Processing keyword: ~지만 [jimyeon] (But, although)
Korean Grammar Point: ~지만 [jimyeon] (But, although)
1. Introduction
In Korean, the conjunctive ending ~지만 is used to connect two clauses where the second clause presents a contrast or opposition to the first clause. It translates to "but" or "although" in English.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- ~지만: Used to express contrast or contradiction between two statements.
Structure
Attach ~지만 directly to the stem of a verb, adjective, or copula in the first clause.
Formation Diagram
[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지만 + [Contrasting Clause]
Formation
For Verbs and Adjectives:
- Step 1: Remove 다 from the dictionary form to get the stem.
- Step 2: Add 지만 to the stem.
Dictionary Form Stem + 지만 Meaning 가다 (to go) 가 가지만 (I) go but... 먹다 (to eat) 먹 먹지만 (I) eat but... 춥다 (to be cold) 춥 춥지만 It is cold but... For Nouns with Copula (~이다):
- 이다 becomes 이지만 after a consonant.
- Simply add 지만 after a vowel.
Noun Ending + (이)지만 Meaning 학생 (student) Consonant 학생이지만 (I am) a student but... 친구 (friend) Vowel 친구지만 (He is) a friend but...
Notes
- Tense and Politeness: Tense and politeness levels are expressed in the second clause.
- Negation: Can be combined with negative forms.
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~지만 with ~는데
| Grammar Point | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ~지만 | Direct contrast, "but/although" | 피곤하지만 잠이 안 와요. I'm tired but can't sleep. |
| ~는데 | Background info, "but/and" | 피곤한데 잠이 안 와요. I'm tired, and yet can't sleep. |
- ~지만 focuses on contrasting two clauses.
- ~는데 provides background or sets up context.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 회의에 참석했지만 결과를 몰라요. I attended the meeting, but I don't know the outcome.
- 가격이 비싸지만 품질이 좋아요. Although the price is high, the quality is good.
Informal Speech
- 왔지만 너를 못 만났어. I came, but I couldn't meet you.
- 시간이 없지만 꼭 갈게. I don't have time, but I will definitely go.
Written Context
- 그는 노력했지만 성공하지 못했다. He tried, but he couldn't succeed.
- 봄이 왔지만 날씨가 아직 추워요. Spring has come, but the weather is still cold.
Spoken Context
- 배고프지만 참아야 해요. I'm hungry, but I have to endure it.
- 재미있지만 너무 길어요. It's interesting, but it's too long.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Politeness Levels: The use of ~지만 itself doesn't denote politeness. Politeness is indicated by the verb endings in the second clause.
- Expressing Humility: Koreans often use contrasting statements to show modesty or avoid direct refusals.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 알면서도 모르는 척하지만... Although you know, you pretend not to...
- 좋지만 사지 않을 거예요. It's nice, but I won't buy it.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Attaching Tense to ~지만
- Incorrect: 갔었지만
- Correct: 갔지만 Tense is expressed in the second clause, not with ~지만.
- Using Polite Forms Before ~지만
- Incorrect: 갑니다지만
- Correct: 가지만 Attach ~지만 to the verb stem, not the polite form.
Learning Strategies
- Practice Contrasts: Create sentence pairs to practice contrasting ideas.
- Mnemonic Device: Remember that 지만 sounds like "gee-man," as in "Gee, man, but..." to recall that it introduces a contrast.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~지만 means "but" or "although" and is used to connect contrasting clauses.
- Attach ~지만 directly to the verb/adjective stem.
- Tense and politeness are shown in the second clause.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach ~지만 to the adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty)?
- Answer: 예쁘지만
- Translate: 일이 많지만 즐거워요.
- Answer: I have a lot of work, but I'm happy.
- True or False: Tense is indicated in the clause with ~지만.
- Answer: False. Tense is indicated in the second clause.
Feel free to create your own sentences using ~지만 to express contrasts and deepen your understanding!