Elegant Additions: Beyond 'Not Only' (-거니와)
-거니와 to elegantly stack formal facts and sound like a sophisticated Korean language expert.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -거니와 to add a second, often surprising or emphatic, fact to the first one.
- Attach to verb/adjective stems: '그는 똑똑하거니와 성실하다' (He is smart and also diligent).
- Use for emphasis: It implies the first fact is a given, and the second is an additional highlight.
- Formal register: Primarily used in formal writing or speeches, rarely in casual daily conversation.
Overview
At the C2 level of Korean proficiency, moving beyond simple conjunctions is essential for crafting arguments with rhetorical force and elegance. The connective ending -거니와 (geoniwa) is a prime example of such a structure, belonging to a category of formal, literary connectors used in sophisticated discourse. Its core function is to first acknowledge an established fact in the initial clause and then to introduce a second, supplementary fact that reinforces or expands upon the first.
It is the linguistic equivalent of stating, "It is an accepted truth that A is the case, and furthermore, B is also true."
This is not a simple replacement for "and" (-고) or even the more common "not only... but also" (-을 뿐만 아니라). -거니와 carries a specific rhetorical weight.
It presupposes the listener's agreement with the first clause, treating it as a shared foundation upon which to build a more complex point. This makes it a powerful tool in persuasive writing and formal speech, as it frames the speaker's argument as a logical and self-evident progression. You will encounter this grammar primarily in academic papers, legal documents, formal addresses, news commentary, and literature.
Its usage in casual conversation is virtually nonexistent, unless for ironic or humorous effect. For instance, a news anchor might report, 그 배우는 연기력이 뛰어나거니와 인품도 훌륭하여 대중의 사랑을 받고 있습니다. (That actor's performance skills are outstanding, and their character is also excellent, so they are beloved by the public.)
How This Grammar Works
-거니와 is one of concession and addition. By using it, you are essentially conceding the first point as a given truth before adding the second piece of information for greater effect. This creates a specific rhythm and gravitas.-거니와 to connect a positive attribute with a negative one; that requires a contrastive particle like -지만 or -나.- Correct (Congruent):
그 산은 경치가 아름답거니와 등반로도 잘 정비되어 있다.(The scenery of that mountain is beautiful, and its hiking trails are also well-maintained.) Both clauses are positive attributes of the mountain. - Incorrect (Contradictory):
그 산은 경치가 아름답거니와 등반이 매우 힘들다.(Incorrect usage). This should be...아름답지만 등반이 매우 힘들다.(...is beautiful, but hiking it is very difficult.)
- Same Subject:
새로 나온 스마트폰은 디자인이 세련됐거니와 성능도 대폭 개선되었다.(The new smartphone's design is sophisticated, and its performance has also been drastically improved.) - Different but Related Subjects:
아버지는 마음이 넓으시거니와 어머니는 지혜가 깊으시다.(My father is generous/large-hearted, and my mother is deeply wise.) Here, the overarching theme is the virtues of one's parents.
-거니와 functions seamlessly with different tenses, allowing you to build arguments across time. Using it with the past tense marker -았/었- treats a past event as an established fact before adding another.- Past Tense:
세종대왕은 한글을 창제했거니와 과학 기술 발전에도 크게 기여했다.(King Sejong invented Hangeul, and he also greatly contributed to the advancement of science and technology.) This structure presents two historical facts as a linked pair. - Future/Conjecture Tense: You can also use it with
-겠-to connect two formal predictions or suppositions.이번 협상은 과정이 험난하겠거니와 결과도 장담하기 어려울 것입니다.(These negotiations will likely be a rough process, and their outcome will also be difficult to guarantee.)
Formation Pattern
-거니와 is remarkably straightforward and consistent, with no complex exceptions based on final consonants (batchim).
-거니와 attaches directly to the stem of a verb or adjective. This applies to stems ending in both vowels and consonants.
거니와 | 먹다 | meokda | 먹거니와 | meokgeoniwa |
거니와 | 보다 | boda | 보거니와 | bogeoniwa |
거니와 | 작다 | jakda | 작거니와 | jakgeoniwa |
거니와 | 예쁘다 | yeppeuda | 예쁘거니와 | yeppeugeoniwa |
-이거니와 (igeoniwa) after the noun. This form is used regardless of whether the noun ends in a vowel or consonant. While some archaic or poetic texts might attach -거니와 directly after a vowel, -(이)거니와 is the standard modern form.
학생 | haksaeng | 학생이거니와 | haksaeng-igeoniwa |
의사 | uisa | 의사이거니와 | uisa-igeoniwa |
-았/었-) or future/conjecture stem (-겠-). For negation, the form -지 않거니와 is standard in formal contexts.
거니와 | 좋았다 (joatda) | 좋았거니와 (joatgeoniwa) |
거니와 | 좋겠다 (joketda) | 좋겠거니와 (joketgeoniwa) |
-지 않- Stem + 거니와 | 좋지 않다 (jochi anta) | 좋지 않거니와 (jochi angeoniwa) |
When To Use It
-거니와 for contexts that demand formality, authority, and rhetorical structure. Using it correctly demonstrates a sophisticated command of the Korean language.- Academic and Analytical Writing: It is ideal for building a logical argument in a thesis, research paper, or critical essay. For example, when evaluating a policy, you might write:
이 정책은 경제적 효율성이 높거니와 사회적 형평성 증진에도 기여한다.(This policy has high economic efficiency, and it also contributes to promoting social equity.)
- Formal Speeches and Presentations: In oratory,
-거니와helps structure points in a memorable and impactful way. A CEO might say:우리 회사는 지난 10년간 꾸준히 성장했거니와, 앞으로의 10년은 혁신을 선도할 것입니다.(Our company has grown steadily over the past 10 years, and it will lead innovation for the next 10 years.)
- Official Documents and Legal Texts: The clarity and weight of
-거니와are well-suited for contracts, official announcements, or legal arguments.본 계약은 양측의 합의하에 체결되었거니와, 법적 구속력을 지닌다.(This contract has been concluded upon mutual agreement, and furthermore, it holds legally binding power.)
- Literary and Poetic Description: In literature, it can be used to link descriptive clauses elegantly.
달빛은 교교히 창문을 비추거니와, 밤공기는 서늘하게 뺨을 스쳤다.(The moonlight shone brilliantly upon the window, and the night air coolly brushed the cheeks.)
-거니와: In nearly all daily, casual situations, it is inappropriate and sounds unnatural. When talking to friends, family, or colleagues in an informal setting, use more versatile connectors.- Instead of:
이 식당은 음식이 맛있거니와 값도 싸.(Incorrect register) - Use:
이 식당은 음식이 맛있을 뿐만 아니라 값도 싸.or이 식당은 음식도 맛있고 값도 싸.
Common Mistakes
-거니와 related to nuance and context rather than basic formation.- 1Register Mismatch: The most frequent error is using this formal particle in a casual conversation or informal writing, such as a text message. It creates a jarring, overly dramatic effect. Always check if the context is formal enough to warrant its use.
- 1Violating Thematic Congruence: A critical mistake is connecting two clauses with conflicting sentiments (one positive, one negative).
-거니와is for amplification, not contrast.
- Error:
그의 발표는 내용은 좋았거니와 전달 방식은 지루했다.(His presentation's content was good, and its delivery was boring.) - Correction:
그의 발표는 내용이 좋았을 뿐만 아니라 전달 방식도 흥미로웠다.(for two positives) or그의 발표는 내용도 부실했거니와 전달 방식마저 지루했다.(for two negatives).
- 1Weak Thematic Connection: Beyond clear contradictions, the connection between the two clauses must be logical and strong. Connecting two unrelated facts, even if they share a subject, weakens the rhetorical power.
- Weak:
그는 서울대학교를 졸업했거니와 키가 크다.(He graduated from Seoul National University, and he is tall.) While not grammatically wrong, the link is arbitrary. - Stronger:
그는 서울대학교를 졸업했거니와 다수의 국제 학술상을 수상했다.(He graduated from Seoul National University, and he has won numerous international academic awards.) This links two related academic achievements.
- 1Inconsistent Sentence Formality:
-거니와sets a formal tone for the entire sentence. The final predicate must match this level of formality, typically ending in the formal-(스)ㅂ니다style. Ending a-거니와clause with a casual or plain style (-어/아or-다) is a common error.
- Error:
한국의 겨울은 춥거니와 눈이 많이 와. - Correction:
한국의 겨울은 춥거니와 눈이 많이 옵니다.
Real Conversations
As -거니와 is not used in casual talk, this section demonstrates its use in realistic formal or semi-formal scenarios where it would naturally appear.
Scenario 1
A marketing manager presenting a quarterly report to executives:
"보시다시피, 1분기 매출액은 전년 동기 대비 15% 상승했거니와, 시장 점유율 또한 2% 포인트 증가했습니다. 이는 저희 팀의 전략이 유효했음을 증명합니다."
(As you can see, first-quarter sales revenue rose 15% year-on-year, and our market share also increased by 2 percentage points. This proves that our team's strategy was effective.)
Scenario 2
A professor discussing the impact of a historical figure:
"그는 탁월한 군사 전략가였거니와, 백성을 아끼는 마음이 깊었던 지도자였습니다. 그의 리더십은 오늘날 우리에게도 많은 시사점을 줍니다."
(He was an outstanding military strategist, and he was a leader with a deep love for his people. His leadership provides many insights for us today.)
Scenario 3
A political analyst discussing a new bill:
"이 법안은 절차적 정당성을 확보하지 못했거니와, 내용 면에서도 국민적 합의를 이루기 어려운 조항들을 다수 포함하고 있어 논란이 예상됩니다."
(This bill has failed to secure procedural legitimacy, and in terms of content, it also includes numerous clauses that will make it difficult to achieve a national consensus, so controversy is expected.)
Scenario 4
Two friends are joking about a difficult video game boss:
- Friend A: "와, 이 보스 진짜 너무한 거 아니야?" (Wow, isn't this boss just too much?)
- Friend B (in a mock-serious, scholarly tone): "그렇다네. 저 보스는 공격력이 막강하거니와, 방어력 또한 철옹성과 같으니, 우리 같은 필부들은 감히 대적할 수 없는 존재라네." (Indeed. That boss's attack power is immense, and its defense is also like an impregnable fortress; thus, it is an entity that mere mortals like us cannot dare to face.)
Quick FAQ
-거니와 and -을 뿐만 아니라?Both mean "not only... but also," but their domains of use are different. -을 뿐만 아니라 is a versatile, all-purpose connector used in both casual speech and formal writing. -거니와 is strictly for formal, literary, and oratorical contexts. Think of -을 뿐만 아니라 as a business-casual suit and -거니와 as a formal tuxedo.
-거니와?While grammatically possible (A거니와 B거니와 C하다), it is stylistically very awkward and archaic in modern Korean. It's much more natural to use simpler connectors like -고 or -(으)며 for intermediate clauses and reserve -거니와 for the final, most emphatic addition. For example: A이고 B이며, 나아가 C이거니와 D하다.
-거니와 and -(으)려니와?They are related but distinct. -거니와 connects two established facts. -(으)려니와 connects a supposition or assumption in the first clause with a fact in the second. It has a nuance of "I suppose/expect that A, but/and B is also the case." Example: 그도 나름의 고충이 있으려니와, 이번 결정은 실망스럽다. (I suppose he has his own difficulties, but this decision is disappointing.)
-거늘?Yes, they share an etymological root related to acknowledging a fact or situation. -거늘 is also a formal, literary particle, but it is used to express surprise or a logical disconnect. It means "Given the fact that A is true, it is surprising/illogical that B is the case." Example: 봄이 왔거늘 아직도 날씨가 쌀쌀하다. (Given that spring has come, the weather is still chilly.)
It is most common and natural for them to share the same tense (both present, or both past). However, it is possible to connect a past cause to a present result, creating a logical flow across time. For example: 수년간의 연구 개발이 있었거니와, 이제 우리 기술은 세계 최고 수준에 도달했습니다. (There were years of R&D, and now our technology has reached the world's highest level.)
Conjugation Table
| Base Form | Stem | Conjugated Form |
|---|---|---|
|
크다
|
크
|
크거니와
|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
먹거니와
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘
|
예쁘거니와
|
|
좋다
|
좋
|
좋거니와
|
|
있다
|
있
|
있거니와
|
|
없다
|
없
|
없거니와
|
Meanings
A formal connective used to acknowledge a preceding fact while adding another, often more significant, point.
Additive Emphasis
Adding a second fact to the first.
“그는 노래를 잘하거니와 춤도 잘 춘다.”
“날씨가 춥거니와 바람도 많이 분다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 거니와
|
그는 부지런하거니와 똑똑하다.
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않거니와
|
그는 먹지 않거니와 마시지도 않는다.
|
|
Formal
|
Stem + 거니와
|
이 제품은 성능이 좋거니와 디자인도 훌륭합니다.
|
Formality Spectrum
음식이 맛있거니와 서비스도 훌륭합니다. (Restaurant review)
음식이 맛있고 서비스도 좋아요. (Restaurant review)
음식 맛있고 서비스도 좋아. (Restaurant review)
음식 쩔고 서비스도 쩔어. (Restaurant review)
Usage Map
Usage
- Formal Writing Essays
- Speeches Presentations
Examples by Level
날씨가 좋거니와 기분도 좋다.
The weather is good, and I feel good too.
그는 똑똑하거니와 성실하다.
He is smart and also diligent.
이 책은 내용이 좋거니와 가격도 싸다.
This book has good content and is also cheap.
그 도시는 경치가 아름답거니와 문화 유산도 많다.
The city has beautiful scenery and many cultural heritages.
그의 주장은 논리적이거니와 설득력도 있다.
His argument is logical and also persuasive.
이 정책은 경제적 효과가 크거니와 사회적 파급력도 상당하다.
This policy has a large economic effect and also significant social impact.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'not only... but also'.
Common Mistakes
나 배고프거니와 밥 먹어.
배가 고프고 밥을 먹습니다.
어제 공부했거니와 시험 봤어.
어제 공부했고 시험도 봤습니다.
그는 예쁘거니와 성격도 좋았어.
그녀는 예쁘거니와 성격도 좋습니다.
그것은 사실이거니와 거짓말이다.
그것은 사실이거니와 동시에 거짓이기도 합니다.
Sentence Patterns
___하거니와 ___도 좋다.
Real World Usage
연구 결과가 유의미하거니와 신뢰도도 높다.
저는 경험이 많거니와 열정도 있습니다.
이 계획은 실현 가능하거니와 효과적입니다.
디자인이 예쁘거니와 기능도 좋습니다.
날씨가 춥거니와 눈도 많이 옵니다.
일정이 바쁘거니와 업무도 많습니다.
Avoid Commands/Suggestions
-거니와 with endings like ~자, ~읍시다, or ~라. It is only for stating facts or opinions.TOPIK 54 Strategy
-거니와 in the long-form writing task of the TOPIK exam instantly flags your proficiency level as advanced to the markers.Social Distance
Smart Tips
Use -거니와 to list multiple positive attributes.
Use -거니와 to emphasize the second point.
Use -거니와 to list multiple features.
Use -거니와 to build a logical argument.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄴ' sound carries over.
Rising-falling
Stem-거니와 (up) + Clause 2 (down)
Emphasis
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '거니와' as 'Go-and-wa' (Go and add more).
Visual Association
Imagine a formal waiter adding a second, fancy dish to your table after the first one.
Rhyme
Formal speech is the way, use -거니와 to add what you say.
Story
A professor is giving a lecture. He says, 'The theory is complex, and it is also revolutionary.' He uses -거니와 to connect these two points.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about a product using -거니와 in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Used in research papers to list findings.
Used in formal reports.
Used in novels to describe characters.
Derived from the archaic verb '거니' + '와'.
Conversation Starters
이 제품의 장점은 무엇입니까?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
그는 똑똑___ 성실하다.
이 식당은 음식이 맛있___ 서비스도 좋다.
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 갔거니와 공부했다.
그는 예쁘고 착해.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '아름답다' and '넓다'.
크다 -> ?
-거니와 is for casual talk.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises그는 똑똑___ 성실하다.
이 식당은 음식이 맛있___ 서비스도 좋다.
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 갔거니와 공부했다.
그는 예쁘고 착해.
Match the meaning.
Use '아름답다' and '넓다'.
크다 -> ?
-거니와 is for casual talk.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises그녀는 머리가 ___ 부지런하기도 합니다.
The food was delicious, and the service was good too. (Formal)
[중요한 일이기도 하다 / 큰 프로젝트이거니와 / 이것은 / 매우]
Match the pairs:
Which sentence is WRONG?
그는 ___ (지도자) 선구자이기도 합니다.
그들은 일을 끝내거니와 보고도 했습니다.
독서는 지식을 넓히거니와 즐거움을 주기도 한다.
Pick the headline style:
그는 거짓말을 하지 ___ 도둑질도 하지 않습니다.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, the first clause must be in the base form.
No, it is very formal.
-고 is neutral; -거니와 is formal and emphatic.
Yes, it works with both verbs and adjectives.
No, it is too formal.
You will sound like a textbook or a very stiff person.
Yes, you can use it with negative verbs.
Because it requires a high level of register awareness.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
～だけでなく
Register is the main difference.
不但...而且
Chinese uses a two-part structure.
nicht nur... sondern auch
Korean uses a suffix.
non seulement... mais aussi
French is a phrase.
no solo... sino también
Spanish is a phrase.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
Arabic is a phrase.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal Reasons (-gie)
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Advanced 'Not Only... But Also' (-거니와)
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The Formal 'But': Using -되 for Provisos
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Action Beyond Endurance (-다 못해)
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