Processing keyword: ~겠지만 [gesjiman] (I think, but)

Korean Grammar Point: ~겠지만 [gesjiman] (I think, but)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing conjecture or supposition while contrasting ideas is a common linguistic feature. The grammar point ~겠지만 combines the speculative 겠 with the contrasting ~지만, and is used to convey "I think..., but" or "It might..., but". This structure is valuable for nuanced communication, allowing the speaker to express tentative thoughts followed by a contrasting statement.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~겠지만 is used to:

• Express supposition or assumption about a situation.
• Contrast that supposition with a subsequent clause. Translation: "I think... but", "It might... but", "It would... but"

Structure

The structure combines:

1. Verb/Adjective Stem + 겠 (겠): Indicates supposition or intention.
2. 지만: A conjunction meaning "but" or "however".

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Stem	겠	지만
가 (go)	겠	지만
예쁘 (pretty)	겠	지만

How to Form

1. Take the verb or adjective stem:
   • 가다 (to go) → 가
   • 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘
2. Add 겠 to indicate supposition:
   • 가 + 겠 → 가겠
   • 예쁘 + 겠 → 예쁘겠
3. Add ~지만 to contrast:
   • 가겠지만
   • 예쁘겠지만

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~지만: Simply means "but" without the supposition.
  • 행복하지만: "I'm happy, but..."
• ㄹ 것 같지만 (ㄹ geot gatjiman): Means "It seems... but"
  • 비가 올 것 같지만: "It seems it will rain, but..."

Differences

• ~겠지만 vs. ~지만:
  • ~겠지만 includes a level of supposition or assumption.
  • ~지만 states facts without supposition.
• ~겠지만 vs. ~ㄹ 것 같지만:
  • ~겠지만 is more direct and less speculative than ~ㄹ 것 같지만.
  • ~ㄹ 것 같지만 expresses uncertainty more explicitly.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 회의에 참석하겠지만 시간이 부족할 것 같습니다.

   • I think I will attend the meeting, but I might not have enough time.

2. 도움이 되겠지만 완벽하지는 않을 것입니다.

   • I think it will help, but it won't be perfect.

Informal Context

1. 영화 재미있겠지만 난 못 갈 것 같아.
   • I think the movie will be fun, but I don't think I can go.
2. 비싸겠지만 한번 사 볼래.
   • I think it might be expensive, but I want to try buying it once.

Written Context

1. 그의 이야기가 사실이겠지만 증거가 없다.
   • I think his story might be true, but there's no evidence.
2. 새로운 방법이 효과적이겠지만 실행하기 어렵다.
   • I think the new method might be effective, but it's hard to implement.

Spoken Context

1. 맛있겠지만 너무 매울 것 같아.
   • I think it will be tasty, but it might be too spicy.
2. 그 영화 보러 가겠지만 시간 있어?
   • I think I'll go watch that movie, but do you have time?

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• ~겠지만 can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• Adjust the sentence endings to match the appropriate politeness level.

Social Norms

• Using ~겠지만 shows humility by not stating something as an absolute fact.
• It reflects a common communication style in Korean culture, where indirectness can be a form of politeness.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 힘들겠지만 포기하지 마세요.
  • I think it will be tough, but please don't give up.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Omitting 겠 when expressing supposition before contrasting with ~지만:
   • Incorrect: 가지만 시간이 없어요. (I'm going but I don't have time.)
   • Correct: 가겠지만 시간이 없어요. (I think I will go, but I don't have time.)
2. Using ~겠지만 with a present fact instead of a supposition:
   • Incorrect: 오늘 바쁘겠지만 만나자. (You're busy today, but let's meet.)
   • Correct: 오늘 바쁘겠지만 만나 줄 수 있어요? (I think you might be busy today, but can you meet me?)

Tips

• Remember that 겠 indicates speculation or intention.
• Use ~겠지만 when you're not certain, but want to contrast.
• Adjust politeness by changing the sentence ending, not the ~겠지만 part.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~겠지만 combines speculation (겠) and contrast (~지만).
• It is used to express "I think..., but" or "It might..., but".
• Useful for polite and nuanced expression in Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form sentences using ~겠지만?
2. Translate the following sentence using ~겠지만:
   • I think it will rain, but I didn't bring an umbrella.
3. What is the main difference between ~겠지만 and ~지만?

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Answers:

1. Attach ~겠지만 to the verb or adjective stem.
2. 비가 오겠지만 우산을 안 가져왔어요.
3. ~겠지만 includes speculation or assumption, whereas ~지만 does not.

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