Processing keyword: ~았/었지만 [at/eotjiman] (But, however, even though)
Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었지만 [at/eotjiman] (But, however, even though)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing contrast between two actions or states is essential for clear communication. The grammar pattern ~았/었지만 is used to connect two clauses, indicating that even though the first action occurred, the result was contrary to what might be expected. It translates to "but," "however," or "even though" in English.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~았/었지만 is used to express a contrast or unexpected result between two clauses.
- It shows that the first action happened, but the second clause provides a contrasting or opposing outcome.
Structure
- Verb/Adjective Stem + 았/었 + 지만
How to Form
- Identify the Verb/Adjective Stem:
- Remove -다 from the dictionary form.
- Add the Appropriate Past Tense Suffix (-았 or -었):
- If the stem ends with 아 or 오, add -았.
- For all other vowels, add -었.
- Attach 지만 to the past tense form.
Formation Diagram
| Step | Verb: 가다 (to go) | Verb: 먹다 (to eat) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove -다 | 가 | 먹 |
| 2. Add -았/었 | 갔 (-았 attached) | 먹었 (-었 attached) |
| 3. Add 지만 | 갔지만 | 먹었지만 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with 지만 (Without Past Tense)
- 지만 can be used without the past tense marker to indicate a contrast in the present tense.
- Example: 가지만 - "I go but..."
- ~았/었지만 specifically refers to actions or states in the past.
Similar Grammar Patterns
- 지만: Used for present or future tense contrasts.
- 는데/은데: Another way to contrast or provide background, often less direct than ~았/었지만.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 저는 그 영화를 봤지만 이해하지 못했습니다.
- I watched that movie, but I couldn't understand it.
- 어제 회의에 참석했지만 중요한 내용을 놓쳤습니다.
- I attended the meeting yesterday, but I missed important details.
Informal Situations
- 비가 왔지만 우산을 안 가져왔어.
- It rained, but I didn't bring an umbrella.
- 밤에 늦게 잤지만 피곤하지 않아.
- I went to bed late, but I'm not tired.
Written Language
- 그들은 열심히 노력했지만 성공하지 못했다.
- They tried hard, but they couldn't succeed.
- 학생은 공부했지만 시험에 합격하지 못했다.
- The student studied, but did not pass the exam.
Spoken Language
- 아침을 먹었지만 아직도 배고파요.
- I ate breakfast, but I'm still hungry.
- 친구를 찾았지만 못 만났어요.
- I looked for my friend, but I couldn't meet him.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Formality
- The use of ~았/었지만 itself doesn't change politeness levels. Politeness is indicated by verb endings and vocabulary.
- In formal settings, use formal verb endings (-습니다, -ㅂ니다).
- In informal settings, casual endings (-아/어, -았어/었어) are appropriate.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 늦었지만 생일 축하해요.
- It's late, but happy birthday.
- Commonly used when belatedly wishing someone.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the Past Tense Marker
- Incorrect: 갖지만
- Correct: 갔지만
- Using the Wrong Vowel Harmony
- Incorrect: 마시았지만
- Correct: 마셨지만
Tips
- Remember the Past Tense Connection: Use ~았/었지만 when the first action is in the past.
- Vowel Harmony Reminder:
- Stems ending with 아 or 오 take -았.
- All others take -었.
- Irregular Verbs: Be aware of verbs like ㅂ irregulars (e.g., 돕다 → 도왔지만).
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~았/었지만 connects two clauses, indicating a contrast with the first action in the past.
- Formation involves attaching -았/었 to the stem, followed by 지만.
- Ensure correct application of vowel harmony and past tense formation.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you form ~았/었지만 with the verb 읽다 (to read)?
- Translate: "She bought a dress, but it doesn't fit."
- Correct the mistake: 나는 먹었지만 배불러요.
Answers:
- 읽었지만
- 그녀는 드레스를 샀지만 맞지 않아요.
- The sentence is correct if the intention is "I ate but I'm full." However, the contrast seems off. It might be intended as "I ate but I'm still hungry":
- Corrected: 나는 먹었지만 아직도 배고파요.
By practicing ~았/었지만, you'll enhance your ability to express contrasts and nuances in past events, making your Korean conversations more natural and engaging.