The Formal 'But': Using -되 for Provisos
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -되 to provide a condition or a contrastive limitation while maintaining a formal, sophisticated tone.
- Attach -되 directly to the verb/adjective stem: '가다' -> '가되'.
- Use it to set a boundary: 'Study hard, but don't overdo it' (공부하되 무리하지 마세요).
- It functions as a formal 'and yet' or 'provided that' connector.
Overview
The connective ending -되 is a sophisticated tool in formal Korean used to introduce a proviso or a qualifying condition. It functions as a formal 'but' or 'however,' signaling that while the first statement is true or permitted, it is subject to the limitation or contrasting fact presented in the second statement. Think of it as the grammatical equivalent of the fine print in a contract.
It concedes a point (Clause A) only to immediately qualify it (Clause B). This structure allows for precision and authority, making it a staple of formal, written Korean.
Its core function is to say, "Yes, A is the case, but on the condition that B is also met." This is distinct from a simple contrast. For instance, 회의는 진행하되, 1시간을 넘기지 마십시오. (Proceed with the meeting, but do not exceed one hour) doesn't just contrast 'proceeding' and 'not exceeding'; it makes the permission to proceed conditional upon the time limit. You will encounter -되 primarily in legal documents, academic papers, official notices, and formal speeches.
Mastering -되 signals a C2-level command of Korean, demonstrating an ability to navigate the nuances of formal rhetoric and logic. It moves beyond simple factual contrast into the realm of qualified assertions and conditional logic, reflecting a deeper understanding of the language's structure.
How This Grammar Works
-되 is a 연결 어미 (yeon'gyeol eomi), a connective ending that attaches to a verb or adjective stem to link two clauses. The relationship it establishes is one of concession and condition. The first clause concedes a fact, a permission, or a quality, and the second clause introduces a proviso, a boundary, or a necessary counterpoint that must be considered alongside the first.- 1Permission with a Proviso: This is the most common use. The first clause grants permission or states a general rule, while the second clause adds a crucial condition, restriction, or required action. The second clause often contains obligatory patterns like
-어야 한다(must do) or prohibitions like-(으)면 안 된다(must not do). This is the 'fine print' function, where an allowance is immediately constrained. For example:자료는 자유롭게 이용하되, 출처는 반드시 밝혀야 합니다.(You may use the materials freely, provided that you must cite the source.) Here, the freedom to use is granted but is immediately bound by the obligation to cite.
- 1Acknowledged Quality with a Contrastive Detail: In this more descriptive usage,
-되acknowledges a certain quality in the first clause and then presents a contrasting but equally true quality in the second. This is used for nuanced and balanced descriptions, common in literary or analytical texts. It suggests that the two qualities, while seemingly opposed, coexist within the same subject. For example:디자인은 단순하되, 그 안에 담긴 의미는 복잡하다.(The design is simple, yet the meaning it contains is complex.) The simplicity is acknowledged, but the complexity is presented as an integral, contrasting part of the whole.
-되 from other connectors is this logical dependency. It doesn't just state two separate facts that happen to contrast (-지만). Instead, it insists that the second clause is a necessary qualifier for the first.Formation Pattern
-되 is straightforward and consistent. It attaches directly to the dictionary stem of a verb or adjective. Unlike many Korean endings, it does not change based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.
-되
가다 (to go) → 가- | 가되 | 가되, 너무 늦게 돌아오지는 마라. (You may go, but don't come back too late.) |
먹다 (to eat) → 먹- | 먹되 | 마음껏 먹되, 음식은 남기지 마십시오. (Eat as much as you like, but please do not leave food behind.) |
크다 (to be big) → 크- | 크되 | 목소리는 크되, 발음은 부정확하다. (His voice is loud, but his pronunciation is inaccurate.) |
좋다 (to be good) → 좋- | 좋되 | 경치는 좋되, 가는 길이 험하다. (The scenery is good, but the path to get there is rough.) |
이다 (to be) | 학생이다 → 학생이- | 학생이되 | 그는 학생이되, 프로급의 실력을 갖추고 있다. (He is a student, yet he possesses professional-level skills.) |
아니다 (to not be) | 정답이 아니다 → 정답이 아니- | 정답이 아니되| 완벽한 정답은 아니되, 충분히 참고할 만하다. (It may not be the perfect answer, but it is certainly worth referencing.) |
-되 is almost exclusively used with the present tense stem to state a general rule, a timeless quality, or a future condition. You may encounter past tense forms like 하였으되 or 했으되 in older texts, historical documents, or literary works, but they are considered archaic. Using them in contemporary formal writing (e.g., a business email or academic paper) would sound unnatural and anachronistic.
When To Use It
-되 in contexts that demand formal, precise, and authoritative language. It is a tool for defining terms, setting boundaries, and making qualified statements. Its use is largely confined to written language and the most formal registers of speech.- Formal Instructions and Regulations: This is a primary domain for
-되. It is used on signs, in manuals, and for official announcements where rules and their exceptions must be stated clearly. 공원 내에서는 자유롭게 산책하되, 반려동물의 목줄은 반드시 착용시켜야 합니다.(You may walk freely within the park, but you must keep your pet on a leash.)시험 중 질문이 있을 시 조용히 손을 들되, 소리를 내서는 안 됩니다.(If you have a question during the exam, raise your hand quietly, but you must not make a sound.)
- Legal and Contractual Language: Contracts, terms of service, and legal statutes rely on
-되to establish rights and obligations with precision. The 'permission with a proviso' function is essential for defining the scope of an agreement. 임차인은 해당 시설을 자유롭게 이용하되, 그로 인한 손상에 대해서는 복구의 책임을 진다.(The lessee may use the facilities freely, provided that they are responsible for restoring any resulting damages.)
- Academic and Technical Writing: In academic discourse,
-되is used to make nuanced arguments and provide precise definitions. It allows a writer to acknowledge a general principle while introducing a critical distinction or limitation. 이 이론은 여러 현상을 설명하되, 모든 예외를 포괄하지는 못한다.(This theory explains many phenomena, but it does not cover all exceptions.)
- Formal Speeches and Presentations: When delivering a formal address,
-되allows the speaker to present a balanced perspective or a conditional proposal with rhetorical force. 우리는 과감한 혁신을 추진하되, 그 과정에서 발생하는 부작용을 최소화해야 합니다.(We must push for bold innovation, but we must also minimize the side effects that occur in the process.)
- High-Level Journalism and Official Reports: News articles and official reports use
-되to present facts and their context without resorting to conversational language. It connects two related but contrasting aspects of a single issue. 정부는 부동산 시장 안정을 약속하되, 구체적인 정책 수단은 아직 공개하지 않았다.(The government promised to stabilize the real estate market, but has not yet revealed the specific policy measures.)
Common Mistakes
-되. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial for using the grammar correctly.- 1Typographical Error:
-되vs.돼
돼 is a contraction of 되어, the connecting form of the verb 되다 (to become, to be possible). -되 is the connective ending discussed here. They are not interchangeable.- Incorrect:
안전 규칙을 지키돼, 작업하십시오.(This is a typo.) - Correct:
안전 규칙을 지키되, 작업하십시오.(Follow the safety rules, but do your work.) - Correct:
이제 가도 돼.(You can go now. Here,돼is short for되어.)
- 1Inappropriate Use in Casual Contexts
-되 in everyday conversation sounds unnatural, pretentious, or even comical. It creates a level of formality that is jarring among friends or in casual settings. For informal provisos, other patterns are much more suitable.-되) | Natural and Conversational |같이 공부하되, 떠들지는 말자. (Let's study together, but let's not chat.) | 같이 공부하는 건 좋은데, 떠들지는 말자. (Studying together is good, but let's not chat.) |이 식당은 맛있되, 가격이 좀 비싸. (This restaurant is delicious, but the price is a bit high.) | 이 식당 맛있는데, 가격이 좀 비싸. or 이 식당 맛있지만, 가격이 좀 비싸. |- 1Confusing Proviso with Simple Contrast
-되 for any contrast where -지만 would be more appropriate. -되 requires a logical link where the second clause qualifies or restricts the first. If you are just stating two independent, contrasting facts, -지만 (or the formal -으나) is the correct choice.- Weak Use:
나는 서울에 살되, 내 친구는 부산에 산다.(I live in Seoul, but my friend lives in Busan.) This is a simple contrast of facts.나는 서울에 살지만...is correct. - Strong Use:
나는 서울에 살되, 주로 재택근무를 하여 서울의 혼잡함을 느끼지 못한다.(I live in Seoul, but as I primarily work from home, I don't feel the city's congestion.) Here, the second clause qualifies the experience of living in Seoul.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
Understanding -되 requires distinguishing it from other Korean connectives that express contrast. Each carries a different nuance and is used in different social and logical contexts.
| Pattern | Primary Function | Formality | Nuance and Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| -되 | Proviso / Condition | Very Formal (Written) | "A is true, provided B." It grants a premise with a necessary limitation. 참가 신청은 받되, 선착순으로 마감합니다. (We are accepting applications, but we will close them on a first-come, first-served basis.) |
| -지만 | General Contrast | All Levels (Speech/Writing) | "A, but B." The most neutral and common connector for simple contrast. 어제는 날씨가 좋았지만, 오늘은 비가 온다. (The weather was good yesterday, but it is raining today.) |
| -(으)나 | Formal Contrast | Formal (Written/Literary) | "Although A, B." A formal, literary equivalent of -지만. It presents a stark contrast without the conditional nuance of -되. 가격은 비싸나, 품질은 그만큼 뛰어나다. (The price is expensive; however, the quality is correspondingly excellent.) |
| -(으)ㄴ/는데| Background / Soft Contrast| Conversational (Speech/Writing)| "A, and/so/but B." Provides background context for the following clause. The contrast feels softer and less direct than -지만. 저녁을 먹었는데, 아직도 배가 고프다. (I ate dinner, but I'm still hungry.) |
Real Conversations
While -되 is predominantly a written form, it appears in highly formal spoken contexts where precision is key. Here are examples of its natural usage across different formal domains.
1. In a Business Email:
박 팀장님, 요청하신 분기 보고서를 첨부하되, 일부 데이터는 잠정 수치이므로 추후 수정될 수 있음을 알려드립니다.
(Team Leader Park, I have attached the quarterly report you requested; however, I must inform you that some figures are provisional and may be subject to change later.)
2. On a Public Notice Sign (e.g., at a museum):
전시관 내 사진 촬영은 허용하되, 플래시 사용은 엄격히 금지합니다.
(Photography is permitted inside the exhibition hall, but the use of flash is strictly prohibited.)
3. In an Academic Paper's Abstract:
본 연구는 기존의 분석틀을 차용하되, 연구 대상을 21세기 디지털 미디어로 확장하여 새로운 결론을 도출하였다.
(This study borrows the existing analytical framework; however, it derives new conclusions by expanding its subject of analysis to 21st-century digital media.)
4. In a Formal Announcement during a University Lecture:
다음 주 수업은 예정대로 진행하되, 과제 제출 기한은 논의 후 다시 공지하겠습니다.
(Next week's class will proceed as scheduled, but the assignment deadline will be announced again after discussion.)
Quick FAQ
-되 ever used in spoken Korean?In everyday, casual conversation, no. Its usage is confined to highly formal speech: news broadcasts, legal proceedings, academic conferences, and official addresses. When you hear -되 in speech, it's a deliberate choice to invoke a formal, objective, and authoritative tone.
The most significant error beyond the 되/돼 typo is misusing it for simple contrast. Always ask yourself: "Is the second clause placing a condition or a necessary limitation on the first?" If the answer is no, and you're just contrasting two facts, use -지만 or -(으)나 instead.
-되 and the Hanja character 단(但)?Yes, a strong semantic one. While -되 is a pure Korean ending, its function is parallel to the logic of 단(但), which means "but," "however," or "proviso." You will often see the adverb 단, (Proviso: / However,) at the beginning of a sentence to serve the same function as a mid-sentence -되. For example, 입장료는 무료입니다. 단, 1인 1음료 주문은 필수입니다. is functionally similar to 입장료는 무료이되, 1인 1음료 주문은 필수입니다.
For everyday speech, the pattern -기는/-긴 한데 is the perfect equivalent. It carries the same nuance of "A is true, but..." in a soft, conversational manner. For example, the formal 가도 되되, 9시까지는 돌아와야 한다 (You may go, but you must be back by 9) becomes 가도 되긴 한데, 9시까지는 돌아와야 돼 in conversation.
-되 always express a negative restriction?Most often, it expresses a restriction, condition, or obligation. However, in its 'nuanced description' usage, it can introduce a contrasting positive or neutral quality that is just as defining. For example: 그는 과묵하되, 모든 일을 행동으로 증명하는 사람이다. (He is taciturn, but is a person who proves everything through action.) Here, the second clause isn't a negative limit but a defining, positive counterpoint to his quiet nature.
Conjugation Table
| Verb/Adj | Stem | Suffix | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
하다
|
하
|
되
|
하되
|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
되
|
먹되
|
|
가다
|
가
|
되
|
가되
|
|
작다
|
작
|
되
|
작되
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘
|
되
|
예쁘되
|
|
빠르다
|
빠르
|
되
|
빠르되
|
Meanings
A formal conjunction used to indicate that the following clause is a condition, limitation, or a contrast to the preceding clause.
Constraint/Proviso
Setting a condition or limit on an action.
“운동은 하되, 너무 무리하지 마세요.”
“이 문서는 읽되, 외부로 유출하지 마십시오.”
Contrastive
Acknowledging a fact while adding a contrasting point.
“그는 똑똑하되, 사교성은 부족하다.”
“값은 비싸되, 품질은 최고다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 되
|
공부하되
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + 지 않되
|
먹지 않되
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 었/았되
|
했되 (rare)
|
|
Adjective
|
Stem + 되
|
작되
|
|
Formal
|
Stem + 되
|
참석하되
|
|
Constraint
|
Stem + 되
|
읽되
|
Formality Spectrum
식사하시되, 과식하지 마십시오. (Dining)
식사하세요, 하지만 과식하지 마세요. (Dining)
먹어, 근데 너무 많이 먹지 마. (Dining)
먹어, 근데 적당히 해. (Dining)
The -되 Concept Map
Usage
- Formal Professional
- Condition Proviso
Context
- Writing Essays
- Legal Contracts
Examples by Level
공부하되, 놀지 마세요.
Study, but don't play.
먹되, 조금만 드세요.
Eat, but only a little.
가되, 빨리 오세요.
Go, but come back quickly.
자되, 일찍 일어나세요.
Sleep, but wake up early.
이 책을 읽되, 낙서는 하지 마세요.
Read this book, but do not scribble in it.
운동을 하되, 무리하지 마십시오.
Exercise, but do not overdo it.
말을 하되, 예의를 지키세요.
Speak, but keep your manners.
일을 하되, 휴식도 취하세요.
Work, but also take breaks.
그는 부유하되, 검소한 생활을 한다.
He is wealthy, but lives a frugal life.
이 제품은 성능이 좋되, 가격이 비싸다.
This product has good performance, but is expensive.
참석은 하되, 발언은 자제해 주십시오.
Please attend, but refrain from speaking.
이론은 완벽하되, 실천이 어렵다.
The theory is perfect, but practice is difficult.
신청은 하되, 승인 여부는 알 수 없습니다.
You may apply, but whether it is approved is unknown.
그녀는 아름답되, 차가운 인상을 준다.
She is beautiful, but gives a cold impression.
이 법안은 통과되되, 수정이 필요하다.
This bill is passed, but needs amendments.
결과는 좋되, 과정이 불투명하다.
The result is good, but the process is opaque.
그는 천재이되, 노력하는 천재이다.
He is a genius, but a hardworking one.
이 문장은 문법적으로 맞되, 어색하다.
This sentence is grammatically correct, but awkward.
그 제안은 합리적이되, 실행 불가능하다.
The proposal is reasonable, but impossible to execute.
역사는 반복되되, 똑같지는 않다.
History repeats itself, but it is not the same.
그의 문체는 간결하되, 깊은 울림이 있다.
His writing style is concise, but has deep resonance.
본 계약은 유효하되, 조항 3은 제외한다.
This contract is valid, but clause 3 is excluded.
그는 권력을 쥐되, 휘두르지 않았다.
He held power, but did not wield it.
이 현상은 관찰되되, 원인은 미상이다.
This phenomenon is observed, but the cause is unknown.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'but'.
Both are formal.
Both are formal.
Common Mistakes
밥 먹되, 맛있어.
밥 먹지만, 맛있어.
가되, 안녕.
가지만, 안녕.
예쁘되, 좋아.
예쁘지만, 좋아.
하고되, 안 해.
하지만 안 해.
숙제 하되, 놀았어.
숙제는 했지만, 놀았어.
비싸되, 샀어.
비싸지만, 샀어.
가되, 안 가.
가기는 하지만, 안 가.
그는 똑똑하되, 어제는 틀렸다.
그는 똑똑하지만, 어제는 틀렸다.
가되, 가고 싶어.
가기는 하되, 가고 싶지는 않아.
먹되, 먹지 마.
먹기는 하되, 많이 먹지 마.
그는 왔되, 갔다.
그는 왔으나, 갔다.
이것은 좋되, 저것은 나쁘다.
이것은 좋으나, 저것은 나쁘다.
하되, 했다.
하려 했으나, 못 했다.
보되, 보지 않았다.
보기는 하되, 보지 않았다.
Sentence Patterns
___하되, ___하지 마십시오.
___하되, ___는 부족하다.
___하되, ___도 잊지 마세요.
___하되, ___는 예외입니다.
Real World Usage
제품을 사용하되, 전원을 끄십시오.
본 계약은 유효하되, 조항 2는 제외한다.
이론은 완벽하되, 실천은 어렵다.
참석하시되, 준비물을 챙겨주십시오.
관람하시되, 정숙해 주십시오.
현상은 관찰되되, 원인은 불명이다.
Register Check
Don't Overuse
Condition Focus
Professionalism
Smart Tips
Use -되 to balance your findings with limitations.
Use -되 to clearly state the rule and the exception.
Use -되 to list the benefits before the drawbacks.
Use -되 to set conditions for an invitation.
Pronunciation
Standard
Pronounced as written: [되].
Formal
Clause 1 (rising) + 되 (flat) + Clause 2 (falling).
Professional instruction.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of -되 as 'Do-it' with a condition. 'Do it, but...' -> '하되'.
Visual Association
Imagine a formal sign in a museum: 'Look at the art, but don't touch.' The sign says '보되, 만지지 마시오'.
Rhyme
Formal tone, condition set, use -되 to make it met.
Story
The General gave an order to his soldiers. 'Advance, but stay in formation.' He said, '전진하되, 대열을 유지하라.' The soldiers obeyed perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using -되 for a formal work email.
Cultural Notes
Used in official memos to set clear expectations.
Used in research papers to contrast findings.
Used in contracts to define exceptions.
Derived from the verb '되다' (to become/to be).
Conversation Starters
어떤 일을 할 때 주의할 점은 무엇인가요?
이 제품의 장단점은 무엇인가요?
공부할 때 어떻게 하면 좋을까요?
회의에서 지켜야 할 예절은?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
운동을 ___ 무리하지 마세요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 똑똑하되, 어제는 틀렸다.
먹지만, 많이 먹지 마.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
이 제품은 ___ 가격이 비싸다.
참석은 ___ 발언은 삼가세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
가되, 안녕.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises운동을 ___ 무리하지 마세요.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 똑똑하되, 어제는 틀렸다.
먹지만, 많이 먹지 마.
Match the condition.
이 제품은 ___ 가격이 비싸다.
참석은 ___ 발언은 삼가세요.
Find and fix the mistake:
가되, 안녕.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises술을 ____ 운전은 하지 마십시오.
1. 재미있되 2. 게임은 3. 비싸다
Translate: 'You may enter, but do not take photos.'
Choose the definition of a tomato:
노래는 부르지만 너무 크게 부르지는 마.
Match 1. 휴대폰을 사용하되 / 2. 환불은 해 주되 / 3. 질문은 하되
출처는 ____ 상업적 이용은 금지합니다.
Contract clause about data usage:
1. 듣기도 2. 말은 3. 하되 4. 해라
Translate into a formal style:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is very rare. Usually, -으나 or -지만 is preferred for past tense.
No, it works for adjectives too, like '작되' (is small, but...).
It is rooted in classical Korean and legal/academic writing traditions.
Only if you are writing a very formal, professional text to a superior.
-지만 is neutral; -되 is formal and conditional.
You must use the copula '이다' first: '학생이되...' (is a student, but...).
No, it is mostly for written or highly formal spoken contexts.
Yes, it is often followed by a formal command like '하십시오'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero / aunque
Conditionality is the key.
mais / bien que
Subjunctive mood vs. simple suffix.
aber / sofern
Conjunction vs. conditional particle.
ga / keredomo
Register difference.
lakin / bishart
Syntax structure.
但是 / 前提是
Word order.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Formal Reasons (-gie)
Overview As a C1-level Korean learner, you are moving beyond basic communication and delving into the nuanced linguistic...
Elegant Additions: Beyond 'Not Only' (-거니와)
Overview At the C2 level of Korean proficiency, moving beyond simple conjunctions is essential for crafting arguments w...
Poetic Persistence: 'If one keeps doing...' (-노라면)
Overview `-노라면` (noramyon) is an advanced Korean connective ending that expresses a conditional relationship where a...
Advanced 'Not Only... But Also' (-거니와)
Overview In advanced Korean, moving beyond simple conjunctions is key to achieving fluency and eloquence. The connectiv...
Action Beyond Endurance (-다 못해)
Overview Imagine you are at a famous spicy chicken feet restaurant in Seoul. You take a bite. Your tongue starts to tin...
