Processing keyword: ~면서도 [myeonseodo] (Even though, while)

Korean Grammar Point: ~면서도 [myeonseodo] (Even though, while)

1. Introduction

The grammatical structure ~면서도 (myeonseodo) is a versatile connector in Korean that expresses contrast between two simultaneous actions or states. It is often translated as "even though," "although," or "while still." Understanding this grammar point will enhance your ability to express complex sentences that reflect contrasting situations occurring at the same time.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~면서도 combines the meaning of simultaneity (~면서, "while") with contrast (~도, "even," "also"), effectively conveying "even though while..." or "despite doing..."

Structure

The structure of ~면서도 is attached directly to the verb stem.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 면서도

How to Form

1. Identify the Verb Stem: Remove ~다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
   • 예: 하다 → 하 (Verb Stem)
2. Attach ~면서도: Add ~면서도 directly to the verb stem.
   • 예: 하 + 면서도 → 하면서도

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Verb Type	Dictionary Form	Verb Stem	+ 면서도	Result
Action Verb	먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹 + 면서도	먹으면서도
Action Verb	쓰다 (to write)	쓰	쓰 + 면서도	쓰면서도
Descriptive Verb	바쁘다 (to be busy)	바쁘	바쁘 + 면서도	바쁘면서도
Descriptive Verb	행복하다 (to be happy)	행복하	행복하 + 면서도	행복하면서도

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~면서도 with Similar Grammar Points

• ~면서 (myeonse): Indicates two actions happening simultaneously without contrast.
  • 예: 그는 노래를 부르면서 춤을 춰요.
    He sings while dancing.
• ~지만 (jiman): Expresses contrast but not necessarily simultaneity.
  • 예: 공부했지만 시험에 떨어졌어요.
    I studied, but I failed the exam.
• Comparison:
  • ~면서도 combines both simultaneity and contrast.
    • 예: 그는 노력하면서도 성과가 없어요.
      Even though he is making an effort, he has no results.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 그분은 힘들면서도 내색하지 않습니다.
   Even though it's hard for him, he doesn't show it.
2. 저는 그 일을 알면서도 모르는 척했어요.
   Even though I knew about that matter, I pretended not to.

Informal Situations

1. 너는 피곤하면서도 계속 일하네.
   Even though you're tired, you keep working.
2. 민수는 늦었으면서도 서두르지 않아.
   Even though Min-su is late, he isn't hurrying.

Written Context

1. 그들은 가난하면서도 정직하게 살았다.
   They lived honestly even though they were poor.

Spoken Context

1. 배고프면서도 아무것도 안 먹는다고?
   You're hungry, yet you're not eating anything?

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• ~면서도 can be used across different levels of politeness without changing its form.
• The level of politeness is adjusted through sentence endings rather than the grammar point itself.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 알면서도 물어보다
  To ask even though one knows (Implying the person is testing or teasing)

• 믿으면서도 의심하다
  To doubt while believing (Reflecting conflicted feelings)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing with ~지만
   • Mixing up ~면서도 with ~지만 can alter the meaning.
     • Incorrect: 그는 피곤하지만 일해요. (He is tired but he works.)
     • Correct: 그는 피곤하면서도 일해요. (Even though he is tired, he works.)
2. Incorrect Verb Stem Attachment
   • Attaching ~면서도 to the full verb instead of the stem.
     • Incorrect: 먹다면서도
     • Correct: 먹으면서도

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ~면서도 combines "while" (~면서) and "even though" (도), signaling simultaneous contrast.
• Practice Forming Verb Stems: Be comfortable with verb conjugations to use ~면서도 correctly.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~면서도 expresses a contrast between two simultaneous actions or states.
• It is attached directly to the verb stem.
• It is used to mean "even though," "although," or "while still."
• Different from ~지만 which shows contrast without simultaneity.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~면서도 to the verb 하다 (to do)?
   • Answer: 하면서도
2. Translate the following sentence:
   "Even though she is shy, she sings on stage."
   • Answer: 그녀는 수줍어하면서도 무대에서 노래해요.
3. What is a common mistake when using ~면서도?
   • Answer: Attaching it to the full verb instead of the verb stem.

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By mastering ~면서도, you'll be able to articulate complex ideas involving contrast and simultaneity, enriching your Korean communication skills.

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