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.

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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

1. 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...

2. 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.

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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.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 회의에 참석했지만 결과를 몰라요. I attended the meeting, but I don't know the outcome.
2. 가격이 비싸지만 품질이 좋아요. Although the price is high, the quality is good.

Informal Speech

1. 왔지만 너를 못 만났어. I came, but I couldn't meet you.
2. 시간이 없지만 꼭 갈게. I don't have time, but I will definitely go.

Written Context

1. 그는 노력했지만 성공하지 못했다. He tried, but he couldn't succeed.
2. 봄이 왔지만 날씨가 아직 추워요. Spring has come, but the weather is still cold.

Spoken Context

1. 배고프지만 참아야 해요. I'm hungry, but I have to endure it.
2. 재미있지만 너무 길어요. It's interesting, but it's too long.

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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.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching Tense to ~지만
   • Incorrect: 갔었지만
   • Correct: 갔지만 Tense is expressed in the second clause, not with ~지만.
2. 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.

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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

1. How do you attach ~지만 to the adjective 예쁘다 (to be pretty)?
   • Answer: 예쁘지만
2. Translate: 일이 많지만 즐거워요.
   • Answer: I have a lot of work, but I'm happy.
3. True or False: Tense is indicated in the clause with ~지만.
   • Answer: False. Tense is indicated in the second clause.

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Feel free to create your own sentences using ~지만 to express contrasts and deepen your understanding!

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