Processing keyword: ~이지만 [ijiman] (But, however)

Korean Grammar Point: ~이지만 [ijiman] (But, however)

~이지만 [ijiman] (But, However)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing contrast or opposition within sentences is essential for fluent communication. The grammar point ~이지만 [ijiman] is a conjunction used to connect two clauses where the second clause contrasts with the first. It is equivalent to "but" or "however" in English and is specifically used after nouns.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• ~이지만 is used to express a contrast or opposition between two statements.
• It is attached to a noun to mean "but (it is) ..." or "although (it is) ...".
• This grammar point helps in connecting sentences smoothly, indicating that the information following ~이지만 contrasts with what precedes it.

Structure

Formation

The structure of ~이지만 depends on whether the noun ends with a consonant or a vowel.

Formation Diagram

[ Noun ] + (이)지만

• If noun ends with a consonant: Noun + 이지만
• If noun ends with a vowel: Noun + 지만

Examples of Formation

• Consonant-ending noun:

  사람 (person) + 이지만 → 사람이지만
  

• Vowel-ending noun:

  친구 (friend) + 지만 → 친구지만
  

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~이지만 with ~지만

• ~지만 is a verb/adjective ending meaning "but" or "although" used after verb and adjective stems.
• ~이지만 is specifically used after nouns due to the copular verb "이다" (to be).

  Grammar Point	Attached to	Example
  ~지만	Verb/Adjective	먹다 → 먹지만
  ~이지만	Noun	의사 → 의사이지만
  Note: When using ~지만 after verbs or adjectives, you simply attach 지만 to the stem without "이".

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 저는 학생이지만 선생님처럼 가르쳐요. I am a student, but I teach like a teacher.
2. 이곳은 작은 도시이지만 매우 아름다워요. This place is a small city, but it is very beautiful.

Informal Situations

1. 그는 의사지만 가수가 되고 싶어 해. He is a doctor, but he wants to become a singer.
2. 너는 친구지만 때론 이해하기 어려워. You are a friend, but sometimes you are hard to understand.

Written Context

1. 이 책은 소설이지만 역사적인 사실에 기반을 두고 있습니다. This book is a novel, but it is based on historical facts.

Spoken Context

1. 오늘은 월요일이지만 기분이 좋아요. Today is Monday, but I feel good.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Using ~이지만 is polite and neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Politeness levels in Korean are crucial; be mindful of verb endings in the second clause to match the appropriate level.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 돈은 없지만 꿈은 있어요. I have no money, but I have dreams.
• 시간이 없지만 꼭 갈게요. I don't have time, but I will definitely go.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Omitting "이" after consonant-ending nouns
   • Incorrect: 사람지만
   • Correct: 사람이지만
2. Using ~이지만 after verbs/adjectives
   • Incorrect: 먹다이지만
   • Correct: 먹지만

Tips for Remembering

• For nouns ending with a consonant, remember to include "이" before "지만".
• For verbs and adjectives, use ~지만 without "이".
• Think of "이" as the link between the noun and "지만" when the noun ends with a consonant.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이지만 is used after nouns ending with a consonant to mean "but" or "however".
• After nouns ending with a vowel, attach ~지만 directly without "이".
• It expresses contrast between two clauses in a sentence.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~이지만 to the noun "학생"?
   • a) 학생이지만
   • b) 학생지만
2. Choose the correct sentence:
   • a) 오늘은 금요일지만 일이 많아요.
   • b) 오늘은 금요일이지만 일이 많아요.
3. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~이지만:
   • 그는 배우___ 가수가 되고 싶어 해요.

Answers:

1. a) 학생이지만
2. b) 오늘은 금요일이지만 일이 많아요.
3. 그는 배우지만 가수가 되고 싶어 해요.

By understanding and practicing ~이지만, you will be able to express contrast and add complexity to your Korean sentences, making your speech and writing more natural and fluent.