 (good, but)
|
|
Negative
|
안 + Stem + 지만
|
안 가지만 (don't go, but)
|
|
Polite
|
Stem + 지만 + -요
|
가지만요 (go, but - polite)
|
Formality Spectrum
가고 싶지만 바쁩니다. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶지만 바빠요. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶지만 바빠. (Declining an invitation)
가고 싶은데 바빠. (Declining an invitation)
The 'But' Bridge
Usage
- Contrast Opposite ideas
- Concession Admitting a point
Contrast vs. Background
How to use -지만
Is it a verb or adjective?
Common -지만 pairings
Adjectives
- • 크지만 (big but)
- • 작지만 (small but)
- • 좋지만 (good but)
Examples by Level
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.
Korean is difficult, but it is fun.
사과를 먹지만 배는 안 먹어요.
I eat apples, but I don't eat pears.
집은 작지만 예뻐요.
The house is small, but it is pretty.
오늘 바쁘지만 만나요.
I am busy today, but let's meet.
어제 공부했지만 기억이 안 나요.
I studied yesterday, but I don't remember.
비싸지만 꼭 사고 싶어요.
It is expensive, but I really want to buy it.
그는 친절하지만 조금 무서워요.
He is kind, but a little scary.
영화는 봤지만 재미없었어요.
I watched the movie, but it wasn't fun.
열심히 노력했지만 결과가 좋지 않았습니다.
I tried hard, but the results were not good.
그 식당은 유명하지만 서비스는 별로예요.
That restaurant is famous, but the service is not great.
날씨가 춥지만 산책을 하러 나갔어요.
It is cold, but I went out for a walk.
한국에 살지만 아직 김치를 못 먹어요.
I live in Korea, but I still can't eat kimchi.
제안은 훌륭하지만 현실적으로 불가능합니다.
The proposal is excellent, but realistically impossible.
그는 천재적이지만 사회성이 부족합니다.
He is a genius, but lacks social skills.
많은 사람들이 반대하지만 저는 찬성합니다.
Many people oppose it, but I agree.
이론적으로는 맞지만 실제로는 다릅니다.
It is theoretically correct, but practically different.
그의 주장은 논리적이지만 감정적인 호소가 부족합니다.
His argument is logical, but lacks emotional appeal.
정부의 정책은 시의적절하지만 실행 과정에서 문제가 많습니다.
The government's policy is timely, but there are many problems in the execution process.
예술적 가치는 높지만 대중성은 떨어집니다.
The artistic value is high, but the popularity is low.
그는 명망 있는 학자이지만 겸손함을 잃지 않습니다.
He is a renowned scholar, but he does not lose his humility.
역사적 맥락을 고려하면 이해가 가지만, 도덕적으로는 용납하기 어렵습니다.
Considering the historical context, it is understandable, but morally difficult to accept.
그의 문체는 화려하지만 내용의 깊이는 다소 부족하다는 평이 지배적입니다.
His writing style is flamboyant, but the prevailing opinion is that it lacks depth.
경제적 지표는 개선되고 있지만 서민들의 삶은 여전히 팍팍합니다.
Economic indicators are improving, but the lives of ordinary people are still difficult.
기술의 발전은 눈부시지만 그에 따른 윤리적 딜레마는 더욱 심화되고 있습니다.
Technological progress is dazzling, but the resulting ethical dilemmas are deepening.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'but', but -(으)나 is formal/written.
Both connect clauses, but -는데 is for background.
Learners use this as a sentence connector instead of a clause connector.
Common Mistakes
가요지만
가지만
비싸다지만
비싸지만
공부했는데지만
공부했지만
먹었었지만
먹었지만
Sentence Patterns
___지만 ___.
___은/는 ___지만 ___.
___했/았지만 ___.
___지만, 사실은 ___.
Real World Usage
가고 싶지만 바빠요.
경험은 적지만 열심히 하겠습니다.
맛있어 보이지만 너무 매워요.
피곤하지만 행복한 하루!
비싸지만 좋은 호텔이에요.
바쁘시겠지만 확인 부탁드립니다.
Don't overthink it
Avoid double conjugation
Use it for politeness
Harmony
Smart Tips
Always start with the positive desire before the 'but'.
Use -지만 to acknowledge the reader's time.
Use -지만 to show depth.
Use -지만 to highlight the best choice.
Pronunciation
Batchim assimilation
If the stem ends in a consonant, ensure smooth transition to '지'.
Rising-falling
가지만 ↗↘
Indicates the contrast is the focus of the sentence.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '지만' as 'Gee, man!'—you're surprised by the contrast, like 'Gee, man, it's expensive but I'll buy it!'
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge with a sign that says '지만'. On one side is a sunny day, on the other is a rain cloud. The bridge connects the two opposing weather patterns.
Rhyme
When you want to say 'but' and make it fit, just add '지만' to the stem bit.
Story
Min-su wanted to buy a car. He saw a red one. It was fast, but expensive. He said, '빠르지만 비싸요.' He bought it anyway.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using '지만' to contrast things (e.g., 'I woke up early, but I am tired').
Cultural Notes
Using '지만' is a polite way to decline requests without being blunt.
It is used to soften rejections or express hesitation.
Koreans use it to maintain harmony in conversation.
The ending -지만 is a combination of the nominalizer -지 and the particle -만 (only/but).
Conversation Starters
한국 음식을 좋아해요?
오늘 날씨가 어때요?
한국어 공부가 어렵지 않아요?
이 영화 봤어요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
날씨가 ___ (좋다) 비가 와요.
Find and fix the mistake:
가요지만 못 가요.
Select the correct sentence.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
It is small, but it is expensive.
Answer starts with: 작지만...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 영화 볼까요? B: ___.
Use -지만.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises날씨가 ___ (좋다) 비가 와요.
Find and fix the mistake:
가요지만 못 가요.
Select the correct sentence.
비싸요 / 사요 / 하지만 / 이거
It is small, but it is expensive.
가다 -> ?
A: 영화 볼까요? B: ___.
Use -지만.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises이 옷은 예쁘____ 가격이 너무 비싸요.
저는 학생____, 아르바이트도 하고 있어요.
비가 와서지만 우리는 산책했어요.
어려워요 / 한국어는 / 재미있지만
I am tired, but I have to work.
You want to say 'The movie was sad, but it was impressive.'
Match the clauses.
시험에 합격했____, 기쁘지 않아요.
그녀는 의사지만 돈이 많아요.
Although it was expensive, I bought it.
You are busy, but you want to ask what's going on. What do you say?
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, -지만 is for verbs and adjectives. For nouns, use -(이)지만.
It can be used in all registers by changing the ending of the final verb.
-(으)나 is more formal and common in writing.
Yes, e.g., '가겠지만' (I will go, but...).
That is a conjunction used to start a new sentence.
No, use -는데 for background info.
No, it is always -지만.
Yes, e.g., '가시지만' (You are going, but...).
Scaffolded Practice
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Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero
Korean is agglutinative, so the 'but' is part of the verb word.
mais
Placement is different; 'mais' is a separate word.
aber
German word order remains independent; Korean verb conjugation is dependent.
ga
Japanese 'ga' is often a particle, while Korean -지만 is a verbal suffix.
但是 (dànshì)
Chinese has no verb conjugation, so the structure is purely syntactic.
لكن (lakin)
Arabic is a Semitic language with a different root-based morphology.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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