Processing keyword: ~지만 [jimyeon] (But, however)

Korean Grammar Point: ~지만 [jimyeon] (But, however)

지만 (jiman) - "But, However"

1. Introduction

In Korean, connecting contrasting ideas or statements is essential for expressing complex thoughts. The grammar point ~지만 (~jiman) is commonly used to link two clauses where the second clause presents a contrast or exception to the first. It translates to "but" or "however" in English.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~지만 is a conjunctive ending attached to verbs, adjectives, or nouns to express contrast between two clauses. It indicates that the second clause is in opposition or contrast to the first clause.

Structure

Formation Diagram

For Verbs and Adjectives:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 지만

For Nouns:

• If the noun ends with a consonant:

  [Noun] + 이지만
  

• If the noun ends with a vowel:

  [Noun] + 지만
  

How to Form ~지만

1. Verbs and Adjectives:
   • Remove the dictionary ending 다 from the verb or adjective to get the stem.
   • Attach 지만 directly to the stem. Example:
   • 먹다 (to eat)

     먹다 → 먹 + 지만 → 먹지만 (but eat)
     

   • 예쁘다 (to be pretty)

     예쁘다 → 예쁘 + 지만 → 예쁘지만 (but [it is] pretty)
     

2. Nouns:
   • If the noun ends with a consonant, add 이지만.
   • If the noun ends with a vowel, add 지만. Examples:
   • 학생 (student)

     학생 + 이지만 → 학생이지만 (but [I am] a student)
     

   • 의사 (doctor)

     의사 + 지만 → 의사지만 (but [he is] a doctor)
     

Usage Notes

• Tense is expressed in the second clause, not before ~지만. Example:
  • 어제 바빴지만 영화 봤어요.
    • Yesterday I was busy, but I watched a movie.

3. Comparative Analysis

~지만 vs. ~는데/은데

While ~지만 explicitly denotes contrast similar to "but," ~는데/은데 can imply contrast, provide background information, or indicate a cause. Examples:

1. ~지만 (explicit contrast)
   • 기쁘지만 표현하지 않았어요.
     • I was happy, but I didn't express it.
2. ~는데/은데 (contrast or background)
   • 기쁜데 표현하지 않았어요.
     • I was happy, but I didn't express it. (Can also imply since or although)

~지만 vs. 하지만

• ~지만 is attached to verbs, adjectives, or nouns to connect two clauses within a sentence.
• 하지만 is an adverb meaning "but" or "however" and often starts a new sentence. Examples:

1. Using ~지만:
   • 비가 오지만 축구를 했어요.
     • It was raining, but we played soccer.
2. Using 하지만:
   • 비가 왔어요. 하지만 축구를 했어요.
     • It was raining. However, we played soccer.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Written
   • 그는 열심히 공부했지만 시험에 떨어졌습니다.
     • He studied hard, but he failed the exam.
2. Polite Spoken
   • 이 책은 어렵지만 재미있어요.
     • This book is difficult, but it's interesting.
3. Informal Spoken
   • 맛있지만 너무 비싸.
     • It's delicious, but it's too expensive.
4. Formal Spoken
   • 죄송하지만 길을 알려 주시겠어요?
     • I'm sorry, but could you tell me the way?
5. Casual Written
   • 영화 봤지만 기대만큼 좋진 않았어.
     • I watched the movie, but it wasn't as good as I expected.

Dialogue Example

A: 한국 음식 좋아해요? B: 좋아하지만 매운 음식은 못 먹어요.

• A: Do you like Korean food?
• B: I like it, but I can't eat spicy food.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The use of ~지만 itself does not carry a level of politeness; politeness is conveyed through verb endings in the sentence.
• Adding 죄송하지만 or 미안하지만 at the beginning of a request adds politeness and softens the request. Example:
  • 죄송하지만 창문을 닫아 주시겠어요?
    • I'm sorry, but could you close the window?

Idiomatic Expressions

• 아쉽지만: "It's a shame, but..."
  • 아쉽지만 다음에 만나요.
    • It's a shame, but let's meet next time.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Attaching Tense Markers Before ~지만
   • Incorrect: 먹었지만다, 예뻤지만다
   • Correct: 먹었지만, 예뻤지만 Tense markers like 았/었 are placed before ~지만, but do not add 다 after ~지만.
2. Using ~지만 with a Conjugated Verb
   • Incorrect: 갑니다지만, 공부해요지만
   • Correct: 가지만, 공부하지만 Attach ~지만 directly to the stem, not to the conjugated form.

Tips

• Focus on the Verb/Adjective Stem: Always attach ~지만 to the base form of the verb or adjective.
• Remember the Noun Exception: Use 이지만 after nouns ending with consonants, and 지만 after vowels.
• Politeness Comes Later: Adjust the level of politeness with the sentence-ending verb, not with ~지만.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~지만 is used to express contrast, meaning "but" or "however."
• Attach ~지만 directly to verb and adjective stems.
• For nouns, use 이지만 after consonants and 지만 after vowels.
• Tense and politeness are indicated in the second clause, not with ~지만.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank:
   • 바쁘___ 도와줄게요.
   • Answer: 바쁘지만 도와줄게요. (I'm busy, but I will help you.)
2. Choose the correct option: How do you say "It's small but convenient" in Korean? a) 작이지만 편리해요. b) 작지만 편리해요. c) 작은지만 편리해요.
   • Answer: b) 작지만 편리해요.
3. True or False: You should add tense markers like 았/었 after ~지만.
   • Answer: False. Tense markers are placed before ~지만, and the second clause shows the tense.

By understanding and practicing the use of ~지만, you can effectively express contrasting ideas in Korean, enhancing both your written and spoken communication skills.