Acknowledging with a 'But' (-기는 하다)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -기는 하다 to acknowledge a fact while immediately introducing a contrasting or limiting thought.
- Attach -기는 하다 to the verb/adjective stem: 먹기는 하다 (It is true that I ate).
- Use it to concede a point before adding a 'but' (지만) or a contrasting clause.
- It emphasizes the truth of the first clause while signaling a shift in focus.
Overview
Ever been caught in that awkward spot where you have to admit something is true, but you really want to add a massive 'but' at the end? Maybe your friend asks if you liked that new 3-hour indie movie. You want to be polite.
You say, "Well, I did watch it... but I fell asleep halfway through." That's exactly where -기는 하다 comes to the rescue. It's the ultimate 'Yes, but' grammar tool for your Korean arsenal.
It allows you to acknowledge a fact or state. You are basically saying, "I admit this part is true." But you are also signaling that there is a catch. It's perfect for B2 learners who want to sound more nuanced.
You aren't just saying 'Yes' or 'No' anymore. You are providing context and managing expectations. It’s like the linguistic version of a 'soft launch' for a disagreement.
You aren't being rude; you're being precise. Just don't use it to tell your professor their lecture was 'interesting but long' unless you really trust your grades. Use it when you want to show you're listening, but have your own take.
It's a lifesaver in Zoom meetings when you need to agree with your boss partially. It also works great on TikTok when you're reviewing a viral product that didn't quite live up to the hype.
How This Grammar Works
-기는 하다 is about concession. In linguistic terms, we call this a 'concessive' pattern. You are conceding a point.-기. Then you add the topic marker -는 for emphasis. Finally, you finish it with 하다 (to do).-지만 (but) or -는데 (and/but/so). However, in spoken Korean, we often just end the sentence with -기는 해요. The 'but' part is implied by your tone and the context.좋기는 해요, everyone knows you’re about to complain about the prices. It’s the verbal equivalent of a side-eye.Formation Pattern
-다).
-기는 directly to that stem.
하다 (for adjectives and verbs).
하다 into whatever speech level you need.
-기는 하다 | 먹기는 하다 | I do eat it (but...)
-기는 하다 | 싸기는 하다 | It is cheap (but...)
-기는 하다 | 갔기는 하다 | I did go (but...)
먹긴 하다 | (Same as above, just faster)
먹기는 합니다 (Used in presentations or interviews)
먹기는 해요 (Standard daily use with coworkers/strangers)
먹기는 해 (With close friends or younger siblings)
-기는 as the 'K' in 'K, fine...' It’s that slightly reluctant agreement we all do when we don't want to be a total hater. "K, fine... it's good, but..."
When To Use It
- Social Media Reviews: "The cafe is pretty (
예쁘기는 한데), but the coffee is terrible." - Texting Friends: When someone asks if you've finished your homework. "I started it (
시작하기는 했는데)... but I got distracted by cat videos." - Job Interviews: "I have the certification (
자격증이 있기는 하지만), but I don't have much field experience yet." - Shopping: "This jacket fits well (
잘 맞기는 한데), but the color is a bit too bright for me." - Streaming/Movies: "The acting was great (
연기가 좋기는 했어요), but the plot made no sense." - Food Delivery Apps: "The food arrived fast (
빨리 오기는 했는데), but they forgot my extra sauce."
-기는 하다, you sound like a refined critic.Common Mistakes
-기는 하다 and then just stop without a 'but' or a reason, the listener will be left hanging. It feels like a cliffhanger in a drama.- Don't use it for pure agreement: If you actually love something 100%, just say
좋아요. If you say좋기는 해요, your friend will think you're hiding a secret hatred for it. - Tense placement: Beginners often put the past tense in the middle AND at the end. You usually put it at the end of the whole phrase.
갔기는 했다is okay, but가기는 했다is also common depending on the focus. - Confusing with
-기도 하다:-기도 하다means "sometimes I do X too."-기는 하다is "I do do X (but...)." One is about frequency, the other is about concession. - Overusing it: If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're never satisfied with anything. Nobody wants to hang out with a permanent 'but' person.
- Formal/Informal mix-ups: Make sure the final
하다matches your audience. Don't drop to해with your boss just because you're concentrating on the grammar!
Contrast With Similar Patterns
-기는 하다vs.-지만:-지만is a simple "but."-기는 하다emphasizes the first part much more. It's like saying "I really do admit that..." versus just "X but Y."-기는 하다vs.-기는요: Don't get these mixed up!-기는요is a polite way to disagree or dismiss a compliment (like "Oh, not at all!").-기는 하다is about partial agreement.-긴 한데vs.-기는 한데: These are the same!-긴is just the short version. Use the short version for texting and the long version for formal writing or slow, dramatic speaking.- Repeating the Verb: Sometimes instead of
하다, Koreans repeat the main verb. For example:먹기는 먹는데...(I eat it, I really do eat it, but...). This is like double-underlining your sentence. It adds even more emphasis to the fact that you are indeed doing the action. It's very common when someone is doubting you. "Did you really study?" "공부하기는 공부했는데..." (I did study, I really did, but... I forgot everything).
Quick FAQ
Can I use this with nouns?
Not directly. You’d need to use (이)기는 하다 or turn the noun into a verb like 학생이기는 하지만 (I am a student, but...).
Is it okay to use this in a diary?
Definitely! It's great for reflecting on your day. "I worked out today (운동하기는 했다), but only for five minutes."
What’s the difference between -기는 하지만 and -기는 한데?
-하지만 is slightly more formal and clear-cut. -한데 is more conversational and provides background info. In 90% of daily chats, you'll use -한데.
Can I use it for compliments?
Yes, but be careful. "You're pretty (예쁘기는 한데)" implies there's something else wrong. Stick to simple compliments unless you're teasing a close friend.
Is there a specific intonation?
Yes, you usually stress the -기는 part slightly to show that you're setting up a contrast.
Real Conversations
Speaker A
요즘 운동 시작했어? (Did you start working out lately?)Speaker B
시작하기는 했는데 매일 하지는 못해. (I did start, but I can't do it every day.)Speaker A
이 핸드폰 어때? (How is this phone?)Speaker B
디자인이 예쁘기는 한데 너무 비싸. (The design is pretty, but it's too expensive.)Conjugation of -기는 하다
| Tense | Verb/Adj | Form |
|---|---|---|
|
Present
|
가다
|
가기는 하다
|
|
Past
|
가다
|
가기는 했다
|
|
Future
|
가다
|
가기는 하겠다
|
|
Present
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘기는 하다
|
|
Past
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘기는 했다
|
|
Future
|
예쁘다
|
예쁘기는 하겠다
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Short Form |
|---|---|
|
가기는 하지만
|
가긴 하지만
|
|
먹기는 한데
|
먹긴 한데
|
Meanings
This pattern is used to admit or acknowledge the truth of a statement, while simultaneously setting the stage for a contrasting or limiting remark.
Partial Concession
Admitting a fact is true, but adding a caveat.
“공부하기는 했지만 시험은 어려웠어요.”
“비싸기는 하지만 품질은 좋아요.”
Defensive Acknowledgment
Defending one's actions when criticized.
“노력하기는 했어요.”
“말하기는 했는데요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Stem + 기는 하다
|
좋기는 해요
|
|
Past
|
Stem + 기는 했다
|
좋기는 했어요
|
|
Future
|
Stem + 기는 하겠다
|
좋기는 하겠어요
|
|
Negative
|
Stem + -지 않기는 하다
|
가지 않기는 해요
|
|
Question
|
Stem + 기는 해요?
|
가기는 해요?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Stem + 기는 해요
|
먹기는 해요
|
Formality Spectrum
맛있기는 합니다만 비쌉니다. (Restaurant review)
맛있기는 한데 비싸요. (Restaurant review)
맛있기는 한데 비싸. (Restaurant review)
맛있긴 한데 비싸네. (Restaurant review)
The Concession Flow
Input
- 인정 Acknowledgment
Output
- 반전 Contrast
Simple 'But' vs. Concessive 'But'
Examples by Level
먹기는 해요.
I do eat it.
가기는 해요.
I do go.
좋기는 해요.
It is good.
알기는 해요.
I do know.
맛있기는 한데 비싸요.
It is tasty, but it is expensive.
공부하기는 했어요.
I did study.
예쁘기는 하지만 작아요.
It is pretty, but it is small.
가기는 하지만 늦을 거예요.
I will go, but I will be late.
도움이 되기는 하겠지만 시간이 걸려요.
It will be helpful, but it will take time.
말하기는 했는데 잘 안 들렸어요.
I did say it, but it wasn't heard well.
비싸기는 해도 품질은 최고예요.
Even though it is expensive, the quality is the best.
가고 싶기는 한데 돈이 없어요.
I want to go, but I don't have money.
그 제안이 타당하기는 하지만 현실적이지 않습니다.
That proposal is reasonable, but it is not realistic.
그를 좋아하기는 해도 결혼은 생각 안 해봤어요.
Even though I like him, I haven't thought about marriage.
어렵기는 하겠지만 충분히 할 수 있어요.
It will be difficult, but you can definitely do it.
듣기는 했어도 이해는 못 했어요.
I did hear it, but I couldn't understand it.
그 정책이 효과가 있기는 하겠으나 부작용이 우려됩니다.
That policy might be effective, but side effects are concerning.
그가 천재이기는 해도 인성은 부족해요.
Even if he is a genius, his character is lacking.
노력하기는 했으나 결과가 좋지 않았습니다.
I did make an effort, but the results were not good.
가치가 있기는 하되 위험 부담이 큽니다.
It has value, but the risk is high.
그의 주장이 일리가 있기는 하되 전적으로 동의할 수는 없습니다.
His argument has merit, but I cannot fully agree.
그 일을 처리하기는 했으되 완벽하지는 않았습니다.
I did handle the task, but it was not perfect.
그녀가 재능이 있기는 하거니와 노력도 대단합니다.
She is talented, and her effort is also great.
그 사실을 알기는 하였으나 묵인했습니다.
I did know that fact, but I overlooked it.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'but'. Learners use them interchangeably.
Sometimes learners mix up 'it seems' with 'it is true but'.
Both are concessive.
Common Mistakes
먹기 하다
먹기는 하다
가기는 해요지만
가기는 하지만
예쁘기는
예쁘기는 하다
먹기는 했어요지만
먹기는 했지만
비싸기는 하지만 비싸요
비싸기는 하지만 좋아요
가기는 했지만 갔어요
가기는 했지만 못 갔어요
좋기는 하겠어요
좋기는 해요
알기는 하지만 몰라요
알기는 하지만 잘 몰라요
가기는 했지만 갔어요
가기는 했지만 늦었어요
예쁘기는 하거니와
예쁘기는 하지만
그것은 사실이기는 하되 거짓입니다
그것은 사실이기는 하되 오해의 소지가 있습니다
가기는 하였지만 갔습니다
가기는 하였지만 늦었습니다
Sentence Patterns
___기는 한데 ___.
___기는 했지만 ___.
___기는 하겠으나 ___.
___기는 해도 ___.
Real World Usage
사진 예쁘긴 한데 어디예요?
맛있긴 한데 양이 좀 적네요.
경험이 있기는 합니다만, 이 분야는 처음입니다.
가긴 갈 건데 좀 늦을 듯.
유명하긴 해도 사람이 너무 많아요.
검토하기는 했습니다만 수정이 필요합니다.
Don't Overuse
Tense Matters
Use Contractions
Softening Refusals
Smart Tips
Start with the other person's point using -기는 하다, then pivot.
Acknowledge your limited experience before highlighting your potential.
Balance the pros and cons to sound objective.
Validate the expectation before explaining the reality.
Pronunciation
Contraction
In fast speech, '기는' often becomes '긴'.
Rising-Falling
맛있기는↗ 한데↘
Signals the contrast is coming.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '기는' as a 'GIVE-in'. You give in to their point first, then you 'ha-da' (do) your own thing.
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. On one side, you place a heavy weight (the fact you agree with). On the other side, you place a small feather (your contrast). You acknowledge the weight before the feather tips the scale.
Rhyme
Fact is true, '기는 하다' says it too. Then add a 'but' to see the view.
Story
Min-su was asked if he liked the new office. He said, '넓기는 한데 너무 추워요' (It is spacious, but it is too cold). He acknowledged the space (the good) before mentioning the cold (the bad). This made his complaint sound much more reasonable and less like whining.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, try to describe 3 things in your room using this pattern (e.g., 'This chair is comfortable, but it is old').
Cultural Notes
Used to avoid direct confrontation with a superior. It shows you heard them before offering a different view.
Used to soften a refusal to an invitation. It shows you appreciate the offer.
Used in debates to show you have considered the opponent's logic.
Derived from the nominalizer -기 and the verb 하다 (to do).
Conversation Starters
오늘 날씨 어때요?
이 식당 음식 어때요?
한국어 공부하기 어렵지 않아요?
이번 프로젝트가 성공할까요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
이 옷은 예쁘____ 비싸요.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가기는 했지만 갔어요.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
It is fun, but it is hard.
Answer starts with: 재미있...
맛있어요. 비싸요.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
그 제안은 ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises이 옷은 예쁘____ 비싸요.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
가기는 했지만 갔어요.
비싸요 / 하지만 / 좋기는 / 이 물건은
It is fun, but it is hard.
맛있어요. 비싸요.
Match the past tense form.
그 제안은 ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises넷플릭스를 보___ 하기는 했는데 다 못 봤어요.
숙제를 했기는 한데 집에 두고 왔어요.
예쁘 / 한데 / 기는 / 비싸요 / .
한국어를 (speak) 하기는 하는데 잘 못해요.
Regarding the proposal:
Match the following:
맛___ 한데 너무 짜요.
Response to 'Is this book good?':
먹기는 먹다만 맛이 없어요.
가기는 ___.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, it works perfectly with both verbs and adjectives (e.g., 예쁘기는 하다, 좋다기는 하다).
No, it is actually polite because it shows you are considering the other person's point of view.
That is just a common contraction in spoken Korean. It means the exact same thing.
Yes, '가기는 하겠다' means 'I will go (but...)'.
Yes, '하지만' is just 'but'. '-기는 하다' adds the nuance of 'I acknowledge that...'.
Yes, just use the formal ending '합니다' (e.g., '좋기는 합니다만').
Forgetting the '하다' part or using the wrong tense.
Not necessarily. It can be followed by '데' or even end the sentence if the context implies the contrast.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si bien... pero
Korean attaches the structure to the verb itself.
Certes... mais
Korean is a suffix-based system.
Zwar... aber
German uses separate words, Korean uses one verb conjugation.
～ことは～が
The particles used are slightly different.
虽然... 但是
Chinese does not conjugate the verb.
صحيح أن... لكن
Arabic uses a phrase rather than a suffix.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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Present Progressive: -ing (고 있다)
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To the Absolute Max: (-ㄹ/을 대로)
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Just/Only: Emphatic Limitation (-ㄹ/을 뿐이다)
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