Advanced 'Not Only... But Also' (-거니와)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -거니와 to add a second, often surprising or reinforcing, fact to the first statement.
- Attach directly to the verb/adjective stem: '공부하거니와' (He studies, and furthermore...)
- Used primarily for formal speech or writing to emphasize two qualities.
- The second clause often introduces a more significant or unexpected point.
Overview
In advanced Korean, moving beyond simple conjunctions is key to achieving fluency and eloquence. The connective form -거니와 (-geoniwa) is a powerful tool for this, serving as a formal and literary equivalent of "not only... but also." It is used to connect two clauses where the first presents an established or acknowledged fact, and the second introduces an additional, often more significant, parallel fact.
Think of it as a way to say, “It is true that A is the case, and furthermore, B is also true.”
At the C1 level, its proper use signals a high degree of linguistic sophistication. Unlike its more common counterpart, -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라, which is versatile across formal and informal contexts, -거니와 is reserved almost exclusively for written language (essays, reports, literature), formal presentations, and official speeches. Its usage lends a sense of gravity and logical progression to an argument, making it clear that you are not merely listing facts, but building a case by adding compounding information.
It elevates a statement from a simple observation to a structured assertion, acknowledging a premise before amplifying it with a second, reinforcing point.
How This Grammar Works
-거니와 is acknowledgment and amplification. The speaker first lays a foundation with Clause A—a fact that is generally accepted, known, or being conceded for the sake of argument. Then, Clause B is added to build upon that foundation, amplifying the overall message.- 1Thematic Parallelism: The two connected clauses must share the same positive or negative sentiment.
-거니와is used for accumulation, not contrast. You stack a positive fact upon another positive fact, or a negative upon a negative. Combining a positive and a negative clause with-거니와creates a logical dissonance that sounds unnatural to native speakers. For contrast, you would use a different connector like-지만or-(으)나.
- Correct (Positive + Positive):
그 배우는 연기력이 뛰어나거니와 인품도 훌륭하다.(That actor not only has outstanding acting skills, but his character is also excellent.) - Correct (Negative + Negative):
이 기계는 오래되었거니와 고장도 잦다.(This machine is not only old, but it also breaks down frequently.)
- 1Inclusion of an Additive Particle: To complete the "but also" meaning, the second clause almost invariably contains an additive particle like
~도(also, too) attached to the subject or object, or an adverb like또한(furthermore, moreover) at the beginning of the clause. While not a 100% rigid grammatical rule, its omission is rare and can weaken the intended cumulative effect. The particle도is the essential glue that solidifies the additive relationship between the two clauses.
날씨도 맑거니와 바람도 시원해서 산책하기 좋은 날이었다. (Not only was the weather clear, but the wind was also cool, so it was a good day for a walk.) Here, the two separate subjects (weather and wind) contribute to a single, unified conclusion.Formation Pattern
-거니와 directly to the verb stem.
거니와 | 보다 (to see) | 보거니와 |
거니와 | 읽다 (to read) | 읽거니와 |
거니와 | 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘거니와 |
거니와 | 좋다 (to be good) | 좋거니와 |
거니와 | 만들다 (to make) | 만들거니와 |
-이거니와. Even for nouns ending in a vowel, -이거니와 is the standard and rhythmically preferred form. While 거니와 might be seen in older texts, always use -이거니와 in modern usage for clarity and correctness.
이거니와 | 의사 (doctor) | 의사이거니와 |
이거니와 | 학자 (scholar) | 학자이거니와 |
그는 뛰어난 학자이거니와 존경받는 스승이기도 했다. (He was not only a brilliant scholar, but also a respected teacher.)
-거니와 to the past tense stem (-았/었/였-).
오다 (to come) | 왔- | Past Stem + 거니와 | 왔거니와 |
공부하다 (to study) | 공부했- | Past Stem + 거니와 | 공부했거니와 |
그는 어린 시절 많은 고난을 겪었거니와, 그 경험을 통해 더욱 강해졌다. (He not only experienced many hardships in his childhood, but he also became stronger through that experience.)
-거니와 is almost never used with the future/intentive tense marker -겠-. The future meaning is instead conveyed by the final verb of the entire sentence. Attaching -겠- inside the connective clause is grammatically awkward and unnatural.
When To Use It
-거니와 for contexts where you need to project formality, intellectual weight, or literary flair. Using it in everyday casual conversation would be inappropriate and sound pretentious. Its proper domain is in structured, planned communication.- Academic and Persuasive Writing: This is the primary home for
-거니와. It is perfect for constructing arguments in essays, research papers, and reports. It helps to logically link supporting points in a way that feels structured and authoritative. 이 정책은 경제 활성화에 기여하거니와 장기적인 국가 경쟁력 강화에도 도움이 될 것입니다.(This policy will not only contribute to economic revitalization but will also help strengthen national competitiveness in the long term.)
- Formal Speeches and Presentations: When delivering a speech, presenting a proposal, or introducing a respected figure,
-거니와adds a level of polish and rhetorical strength. It allows you to elegantly stack the virtues or benefits you are describing. 본 제품은 혁신적인 디자인을 자랑하거니와, 사용자 편의성 또한 극대화하였습니다.(This product not only boasts an innovative design, but we have also maximized user convenience.)
- Literary and Narrative Prose: Authors and writers use
-거니와to create a smooth, descriptive flow, linking qualities or events with a touch of elegance. It is common in novels, historical texts, and reflective essays. 그날 밤은 달빛이 유난히 밝았거니와, 공기마저 상쾌하여 모든 시름을 잊게 했다.(That night, the moonlight was not only exceptionally bright, but the air was also refreshing, making me forget all my worries.)
- Official Announcements and Citations: In formal written announcements, award citations, or recommendation letters, this grammar is used to list a person's or entity's accomplishments in a dignified manner.
수상자는 뛰어난 연구 성과를 이루었거니와, 후학 양성에도 헌신적인 노력을 기울였습니다.(The recipient not only achieved outstanding research results but also dedicated devoted efforts to mentoring junior scholars.)
Common Mistakes
-거니와 by misunderstanding its specific nuance and formal register. Avoid these common pitfalls.- 1Thematic Mismatch (Incorrectly Mixing Positive/Negative): This is the most critical and frequent error.
-거니와demands parallelism. Using it for contrast creates a jarring and illogical sentence.
- ✗ Incorrect:
이 식당은 음식이 맛있거니와 서비스는 불친절하다.(This restaurant's food is delicious, but the service is unfriendly.) - Why it's wrong: The grammar is for adding a similar-themed point, not contrasting a different one. The listener expects another positive attribute after the first positive clause.
- ✓ Correct Fix (Contrast):
이 식당은 음식이 맛있지만 서비스는 불친절하다. - ✓ Correct Fix (Parallel):
이 식당은 음식이 맛있거니와 분위기도 훌륭하다.
- 1Inappropriate Register (Overuse in Casual Speech): The second major error is using this formal, literary structure in a casual, everyday context. It makes the speaker sound unnatural, like they are reading from a classical novel.
- ✗ Awkward in a cafe:
이 커피는 향이 좋거니와 맛도 진하네요.(This coffee has a good aroma and its taste is also deep.) - ✓ Natural alternative:
이 커피는 향도 좋고 맛도 진하네요.or이 커피는 향이 좋을 뿐만 아니라 맛도 진하네요.
- 1Using it as a Sentence Ender: Remember,
-거니와is a connective ending. It must be followed by a second clause to complete the thought. It cannot end a sentence on its own.
- ✗ Incorrect:
한국은 아름다운 자연을 가졌거니와.(Sentence fragment.) - ✓ Correct:
한국은 아름다운 자연을 가졌거니와, 풍부한 문화유산도 자랑한다.(Korea not only has beautiful nature, but it also boasts a rich cultural heritage.)
- 1Future Tense Error: As mentioned in the formation section, attaching
-겠-to the verb before-거니와is incorrect. This is a subtle but clear marker of a non-native speaker.
- ✗ Incorrect:
내일은 날씨가 맑겠거니와 기온도 따뜻할 것이다. - ✓ Correct:
내일은 날씨가 맑거니와 기온도 따뜻할 것이다.(Tomorrow the weather will not only be clear, but the temperature will also be warm.)
Real Conversations
While you won't hear -거니와 in casual chats, it appears frequently in formal and semi-formal contexts where communication is planned and structured. Here are some realistic examples of its modern usage.
Scenario 1
“조선 후기의 실학 사상은 당시의 경직된 사회 구조를 비판했거니와, 백성들의 실생활에 도움이 되는 실용적인 학문을 강조했다는 점에서 큰 의의를 가집니다.”
(“The Silhak philosophy of the late Joseon Dynasty not only criticized the rigid social structure of the time but also holds great significance in that it emphasized practical studies helpful to the actual lives of the common people.”)*
Scenario 2
“1분기 실적은 목표를 초과 달성했거니와, 신규 시장 개척에서도 괄목할 만한 성과를 거두었습니다. 이는 모두 팀원 여러분의 헌신 덕분입니다.”
(“Our Q1 performance not only exceeded its targets, but we also achieved remarkable results in pioneering new markets. This is all thanks to the dedication of our team members.”)*
Scenario 3
“이 소설은 탄탄한 서사 구조를 갖추었거니와, 각 인물의 심리 묘사 또한 매우 섬세하여 독자들에게 깊은 몰입감을 선사한다.”
(“This novel not only possesses a solid narrative structure, but the psychological depiction of each character is also extremely delicate, providing readers with a deep sense of immersion.”)*
Scenario 4
“정부의 이번 부동산 대책은 투기 수요를 억제하거니와, 서민들의 주거 안정에도 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것으로 기대됩니다.”
(“The government's latest real estate measure is expected to not only curb speculative demand but also to have a positive impact on the housing stability of ordinary people.”)*
Quick FAQ
-거니와 when speaking?Almost never in casual, spontaneous conversation. Its use is limited to prepared, formal speech: academic presentations, news broadcasts, official ceremonies, and perhaps debates. In 99% of spoken situations, -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 or -고 is the more natural and appropriate choice.
-거니와 and -는 데다가?This is a key distinction. While both add information, they have different nuances.
-거니와connects two parallel facts of similar status or weight. It presents them as two existing truths that complement each other. Think of it asFact A + Fact B.-는 데다가implies piling on. It suggests that the second clause is an additional item being stacked on top of the first, often making a situation more extreme. Think of it asOn top of Fact A, there's also Fact B. It often carries a nuance of “to make matters even better/worse.”- Example:
그 식당은 음식이 맛있거니와 경치도 좋다.(The restaurant's food is tasty, and the view is also good.) — Parallel qualities. - Example:
주말이라 길이 막히는 데다가 비까지 와서 운전하기 힘들었다.(Because it was the weekend the roads were jammed, and on top of that, it was even raining, so driving was difficult.) — Piling on negative conditions.
-거니와?Absolutely. The rule is about thematic parallelism, not positivity. As long as both clauses express a negative or undesirable quality, the structure works perfectly.
그 방은 월세가 비싸거니와 교통도 불편해서 인기가 없다.(That room not only has expensive monthly rent, but the transportation is also inconvenient, so it's not popular.)
도 particle in the second clause mandatory?While not a textbook rule that makes its omission grammatically incorrect, its presence is overwhelmingly standard in natural usage. Omitting 도 (or 또한) can make the sentence feel incomplete or less emphatic. It is the particle that truly solidifies the “also” part of the meaning, so it is highly recommended to always include it.
Its etymology helps explain its meaning. -거니와 is a fusion of older grammatical elements. It's related to the connective -거늘, which sets up a known fact or background situation, combined with the particle 와/과 (with, and). This origin story reinforces its modern function: acknowledging a given situation (-거늘) and adding something to it (-와).
Formation Table
| Base Form | Stem | Conjugated Form |
|---|---|---|
|
먹다
|
먹
|
먹거니와
|
|
가다
|
가
|
가거니와
|
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘
|
예쁘거니와
|
|
좋다
|
좋
|
좋거니와
|
|
공부하다
|
공부하
|
공부하거니와
|
|
만들다
|
만들
|
만들거니와
|
Meanings
A formal conjunctive ending used to acknowledge a fact in the first clause while adding another, often more important, fact in the second.
Additive Emphasis
Acknowledging two positive or negative attributes simultaneously.
“그녀는 노래를 잘하거니와 춤도 잘 춘다.”
“날씨가 춥거니와 바람까지 분다.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 거니와
|
그는 똑똑하거니와 성실하다.
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 었/았거니와
|
그는 노력했거니와 결과도 좋았다.
|
|
Adjective
|
Stem + 거니와
|
날씨가 맑거니와 기분도 좋다.
|
Formality Spectrum
그는 재능이 있거니와 성실하다. (Professional evaluation)
그는 재능이 있고 성실해요. (Professional evaluation)
걔는 재능도 있고 성실해. (Professional evaluation)
걔는 재능충에 성실하기까지 함. (Professional evaluation)
The -거니와 Logic
Usage
- Formal Formal
- Additive Additive
Constraint
- No Command No Command
Examples by Level
그는 키가 크거니와 잘생겼다.
He is tall, and also handsome.
이 식당은 음식이 맛있거니와 가격도 싸다.
This restaurant's food is delicious, and the price is cheap.
그는 공부를 잘하거니와 운동도 잘한다.
He studies well, and he is good at sports too.
그 계획은 비용이 많이 들거니와 시간도 오래 걸린다.
That plan is expensive, and it also takes a long time.
그 정책은 경제적 효과가 크거니와 사회적 합의도 이끌어냈다.
The policy has a significant economic effect and also led to social consensus.
그는 학문적 성취가 높거니와 인품 또한 훌륭하다.
He has high academic achievements, and his character is also excellent.
Easily Confused
Both are additive.
Both mean 'not only... but also'.
Both add information.
Common Mistakes
밥 먹거니와 가자!
밥을 먹고 가자.
숙제 하거니와!
숙제를 하세요.
친구랑 놀거니와.
친구랑 놀고 있다.
예쁘거니와 가자.
예쁘니까 가자.
그는 키가 크거니와.
그는 키가 크고 잘생겼다.
비가 오거니와 우산 써.
비가 오니까 우산을 써라.
맛있거니와 먹어.
맛있으니까 먹어라.
그는 부자거니와 성격도 좋다.
그는 부자이거니와 성격도 좋다.
공부하거니와 시험을 잘 봤다.
공부했거니와 시험을 잘 봤다.
그것은 사실이거니와 믿을 수 없다.
그것은 사실이거니와 믿을 수 있다.
그는 가거니와 오지 않았다.
그는 갔거니와 오지 않았다.
그는 똑똑하거니와, 똑똑하다.
그는 똑똑하거니와 현명하다.
그는 일하거니와 쉬고 싶다.
그는 일했거니와 쉬고 싶다.
그는 예쁘거니와 예쁘다.
그는 예쁘거니와 착하다.
Sentence Patterns
그는 ___하거니와 ___하다.
이 제품은 ___하거니와 ___하다.
그 정책은 ___하거니와 ___하다.
날씨가 ___하거니와 ___하다.
Real World Usage
본 연구는 이론적 토대가 탄탄하거니와 실증적 분석도 충실하다.
우리 회사는 기술력이 뛰어나거니와 시장 점유율도 높습니다.
그 정책은 민생을 안정시키거니와 경제 활력을 제고할 것이다.
귀사의 제안은 비용 효율적이거니와 장기적 비전도 훌륭합니다.
이 소설은 문체가 아름답거니와 주제 의식도 뚜렷하다.
저는 실무 경험이 많거니와 팀워크 능력도 갖추고 있습니다.
Context is Key
No Commands
Noun Usage
Tone Matters
Smart Tips
Use -거니와 to link two positive attributes of a subject.
Use -거니와 to stack negative points for emphasis.
Ensure the second fact is more significant.
Remember the '이' particle.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄴ' sound in -거니와 is pronounced clearly.
Rising-Falling
그는 똑똑하거니와(↗) 성실하다(↘).
Emphasis on the first clause before the addition.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '거니와' as 'Gonna add' (Gonna-wa). It's gonna add another fact!
Visual Association
Imagine a scale. On one side, you place a heavy gold bar (Fact 1). Then, you add another gold bar (Fact 2) using the '거니와' crane.
Rhyme
Formal speech is the way, use the ending -거니와 to have your say.
Story
Professor Kim is giving a lecture. He says, 'The experiment was difficult (어려웠거니와), but the results were groundbreaking.' He uses -거니와 to show he is a serious, academic speaker.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your favorite city using -거니와 to describe two of its features.
Cultural Notes
Used in formal reports to show balanced arguments.
Used in novels to describe characters.
Used in speeches to emphasize policy benefits.
Derived from the archaic verb '거니다' (to go/be) combined with the conjunctive suffix '-와'.
Conversation Starters
한국어 공부의 장점은 무엇인가요?
당신이 생각하는 좋은 리더의 조건은?
최근 읽은 책에 대해 설명해주세요.
이 도시의 매력은 무엇인가요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
그는 똑똑하___ 성실하다.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 예쁘거니와 가자.
그는 똑똑하고 착하다. (Make it formal)
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
-거니와 can be used with commands.
그는 / 성실하다 / 똑똑하거니와 / .
만들다 + 거니와
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises그는 똑똑하___ 성실하다.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
그는 예쁘거니와 가자.
그는 똑똑하고 착하다. (Make it formal)
날씨가 춥거니와 바람도 분다.
-거니와 can be used with commands.
그는 / 성실하다 / 똑똑하거니와 / .
만들다 + 거니와
Score: /8
Practice Bank
6 exercises맛도 / 이 / 좋거니와 / 커피는 / 향도 / 좋다
Not only is he busy, but he is also tired.
Match the following:
그는 나의 ___ 선생님이기도 하다.
Choose the correct past tense usage:
이 가방은 예쁘거니와 너무 무거워요.
Score: /6
FAQ (8)
No, it is too formal. Use -고 or -기도 하고 instead.
No, it can be used for negative things too, like '날씨가 춥거니와 바람도 분다'.
-뿐만 아니라 is for nouns, -거니와 is for verbs/adjectives.
Yes, you can say '공부했거니와'.
It is a conjunctive ending for declarative statements, not for influencing others.
Only in formal speeches or presentations.
You must add '이' (e.g., 학생이거니와).
Yes, it often acknowledges the first fact before adding the second.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
no solo... sino también
Korean uses a suffix, Spanish uses a multi-word phrase.
non seulement... mais aussi
French is more flexible with word order.
nicht nur... sondern auch
German uses two separate conjunctions.
～のみならず
Japanese is even more restricted to formal writing.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
Arabic is a phrase-based structure.
不但... 而且...
Chinese uses a two-part correlative structure.
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...
The Formal 'But': Using -되 for Provisos
Overview The connective ending `-되` is a sophisticated tool in formal Korean used to introduce a proviso or a qualifyi...
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...
