Processing keyword: 지만 [jiman] (but)
Korean Grammar Point: 지만 [jiman] (but)
1. Introduction
Welcome to today's lesson on the Korean grammar point -지만 (jiman), which translates to "but" in English. This conjunction is essential for expressing contrast or opposition between two statements. Mastering -지만 will enhance your ability to form complex sentences and communicate nuanced thoughts in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The suffix -지만 is attached to verbs and adjectives to connect two clauses that have contrasting or opposing meanings, similar to "but", "however", or "although" in English.
Structure
The general structure for using -지만 is as follows:
Formation Diagram
| Verb/Adjective Stem | + | -지만 | + | Contrasting Clause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 먹다 (to eat) | → | 먹지만 | 하지만 배고파요. | |
| 크다 (to be big) | → | 크지만 | 작아요. |
Conjugation Rules
- For verbs and adjectives: Attach -지만 directly to the verb or adjective stem without any changes.
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹지만 (but eat)
- 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘지만 (but [it] is pretty)
- For nouns with the copula 이다 (to be): Conjugate 이다 to -이지만 after consonants and -지만 after vowels.
- 학생이다 (to be a student) → 학생이지만 (but [I] am a student)
- 친구이다 (to be a friend) → 친구지만 (but [he/she] is a friend)
3. Comparative Analysis
- -지만 vs. -는데
While both -지만 and -는데 can express contrast, -지만 is a direct way to say "but," whereas -는데 adds background information or sets up a situation.
- -지만 example: 날씨가 춥지만 나가야 해요. (The weather is cold, but I have to go out.)
- -는데 example: 날씨가 추운데 나가야 해요. (The weather is cold, and given that, I have to go out.)
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 회의는 길었지만 유익했습니다.
- The meeting was long, but it was beneficial.
- 그분은 의사지만 환자를 받지 않습니다.
- He is a doctor, but he doesn't see patients.
Informal Situations
- 배고프지만 참을게요.
- I'm hungry, but I'll endure.
- 시간이 없지만 갈 수 있어요.
- I don't have time, but I can go.
Spoken Language
- 이거 비싸지만 정말 좋아요.
- This is expensive, but it's really good.
- 피곤하지만 놀고 싶어.
- I'm tired, but I want to hang out.
Written Language
- 열심히 공부했지만 시험을 못 봤어요.
- I studied hard, but I didn't do well on the exam.
- 그는 노력했지만 성공하지 못했다.
- He tried, but he didn't succeed.
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness
In Korean, politeness levels are crucial. Using -지만 maintains the same politeness level as the rest of your sentence.
- Formal polite: 합니다, 하지만
- Informal polite: 해요, 하지만
- Casual: 해, 하지만
Idiomatic Expressions
알지만 모른 척해요.
- I know, but I pretend not to.
보고 싶지만 갈 수 없어요.
- I want to see you, but I can't go.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
Mistake: Conjugating -지만 incorrectly after a verb stem.
- Incorrect: 먹으지만
- Correct: 먹지만
Mistake: Using -지만 with the past tense marker -았/었-.
- Incorrect: 먹었지만
- Correct: 먹지만 (Note: In this case, you can use past tense before -지만 if necessary.)
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of -지만 as "Gee, man (지만), it's contrasting!" to remember it introduces a contrast.
- Practice Tip: Create sentences using -지만 to connect two opposing ideas you encounter daily.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- -지만 is used to express contrast between two clauses, meaning "but" or "however."
- Attach -지만 directly to verb or adjective stems.
- Be mindful of politeness levels when using -지만.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach -지만 to the verb 가다 (to go)?
- Answer: 가지만
- Translate to Korean: "It is expensive, but people buy it."
- Answer: 비싸지만 사람들이 사요.
- Identify the error: 좋았지만 (I liked it, but...)
- Answer: No error if the past tense is intended. If present tense is needed, it should be 좋지만.
Feel free to revisit this lesson to reinforce your understanding of -지만. Practice by forming your own sentences, and soon you'll use this grammar point with confidence!