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

Conjugation Rules

1. 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)
2. 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

1. 회의는 길었지만 유익했습니다.
   • The meeting was long, but it was beneficial.
2. 그분은 의사지만 환자를 받지 않습니다.
   • He is a doctor, but he doesn't see patients.

Informal Situations

1. 배고프지만 참을게요.
   • I'm hungry, but I'll endure.
2. 시간이 없지만 갈 수 있어요.
   • I don't have time, but I can go.

Spoken Language

1. 이거 비싸지만 정말 좋아요.
   • This is expensive, but it's really good.
2. 피곤하지만 놀고 싶어.
   • I'm tired, but I want to hang out.

Written Language

1. 열심히 공부했지만 시험을 못 봤어요.
   • I studied hard, but I didn't do well on the exam.
2. 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

1. 알지만 모른 척해요.

   • I know, but I pretend not to.

2. 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

1. How do you attach -지만 to the verb 가다 (to go)?
   • Answer: 가지만
2. Translate to Korean: "It is expensive, but people buy it."
   • Answer: 비싸지만 사람들이 사요.
3. 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!