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Korean
Vocabulary
~하지만

A2 conjunction 12 min read

~하지만

-hajiman

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ~하지만 in 30 Seconds

Explanation ~하지만 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to connect simple ideas. '하지만' (hajiman) is your first 'bridge' word. You use it to put two simple sentences together to show they are different. For example, 'I like apples. But I don't like bananas.' In Korean, this is '사과를 좋아해요. 하지만 바나나는 안 좋아해요.' You don't need to change the word at all; you just put it at the start of the second sentence. It's important to remember that '하지만' comes after a full stop. It helps you talk about your likes and dislikes, the weather, or your daily routine in a more interesting way. Instead of just saying 'It is cold,' you can say 'It is cold. But it is sunny.' This makes your Korean sound much more advanced than just using single sentences. Think of it as a 'stop and change' sign. You finish one thought, stop, say '하지만,' and then change the direction of your next thought. It's one of the most useful words you will learn in your first few months of Korean study.

At the A2 level, you are moving beyond basic survival Korean and starting to describe your life and opinions in more detail. '하지만' becomes a vital tool for expressing nuances. You might use it to describe a trip: 'The hotel was good. But the food was bad.' (호텔은 좋았어요. 하지만 음식이 맛없었어요.) You should also start noticing the difference between '하지만' and '-지만.' While '-지만' is a suffix that glues two parts of one sentence together, '하지만' starts a brand new sentence. At this level, you should practice using '하지만' to provide reasons or excuses in conversation. If someone asks you to go out, you might say, 'I want to go. But I have homework.' (가고 싶어요. 하지만 숙제가 있어요.) This level is also where you should start distinguishing '하지만' from '그런데.' You will notice that '그런데' is used very often in casual speech, while '하지만' feels a bit more structured and clear. Using '하지만' correctly helps you sound more organized and polite when you are explaining a situation or disagreeing with someone.

By the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and provide longer explanations. '하지만' serves as a logical connector in your arguments. You are no longer just connecting simple facts; you are connecting ideas. For instance, you might use '하지만' to discuss the pros and cons of a topic, such as living in a city versus the countryside. You should also be comfortable using '하지만' in semi-formal writing, like emails to colleagues or short essays. At this level, you will encounter the pattern '-기는 하지만,' which is a more advanced way of using the same root. This pattern means 'It's true that [A], but [B].' For example, '한국어가 재미있기는 하지만 어려워요' (It's true that Korean is fun, but it's difficult). This shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. You should also be aware of the 'register' or 'formality' of '하지만.' While it is universal, you might start using '그러나' in your formal writing and '근데' in your casual text messages, keeping '하지만' as your versatile, standard choice for most situations. It helps you maintain a clear logical flow in your speech.

At the B2 level, you are expected to follow and participate in complex discussions and debates. '하지만' is used here as a sophisticated rhetorical device. It's not just about 'but' anymore; it's about shifting the perspective of an entire argument. You might use '하지만' to introduce a counter-point in a structured essay or a formal debate. 'The economy is growing. However, the gap between rich and poor is widening.' This requires a clear understanding of the logical relationship between the two sentences. You will also notice that '하지만' is used to create suspense or emphasize a surprising turn of events in storytelling. At this level, you should be very precise with your choice of conjunctions. You must decide whether the contrast is strong enough for '하지만,' or if a more nuanced connector like '그럼에도 불구하고' (nevertheless) or '반면에' (on the other hand) would be more appropriate. Your ability to use '하지만' to navigate through complex, multi-sentence arguments is a key indicator of your fluency. You are now using the word to manage the 'flow' of information, ensuring that your listener or reader can follow your logic through various twists and turns.

At the C1 level, your use of '하지만' should be seamless and stylistically varied. You understand that '하지만' is part of a larger family of contrastive markers and you choose it specifically for its clarity and standard polite tone. In academic or professional contexts, you might use it to transition between different sections of a presentation. You are also sensitive to the 'prosody' or rhythm that '하지만' brings to a sentence. Sometimes, you might choose to use '-지만' within a sentence to keep the pace fast, or '하지만' at the start of a new sentence to slow down and emphasize the contrast. You also recognize the use of '하지만' in classical literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to subvert expectations that have been built up over several preceding sentences. At this level, you can also identify when '하지만' is used ironically or for comedic effect in media. Your mastery involves not just knowing what it means, but knowing exactly where it fits in the architectural structure of a complex discourse to achieve the maximum impact on your audience.

At the C2 level, '하지만' is used with the precision of a native speaker. You are fully aware of its historical roots (하기는 하지만) and how this informs its modern usage. You can use '하지만' to navigate the most delicate social and professional situations, using it to hedge statements, provide polite refusals, or steer a high-level negotiation. You understand the subtle difference in 'weight' between '하지만,' '그러나,' '그렇지만,' and '그런데' in any given context, from a legal contract to a poetic verse. You might even use '하지만' to consciously break the 'flow' of a narrative for stylistic purposes. In a C2 level discourse, '하지만' is often the anchor for a complex logical structure involving multiple layers of concession and contrast. You are capable of producing long-form content where '하지만' is used strategically to maintain the reader's interest and clarify the progression of a sophisticated argument. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, demonstrating a deep, intuitive grasp of Korean pragmatics and syntax.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

~하지만 in 30 Seconds

A common Korean conjunction meaning 'but' or 'however' used at the beginning of a sentence to show contrast.
Derived from '하다' (to do) and the suffix '-지만' (but), acting as a standalone logical connector.
Used in both spoken and written Korean, ranging from casual daily life to formal news and academic reports.
Helps create more complex and nuanced communication by allowing the speaker to present opposing viewpoints or exceptions.

The Korean word 하지만 (hajiman) is one of the most fundamental and frequently used conjunctions in the Korean language. Functioning primarily as a sentence-starting conjunctive adverb, it translates most directly to the English words 'but' or 'however.' Its primary role is to introduce a statement that contrasts with, contradicts, or qualifies the information presented in the preceding sentence. In the landscape of Korean grammar, it serves as a bridge that signals a shift in direction, allowing speakers to acknowledge a fact while immediately presenting an opposing reality or a significant exception. This word is essential for creating complex, nuanced narratives and is a cornerstone of logical progression in both spoken and written discourse.

Grammatical Origin: It is a contraction of '하기는 하지만,' which literally means 'doing (it) is done, but...' Over time, it solidified into a standalone conjunction used at the beginning of sentences.
Semantic Function: It provides a 'pivot' in thought. It acknowledges the validity of the previous statement while setting the stage for a different perspective.

한국어 공부는 어렵습니다. 하지만 정말 재미있습니다. (Studying Korean is difficult. But it is really fun.)

People use '하지만' in nearly every context imaginable, from casual coffee shop chats to formal academic lectures. It is considered slightly more formal and emphatic than its shortened counterpart '근데' (geunde), making it an excellent choice for writing essays, delivering speeches, or engaging in professional correspondence. When you use '하지만,' you are telling your listener to pay close attention because the most important or surprising part of your message is about to follow. It prevents a conversation from being one-dimensional by allowing for the 'yes, but' logic that characterizes human experience.

그는 돈이 많습니다. 하지만 행복하지 않습니다. (He has a lot of money. However, he is not happy.)

In social settings, '하지만' is used to politely disagree or to offer a counter-suggestion without being overly blunt. By starting a sentence with this word, you signal that you have heard the previous point but have a different angle to contribute. This makes it a vital tool for social harmony and effective communication in Korean culture, where direct contradiction can sometimes be perceived as harsh. By using '하지만,' the contrast is framed logically rather than personally.

Register and Tone: Standard polite (Haeyo-che) or formal (Hapsyo-che). It is universally understood and safe for learners to use in any situation.

밖에는 비가 옵니다. 하지만 우리는 축구를 할 것입니다. (It is raining outside. But we are going to play soccer.)

Ultimately, mastering '하지만' allows a learner to move beyond simple, isolated sentences and begin constructing cohesive paragraphs and meaningful dialogues. It is the connective tissue of contrast, providing the necessary friction between ideas that drives storytelling and debate forward. Whether you are describing a movie that was long but exciting, or a meal that was expensive but delicious, '하지만' is your go-to linguistic tool for balancing the scales of information.

Using 하지만 is remarkably straightforward because it typically functions as a sentence starter. Unlike the suffix '-지만' which must be attached directly to the stem of a verb or adjective within a single sentence, '하지만' stands at the beginning of a new sentence to provide contrast with the sentence that came immediately before it. This structural independence makes it very user-friendly for English speakers, as it mirrors the placement of 'However' or 'But' at the start of an English sentence.

Placement: Always place '하지만' at the very beginning of the second sentence. It is usually followed by a comma in written Korean, though the comma is often omitted in casual writing.
Relationship with -지만: Think of '하지만' as the 'standalone' version. If you want to combine two thoughts into one sentence, you use the suffix '-지만' (e.g., '춥지만 나갔어요' - It's cold but I went out). If you want two separate sentences, use '하지만' (e.g., '춥습니다. 하지만 나갔습니다').

Step 1: Sentence A (Fact).
Step 2: 하지만 + Sentence B (Contrastive Fact).

One important nuance is that '하지만' is derived from the verb '하다' (to do). Therefore, it literally implies 'Doing so, but...' or 'It is so, but...' This makes it incredibly versatile. It can follow a sentence ending in a verb, an adjective, or a noun + 이다 (to be). It doesn't change its form based on the tense or politeness level of the preceding sentence, which makes it a very stable and reliable word for learners to memorize and deploy.

이 옷은 비쌉니다. 하지만 품질이 아주 좋습니다. (These clothes are expensive. However, the quality is very good.)

When using '하지만' in writing, it is often used to transition between paragraphs as well. If a previous paragraph established one side of an argument, '하지만' can open the next paragraph to introduce the counter-argument. This structural use helps organize thoughts clearly for the reader. In spoken language, the '하' in '하지만' is sometimes pronounced very softly, or the word is replaced by the more colloquial '근데,' but '하지만' remains the standard for clear, effective communication.

Common Pairing: Often paired with words like '그래도' (still/nevertheless) in the same sentence to reinforce the contrast: '하지만 그래도 포기하지 마세요' (But still, don't give up).

어제는 피곤했습니다. 하지만 숙제를 다 했습니다. (Yesterday I was tired. But I finished all my homework.)

In summary, the key to using '하지만' correctly is to ensure that the second sentence truly presents a contrast to the first. If the second sentence merely adds information, '그리고' (and) or '그래서' (so) should be used instead. '하지만' is the 'u-turn' signal of the Korean language; use it when you want to change the direction of the conversation's logic.

The word 하지만 is omnipresent in Korean life, but the frequency and specific 'flavor' of its use vary depending on the medium. In news broadcasts and documentaries, '하지만' is the gold standard for introducing conflicting data or perspectives. News anchors use it to transition from a positive report (e.g., economic growth) to a cautionary one (e.g., rising inflation). Because it sounds professional and objective, it is the preferred contrastive conjunction for journalism.

In K-Dramas: Characters use '하지만' during dramatic confrontations or heartfelt confessions. It adds a level of seriousness to the dialogue. For example, '사랑해요. 하지만 우리는 안 돼요.' (I love you. But we can't be together.)
In Literature: Authors use '하지만' to reveal internal conflicts of a character or to shift the mood of a scene. It is a vital tool for narrative pacing.

[TV News] "수출은 증가했습니다. 하지만 내수 시장은 여전히 어렵습니다." (Exports have increased. However, the domestic market is still struggling.)

In daily life, you will hear '하지만' in classrooms, meetings, and even in polite conversations between strangers. If a waiter at a restaurant needs to tell you that a dish is available but will take a long time to prepare, they might use '하지만' to bridge those two facts. It provides a level of clarity that more casual connectors might lack. However, in very casual settings among close friends, you might notice that '하지만' is often replaced by '근데' (a contraction of 그런데) because '근데' is faster and feels more relaxed.

[In a Meeting] "좋은 아이디어입니다. 하지만 예산이 부족합니다." (It is a good idea. But the budget is insufficient.)

In K-Pop lyrics, '하지만' often marks the 'bridge' or a turning point in the song's emotional journey. It might start the section where the singer expresses regret or a change of heart. For example, a song might describe a happy memory, then use '하지만' to transition to the current loneliness of the singer. This usage highlights the word's ability to carry significant emotional weight.

Educational Context: Teachers use '하지만' to clarify rules or exceptions. '이 문법은 중요합니다. 하지만 예외가 많습니다.' (This grammar is important. However, there are many exceptions.)

[Daily Chat] "그 영화는 무서워요. 하지만 끝까지 보세요." (That movie is scary. But watch it until the end.)

Whether you are watching a variety show where a comedian uses '하지만' to deliver a punchline based on a subverted expectation, or reading a serious editorial in a newspaper, '하지만' is the linguistic pivot that keeps the narrative moving. Its versatility across different levels of formality and its clear semantic function make it an indispensable part of the Korean auditory landscape.

While 하지만 is relatively simple to use, learners often fall into a few common traps. The most frequent mistake is confusing '하지만' with the suffix '-지만.' Remember that '하지만' is a sentence-starter (a conjunction), while '-지만' is a sentence-connector (a suffix). You cannot attach '하지만' directly to a verb stem. For example, saying '먹하지만' is incorrect; you must say '먹지만' (within a sentence) or '먹었습니다. 하지만...' (as two sentences).

Overuse in Speech: Beginners often use '하지만' for every single contrast. While not grammatically wrong, it can sound repetitive and slightly stiff in casual conversation. Mixing in '그런데' (geurende) or '근데' (geunde) makes your Korean sound more natural and fluid.
Confusing with '그래서': Sometimes learners mix up contrastive and causal conjunctions. '하지만' is for contrast (but), while '그래서' is for result (so). Always double-check if your second sentence is a result of the first or a contradiction to it.

Incorrect: 비가 와요. 하지만 우산을 가져가세요. (It's raining. But take an umbrella.)
Correct: 비가 와요. 그래서 우산을 가져가세요. (It's raining. So take an umbrella.)

Another mistake is using '하지만' when there is no real contrast. If you are just adding a new, related point, '그리고' (and) is more appropriate. '하지만' should only be used when the second point challenges or modifies the first. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that '하지만' is a full word. They might try to shorten it to just '하' or '만' in a way that doesn't work in Korean grammar. Stick to the full '하지만' or use the appropriate suffix '-지만.'

Incorrect: 가고 하지만 싶어요.
Correct: 가고 싶지만... (I want to go, but...) OR 가고 싶어요. 하지만... (I want to go. But...)

Finally, pay attention to politeness levels. While '하지만' itself doesn't change, the sentences it connects must match in politeness. If your first sentence ends in the polite '-요' form, the sentence starting with '하지만' should also end in the '-요' form. Consistency in register is key to sounding like a proficient speaker. Avoid mixing 'Banmal' (informal) and 'Jondetmal' (polite) across the '하지만' bridge unless you are doing so for a very specific stylistic reason.

Punctuation in English vs Korean: In English, we often start sentences with 'But,' but some teachers discourage it. In Korean, starting a sentence with '하지만' is perfectly standard and encouraged for clarity.

매운 음식을 못 먹습니다. 하지만 김치는 좋아합니다. (I can't eat spicy food. But I like Kimchi.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—specifically the confusion between the conjunction and the suffix, and the misuse of causal versus contrastive logic—you will be able to use '하지만' with confidence and precision in your Korean journey.

Korean has a rich array of words to express 'but' or 'however,' and choosing the right one can significantly enhance your fluency. While 하지만 is a versatile all-rounder, understanding its alternatives allows you to match the specific tone and context of your situation. The most common alternatives include '그렇지만,' '그런데,' '그러나,' and the suffix '-지만.'

하지만 vs 그렇지만 (Geureojiman): These two are almost identical in meaning and usage. '그렇지만' is slightly more formal and emphatic, literally meaning 'it is like that, but...' '하지만' is slightly more common in modern daily speech and writing.
하지만 vs 그런데 (Geurende): '그런데' (often shortened to '근데') is much more common in spoken Korean. While it can mean 'but,' it also means 'and' or 'by the way.' It is a softer transition that introduces a new fact or changes the subject, whereas '하지만' specifically focuses on the contrast.

Comparison:
1. 하지만: Strong contrast. (But...)
2. 그런데: Soft contrast or subject change. (By the way/But...)
3. 그러나: Formal, literary contrast. (However...)

For formal writing, such as news articles or academic papers, '그러나' (geureona) is the standard. It feels more elevated and less like spoken language. In contrast, '하지만' is perfectly acceptable in middle-ground formality, like a blog post, a business email, or a standard conversation. If you are writing a very formal letter to a superior, '그러나' might be a better choice to show respect and sophistication.

비가 옵니다. 그래도 나갈 거예요. (It's raining. Even so, I'm going out.)

There are also more advanced contrastive endings like '-는데도' (even though) or '-건만' (archaic/literary 'but'). However, for an A2-B1 learner, mastering '하지만,' '그런데,' and '그러나' covers about 95% of contrastive needs. The choice often comes down to the 'strength' of the contrast you want to convey. '하지만' is like a solid wall between two ideas, while '그런데' is more like a gentle curve in the road.

Register Comparison Table: - Informal/Spoken: 근데 (geunde)
- Neutral/Polite: 하지만 (hajiman), 그런데 (geurende)
- Formal/Written: 그러나 (geureona), 그렇지만 (geureojiman)

사과를 좋아합니다. 하지만 포도는 싫어합니다. (I like apples. But I hate grapes.)

In conclusion, while '하지만' is your reliable primary tool for contrast, being aware of its siblings like '그런데' for casual flow and '그러나' for formal structure will make your Korean sound more natural and context-appropriate. Experiment with these different words to see how they change the rhythm and feel of your sentences.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Even though it comes from 'to do,' it is used even when the previous sentence doesn't have a verb. It has become a purely functional logical marker.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ha.dʑi.man/

US /ha.dʒi.mʌn/

In Korean, stress is generally equal across syllables, but a slight emphasis may be placed on '하' to signal the start of the contrast.

Rhymes With

가지마 (gajima - don't go) 어디만 (eodiman - only where) 그치만 (geuchiman - but/though) 마지막 (majimag - last) 아직만 (ajigman - only yet) 가지만 (gajiman - branches/but) 까지만 (kkajiman - only until) 하지만 (hajiman - but)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '지' as a hard 'zi' sound (it should be a 'j' sound).
Putting too much stress on the final 'man' syllable.
Mumbling the '하' so it sounds like '아지만'.
Pronouncing 'man' like the English word 'man' (it should be 'mahn').
Failing to pause slightly after the word in a sentence.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize as it usually starts a sentence.

Writing 3/5

Easy to use, but must be careful not to confuse with the suffix -지만.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to pronounce and deploy in conversation.

Listening 1/5

Very clear and easy to hear in most speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 그리고 그래서 좋다 나쁘다

Learn Next

그런데 그러나 그래도 그럼에도 불구하고 반면에

Advanced

-건만 -거늘 -느니만큼 -되 비록 ~일지라도

Grammar to Know

Contrastive Ending -지만

날씨는 춥지만 마음은 따뜻해요.

Concessive Pattern -기는 하지만

공부를 하기는 하지만 성적이 안 올라요.

Adversative Conjunction 그러나

비가 왔다. 그러나 경기는 계속되었다.

Transition Conjunction 그런데

밥 먹었어. 그런데 너는 뭐 먹었니?

Even so / Nevertheless 그래도

힘들어요. 그래도 포기 안 해요.

Examples by Level

저는 학생입니다. 하지만 제 친구는 선생님입니다.

I am a student. But my friend is a teacher.

Simple contrast between two people's occupations.

커피는 좋습니다. 하지만 차는 싫습니다.

Coffee is good. But tea is bad (I dislike it).

Expressing contrasting preferences.

오늘은 덥습니다. 하지만 내일은 춥습니다.

Today is hot. But tomorrow is cold.

Contrasting weather conditions.

이 사과는 작습니다. 하지만 달아요.

This apple is small. But it is sweet.

Contrasting size and taste.

영화를 봅니다. 하지만 책은 안 읽습니다.

I watch movies. But I don't read books.

Contrasting two different activities.

가방이 비쌉니다. 하지만 예쁩니다.

The bag is expensive. But it is pretty.

Contrasting cost and appearance.

집이 멉니다. 하지만 괜찮습니다.

The house is far. But it is okay.

Contrasting a negative fact with a positive attitude.

버스가 왔습니다. 하지만 사람이 많습니다.

The bus came. But there are many people.

Contrasting the arrival with the condition of the bus.

시험 공부를 많이 했습니다. 하지만 시험이 어려웠습니다.

I studied a lot for the exam. However, the exam was difficult.

Contrasting effort with the outcome.

한국 음식을 좋아합니다. 하지만 매운 것은 못 먹습니다.

I like Korean food. But I cannot eat spicy things.

Qualifying a general statement with a specific exception.

어제 친구를 만났습니다. 하지만 이야기는 많이 못 했습니다.

I met a friend yesterday. But we couldn't talk much.

Contrasting an event with a limitation of that event.

이 식당은 유명합니다. 하지만 서비스가 별로입니다.

This restaurant is famous. But the service is not so good.

Contrasting reputation with actual experience.

노래를 잘 부르고 싶습니다. 하지만 연습이 부족합니다.

I want to sing well. But I lack practice.

Contrasting a desire with a current reality.

컴퓨터를 샀습니다. 하지만 아직 사용법을 모릅니다.

I bought a computer. But I don't know how to use it yet.

Contrasting ownership with lack of knowledge.

운동을 매일 합니다. 하지만 살이 빠지지 않습니다.

I exercise every day. But I am not losing weight.

Contrasting action with lack of expected result.

서울은 복잡합니다. 하지만 교통이 편리합니다.

Seoul is crowded. But the transportation is convenient.

Contrasting a negative trait with a positive one.

그의 제안은 흥미로웠습니다. 하지만 현실적으로 불가능했습니다.

His proposal was interesting. However, it was realistically impossible.

Contrasting interest with feasibility.

외국에서 사는 것은 즐겁습니다. 하지만 가끔 가족이 보고 싶습니다.

Living abroad is enjoyable. But sometimes I miss my family.

Contrasting general enjoyment with specific emotional struggles.

인터넷은 정보가 많습니다. 하지만 잘못된 정보도 많습니다.

The internet has a lot of information. But there is also a lot of wrong information.

Contrasting quantity with quality/accuracy.

계획을 세웠습니다. 하지만 갑작스러운 일 때문에 취소했습니다.

I made a plan. But I canceled it because of something sudden.

Contrasting intention with unexpected circumstances.

그 소설은 문체가 아름답습니다. 하지만 줄거리가 너무 슬픕니다.

The novel's style is beautiful. But the plot is too sad.

Contrasting aesthetic quality with emotional content.

돈을 많이 벌고 싶습니다. 하지만 건강이 더 중요하다고 생각합니다.

I want to earn a lot of money. But I think health is more important.

Contrasting a desire with a core value.

그는 열심히 일했습니다. 하지만 승진 기회를 놓치고 말았습니다.

He worked hard. But he ended up missing the promotion opportunity.

Contrasting effort with a negative outcome.

기술이 발전했습니다. 하지만 환경 오염 문제는 심각해졌습니다.

Technology has developed. However, environmental pollution issues have become serious.

Contrasting progress with its negative side effects.

정부는 새로운 정책을 발표했습니다. 하지만 시민들의 반응은 냉담합니다.

The government announced a new policy. However, the citizens' reaction is cold.

Contrasting official action with public sentiment.

그 기업은 매출이 급증했습니다. 하지만 노동자들의 처우는 개선되지 않았습니다.

The company's sales skyrocketed. However, the treatment of workers has not improved.

Contrasting corporate success with social responsibility.

과학적으로 증명된 사실입니다. 하지만 여전히 믿지 않는 사람들이 있습니다.

It is a scientifically proven fact. However, there are still people who do not believe it.

Contrasting objective truth with subjective belief.

예술은 주관적인 것입니다. 하지만 보편적인 감동을 줄 수 있어야 합니다.

Art is subjective. However, it should be able to provide universal emotion.

Contrasting the nature of art with its intended effect.

도시화는 편리함을 제공합니다. 하지만 공동체 의식을 약화시키기도 합니다.

Urbanization provides convenience. However, it also weakens the sense of community.

Contrasting physical convenience with social loss.

그는 천재적인 재능을 가졌습니다. 하지만 인격적으로는 결함이 많습니다.

He has genius talent. However, he has many flaws in terms of personality.

Contrasting skill/talent with character.

역사는 되풀이된다고 합니다. 하지만 우리는 과거로부터 배워야 합니다.

They say history repeats itself. However, we must learn from the past.

Contrasting a common saying with a moral imperative.

경제 지표는 호전되고 있습니다. 하지만 서민들의 삶은 여전히 팍팍합니다.

Economic indicators are improving. However, the lives of ordinary people are still tough.

Contrasting macro-economic data with micro-economic reality.

작가는 인간의 본성을 깊이 있게 통찰했습니다. 하지만 결말은 다소 허무했습니다.

The author deeply gained insight into human nature. However, the ending was somewhat futile.

Contrasting literary depth with structural weakness.

민주주의는 완벽한 제도가 아닙니다. 하지만 인류가 고안한 최선의 제도임은 분명합니다.

Democracy is not a perfect system. However, it is clear that it is the best system devised by mankind.

Contrasting imperfection with relative superiority.

전통을 보존하는 것은 중요합니다. 하지만 시대의 흐름에 발맞추는 것도 필요합니다.

Preserving tradition is important. However, keeping pace with the times is also necessary.

Contrasting preservation with adaptation.

그의 논리는 정교했습니다. 하지만 전제 자체가 잘못되어 있었습니다.

His logic was elaborate. However, the premise itself was wrong.

Contrasting internal consistency with external validity.

성공은 개인의 노력에 달려 있습니다. 하지만 운과 환경의 영향도 무시할 수 없습니다.

Success depends on individual effort. However, the influence of luck and environment cannot be ignored.

Contrasting internal and external factors of success.

언어는 사고를 규정합니다. 하지만 사고가 언어를 확장시키기도 합니다.

Language defines thought. However, thought also expands language.

Contrasting two directions of linguistic influence.

문명은 우리에게 안락함을 가져다주었습니다. 하지만 인간 소외라는 부작용도 낳았습니다.

Civilization has brought us comfort. However, it has also given birth to the side effect of human alienation.

Contrasting technological benefit with psychological cost.

자유에는 책임이 따릅니다. 하지만 많은 이들이 책임보다는 자유만을 원합니다.

Responsibility follows freedom. However, many people want only freedom rather than responsibility.

Contrasting a philosophical truth with human behavior.

포스트모더니즘은 거대 담론을 거부합니다. 하지만 그 자체로 또 하나의 담론이 되기도 합니다.

Postmodernism rejects grand narratives. However, it also becomes another narrative in itself.

Paradoxical contrast in philosophical theory.

법은 정의를 실현하기 위해 존재합니다. 하지만 때로는 기득권의 이익을 대변하기도 합니다.

Law exists to realize justice. However, it sometimes represents the interests of the establishment.

Contrasting the ideal purpose of law with its practical misuse.

인공지능은 인간의 능력을 초월하고 있습니다. 하지만 의식의 영역은 여전히 미지의 세계입니다.

Artificial intelligence is transcending human abilities. However, the realm of consciousness is still an unknown world.

Contrasting computational power with biological consciousness.

글로벌화는 세계를 하나로 묶어주었습니다. 하지만 문화적 획일화라는 우려를 낳고 있습니다.

Globalization has tied the world into one. However, it is giving birth to concerns about cultural uniformity.

Contrasting global connectivity with cultural loss.

자본주의는 풍요를 가져왔습니다. 하지만 부의 불평등이라는 구조적 모순을 안고 있습니다.

Capitalism has brought abundance. However, it carries the structural contradiction of wealth inequality.

Contrasting economic success with systemic failure.

진리는 시대에 따라 변하지 않는다고 믿어집니다. 하지만 인식의 틀은 끊임없이 진화합니다.

Truth is believed not to change with the times. However, the framework of perception constantly evolves.

Contrasting static truth with dynamic human understanding.

인간은 이성적인 존재라고 일컬어집니다. 하지만 감정의 소용돌이 속에서 비이성적인 선택을 하기도 합니다.

Humans are said to be rational beings. However, they sometimes make irrational choices in a whirlwind of emotions.

Contrasting human definition with actual behavior.

예술가는 고독 속에서 창조합니다. 하지만 그 창조물은 타인과의 소통을 갈구합니다.

The artist creates in solitude. However, the creation craves communication with others.

Contrasting the process of creation with its ultimate purpose.

Common Collocations

하지만 그래도

하지만 역시

하지만 불행히도

하지만 다행히

하지만 사실은

하지만 반대로

하지만 한편으로는

하지만 솔직히

하지만 어쩔 수 없이

하지만 결국

Common Phrases

하지만 말이야

— Used to introduce a personal opinion or a 'but' in a friendly conversation.

하지만 말이야, 너도 잘못했어.

하지만 안타깝게도

— Used to express regret while introducing a negative contrast.

하지만 안타깝게도 표가 매진되었습니다.

하지만 생각해 보세요

— Used to ask the listener to consider a different perspective.

하지만 생각해 보세요. 이게 더 싸요.

하지만 어쩌겠어요

— A rhetorical way of saying 'But what can you do?' expressing resignation.

하지만 어쩌겠어요, 이미 벌어진 일인데.

하지만 믿기지 않게도

— Used to introduce a surprising or unbelievable contrast.

하지만 믿기지 않게도 그는 살아남았습니다.

하지만 무엇보다도

— Used to pivot to the most important point despite previous statements.

하지만 무엇보다도 건강이 최고입니다.

하지만 아시다시피

— Used to introduce a contrasting point that is already known by the listener.

하지만 아시다시피 시간이 없습니다.

하지만 이상하게도

— Used to introduce a contrast that is strange or weird.

하지만 이상하게도 아무도 없었습니다.

하지만 분명한 것은

— Used to emphasize a certain truth despite other complexities.

하지만 분명한 것은 그가 거짓말을 했다는 겁니다.

하지만 그렇다고 해서

— Used to say 'But even so' or 'But that doesn't mean...'

하지만 그렇다고 해서 포기하면 안 돼요.

Often Confused With

~하지만 vs -지만

This is a suffix, not a sentence starter. '먹하지만' is wrong; '먹지만' is right.

~하지만 vs 그래서

This means 'so' (cause/effect). '하지만' means 'but' (contrast).

~하지만 vs 그러면

This means 'if so' or 'then.' It introduces a condition, not a contrast.

Idioms & Expressions

"말은 쉽지만"

— Equivalent to 'Easier said than done.' Uses the suffix form of the same root.

말은 쉽지만 행동은 어렵습니다.

Common

"하기는 하지만"

— The full form of 하지만, used to acknowledge a fact before countering it.

공부를 하기는 하지만 성적이 안 올라요.

Neutral

"좋기는 하지만"

— Used when something is good, but has a drawback.

좋기는 하지만 너무 비싸요.

Colloquial

"알기는 하지만"

— Used to say 'I know, but...' often used when one cannot act on knowledge.

알기는 하지만 실천하기 힘들어요.

Neutral

"가고는 싶지만"

— Used to express a desire that is hindered by a 'but.'

가고는 싶지만 시간이 없어요.

Polite

"비싸기는 하지만"

— Acknowledging the price while implying it might be worth it or still difficult.

비싸기는 하지만 사고 싶어요.

Neutral

"어렵기는 하지만"

— Acknowledging difficulty before providing encouragement or a positive point.

어렵기는 하지만 끝까지 해보세요.

Neutral

"작기는 하지만"

— Acknowledging small size while focusing on a positive quality.

작기는 하지만 힘이 세요.

Neutral

"멀기는 하지만"

— Acknowledging distance while implying it's still accessible or worth visiting.

멀기는 하지만 경치가 좋아요.

Neutral

"늦기는 했지만"

— Acknowledging lateness while still proceeding with an action.

늦기는 했지만 지금이라도 시작합시다.

Neutral

Easily Confused

~하지만 vs 그런데

Both can mean 'but.'

그런데 is softer and can also mean 'by the way.' 하지만 is strictly for contrast and is slightly more formal.

밥 먹었어. 그런데(but/by the way) 너는 뭐 했어? vs 밥 먹었어. 하지만(but) 아직 배고파.

~하지만 vs 그래도

Both show a shift in thought.

그래도 means 'even so' or 'nevertheless.' It implies the second part happens despite the first part. 하지만 is a general 'but.'

비가 와요. 그래도 갈 거예요. (Despite rain, I'll go.) vs 비가 와요. 하지만 우산이 없어요. (It's raining. But I lack an umbrella.)

~하지만 vs 그러나

Identical meaning.

그러나 is used almost exclusively in formal writing and literature. 하지만 is used in both speech and writing.

신문 기사: '경제가 성장했다. 그러나...' vs 대화: '돈은 벌었어. 하지만...'

~하지만 vs 그렇지만

Identical meaning.

그렇지만 is a bit longer and more emphatic. It literally means 'It is so, but...' whereas 하지만 is more concise.

네 말이 맞아. 그렇지만 내 생각은 달라.

~하지만 vs 다만

Both introduce an exception.

다만 is more restrictive, meaning 'only' or 'just.' It introduces a small condition or a single exception to a broad rule.

모두 참석하세요. 다만 아픈 사람은 제외입니다.

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 A-아요. 하지만 B-아요.

사과는 달아요. 하지만 레몬은셔요.

V-고 싶어요. 하지만 V-(으)ㄹ 수 없어요.

가고 싶어요. 하지만 갈 수 없어요.

A-기는 하지만 B-아요.

예쁘기는 하지만 너무 비싸요.

V-았/었지만 결국 V-지 못했습니다.

노력했지만 결국 성공하지 못했습니다.

A-다고는 하지만 사실은 B-습니다.

안전하다고는 하지만 사실은 위험합니다.

A-함에도 불구하고 하지만 B-라는 측면이 있습니다.

성공했음에도 불구하고 하지만 한계가 있다는 측면이 있습니다.

V-아요. 하지만 안 V-아요.

공부해요. 하지만 숙제는 안 해요.

N이/가 있어요. 하지만 N은/는 없어요.

시간이 있어요. 하지만 돈은 없어요.

Word Family

Verbs

하다 (to do - the root verb)

-지만 (suffix meaning but)

그렇지만 (however)

하기는 (indeed/actually)

하지만서도 (dialect/emphatic but)

그런데 (but/by the way)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High - It is a top 100 Korean word.

Common Mistakes

Using '하지만' as a suffix. → Using '-지만' as a suffix.
You cannot say '가하지만' for 'I go but.' It must be '가지만' or '갑니다. 하지만...'
Using '하지만' instead of '그래서' for results. → 비가 와요. 그래서 안 나가요.
Learners often mix up 'but' and 'so.' '하지만' is only for contrast.
Starting a sentence with '하지만' without a previous sentence. → Always have a context before using '하지만.'
'하지만' needs a prior statement to contrast against. You can't just walk up to someone and say 'But...' without context.
Using '하지만' in extremely formal legal documents. → Using '그러나' or '단,'
'하지만' is slightly too conversational for the most formal legal or technical documents.
Misspelling as '하지마'. → 하지만
'하지마' means 'Don't do it.' '하지만' means 'But.' They sound similar but are completely different.

Tips

Don't forget the full stop

Always end your first sentence with a full stop (마침표) before starting the next one with '하지만.' It is a sentence-starting conjunction.

Vary your conjunctions

To sound more natural, don't use '하지만' in every sentence. Mix it up with '-지만' and '그런데' to keep your Korean flow diverse.

The 'H' sound

Make sure the 'H' in '하지만' is clear. Sometimes learners drop it, making it sound like 'ajiman,' which can be confusing.

Polite Disagreement

Use '하지만' to show you've listened to someone before offering a different view. It's a key part of polite social interaction in Korea.

Look for the Pivot

When reading a long Korean paragraph, look for '하지만.' It usually marks the most important point the author wants to make.

Comma usage

In written Korean, you can put a comma after '하지만' for emphasis, but it's not strictly required like it often is after 'However' in English.

Tone of voice

Native speakers often say '하지만' with a slightly lower pitch when they are about to deliver bad news or a serious counter-point.

The 'But' Button

Imagine you have a 'But Button' on your desk. Every time you press it, it says 'Hajiman!' Use this mental image to remember the word.

Combine with '그래도'

Try the phrase '하지만 그래도' to express 'But even so.' It's a very common and natural way to emphasize your point.

Learn the root

Remembering that '하지만' comes from '하다' (to do) + '-지만' (but) will help you understand other similar words like '그렇지만' (from '그렇다').

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Haji' as a person's name and 'Man' as a person. 'Haji Man' always disagrees with everything you say. He is the 'But-Man.'

Visual Association

Imagine a road with a giant 'U-turn' sign. The sign has '하지만' written on it in bright violet letters.

Word Web

Contrast Pivot However But U-turn Opposite Exception Logic

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your favorite food. Use '하지만' in the second sentence to mention one thing you don't like about it.

Word Origin

It is a contraction of the phrase '하기는 하지만.' This phrase consists of '하-' (root of '하다', to do), '-기' (nominalizing suffix), '-는' (topic marker for emphasis), and '-지만' (contrastive suffix).

Original meaning: Literally, 'As for doing it, I do it, but...' or 'It is so, but...'

Koreanic

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it too aggressively in a way that shuts down others' opinions.

English speakers often start sentences with 'But' in casual speech, which perfectly matches '하지만.' However, '하지만' is safer to use in writing than 'But' is in formal English.

Found frequently in K-Pop lyrics (e.g., BTS, BLACKPINK) to signal a change in the song's emotional tone. A common trope in K-Dramas during 'the breakup scene' or 'the secret reveal.' Used in Korean proverbs to balance wisdom, e.g., '고생 끝에 낙이 온다. 하지만 인내가 필요하다.' (Pleasure comes after pain. But patience is needed.)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

예뻐요. 하지만 비싸요.
좋아요. 하지만 색깔이 마음에 안 들어요.
싸요. 하지만 품질이 안 좋아요.
커요. 하지만 무거워요.

Weather

맑아요. 하지만 추워요.
비가 와요. 하지만 따뜻해요.
눈이 와요. 하지만 안 추워요.
바람이 불어요. 하지만 시원해요.

Food

맛있어요. 하지만 매워요.
달아요. 하지만 너무 비싸요.
건강에 좋아요. 하지만 맛없어요.
유명해요. 하지만 줄이 너무 길어요.

Work/Study

중요해요. 하지만 힘들어요.
끝냈어요. 하지만 틀린 게 많아요.
이해해요. 하지만 어려워요.
열심히 했어요. 하지만 결과가 안 좋아요.

Travel

가고 싶어요. 하지만 돈이 없어요.
아름다워요. 하지만 사람이 너무 많아요.
가까워요. 하지만 길이 막혀요.
재미있었어요. 하지만 피곤해요.

Conversation Starters

"한국어 공부는 어때요? 재미있나요? 하지만 어려운 점은 무엇인가요?"

"요즘 날씨가 참 좋지요? 하지만 미세먼지가 걱정되지 않나요?"

"그 영화 보셨어요? 재미있다고 하던데, 하지만 평점은 낮더라고요."

"서울 생활은 어떤가요? 편리하지만, 하지만 물가가 너무 비싸죠?"

"운동을 시작하셨다면서요? 하지만 매일 하기는 힘들지 않으세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 정말 행복했던 일에 대해 써보세요. 하지만 조금 아쉬웠던 점도 함께 적어보세요.

자신이 가장 좋아하는 음식의 장점에 대해 써보세요. 하지만 그 음식의 단점도 한 가지 적어보세요.

어릴 적 꿈에 대해 써보세요. 하지만 지금의 직업과 어떻게 다른지 설명해 보세요.

가장 가고 싶은 여행지에 대해 써보세요. 하지만 왜 아직 가지 못했는지 이유를 적어보세요.

어제 배운 한국어 문법에 대해 써보세요. 하지만 아직 이해되지 않는 부분을 질문 형식으로 남겨보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. It is perfectly acceptable in Korean writing. However, in very formal academic papers, '그러나' is often preferred for a more professional tone.

'하지만' is a conjunction used at the start of a sentence (e.g., A. 하지만 B.). '-지만' is a suffix attached to a verb or adjective stem to connect two clauses within one sentence (e.g., A-지만 B).

Yes, '하지만' is a neutral, polite word. You can use it with 'Haeyo-che' (-요) or 'Hapsyo-che' (-습니다). For very casual situations, '근데' is more common.

No. '하지만' always stays the same regardless of whether the previous sentence was past, present, or future tense. The tense is expressed in the sentences themselves.

Use '하지만' when you want to emphasize a strong contrast. Use '그런데' when the contrast is softer or when you are changing the topic slightly ('by the way').

No, '하지만' must be at the beginning. If you want to end a sentence with 'but,' you would use the suffix '-지만요' (e.g., '가고 싶지만요...').

Yes, it is used in both North and South Korea, although some vocabulary preferences may differ in formal settings.

Yes, you can. '하지만' is neutral. However, '근데' or '그렇지만' are more frequently heard in casual Banmal.

Because it's a perfect word to transition from a verse (setting the scene) to a chorus or bridge (expressing the emotional core or conflict).

'그러나' is generally considered the most formal and literary version of 'but/however' in Korean.