Processing keyword: ~았/었지만 [at/eotjiman] (But, however, even though)

Korean Grammar Point: ~았/었지만 [at/eotjiman] (But, however, even though)

TOPIK Grammar Point: ~았/었지만 (at/eotjiman) - "But, however, even though"

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~았/었지만 (at/eotjiman) is used to express contrast between two clauses, similar to saying "but," "however," or "even though" in English. It allows speakers to introduce an idea that contrasts with or qualifies the previous statement.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The structure ~았/었지만 indicates a contrast or an unexpected result. It presents a situation or condition but then offers a different perspective or outcome.

• Structure:

  • The ending is formed based on the verb or adjective's past tense:
    • For verbs ending in a vowel, use ~았지만.
    • For verbs ending in a consonant, use ~었지만.

• Formation Diagram:

  • Structure:

    • [Clause 1] + ~았/었지만 + [Clause 2]

  • Examples:

    나는 피자를 만들었지만, 내 친구는 줄을 서 있었다.
    (I made pizza, but my friend was in line.)
    

Visual Aids:

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points:

• -지만 (jiman): can only contrast two clauses without the past tense form.

  • Example: 예쁘지만 (It is pretty, but…)

• -아도/어도 (ado/eodo): also expresses contrast but implies that the preceding statement does not prevent the following one.

  • Example: 가도 괜찮아 (It’s okay even if you go).

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 오늘 비가 많이 왔지만, 우리는 꼭 나가야 합니다.
   • (It rained a lot today, but we must go out.)

2. Informal:

   • 숙제를 했지만, 선생님이 안 보셨어.
   • (I did my homework, but the teacher didn't see it.)

3. Written:

   • 소비가 증가했지만, 경기 회복은 더딘 편이다.
   • (Consumption has increased, but economic recovery is rather slow.)

4. Spoken:

   • 맛있었지만, 너무 비쌌어.
   • (It was delicious, but it was too expensive.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, using ~았/었지만 can soften a negative statement, allowing the speaker to express opinions without sounding too harsh. This aligns with the value of maintaining harmony and politeness in social interactions.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 하지만 (hajiman) is often used in spoken language as a casual contrast, similar to "but" in English:
  • Example: 맛있지만 (it’s delicious but...)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Learners often confuse the endings:
  • Using ~지만 instead of ~았/었지만 when the action is in the past tense.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Remember "A" for action in the past to apply ~았 or ~었, then add ~지만.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~았/었지만 is used to show contrast.
• Form it based on the past tense of verbs/adjectives.
• Context can dictate the level of formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you say "I saw a movie, but it was boring" using ~았/었지만?
2. What is the difference between ~았/었지만 and ~지만?
3. Provide an example using ~았/었지만 in an informal context. Answers:
4. 영화를 봤지만, 지루했어요.
5. ~았/었지만 is for past tenses; ~지만 is for present or general contrast.
6. 오늘 학교에 갔지만, 수업은 재미없었어.