Processing keyword: ~하건마는 [hageonmaneun] (But, however)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하건마는 [hageonmaneun] (But, however)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the grammatical construction ~하건마는 [hageonmaneun], which is used to express contrast or concession, similar to "but" or "however" in English. Understanding this grammar point will help you convey nuanced contrasts in Korean, especially in written and formal contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하건마는 [hageonmaneun] is used to acknowledge a fact or situation but introduce a contrasting statement. It conveys a sense of concession or opposition, akin to saying "although" or "even though" in English.

Structure

The structure ~하건마는 attaches to the verb stem and is typically used in formal or written Korean.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 건마는

Conjugation Steps

1. Take the verb stem:

   Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem
   먹다 (to eat)	먹
   가다 (to go)	가
   알다 (to know)	알

2. Add 건마는 to the verb stem:
   • 먹 건마는
   • 가 건마는
   • 알 건마는

Notes on Usage

• Formal and Literary Tone: This grammar point is more formal and often found in written texts such as essays, literature, or formal speeches.
• Contrasting Statements: It is used when the speaker wants to acknowledge a prior action or state but present a contrasting outcome or opinion.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point	Usage	Nuance
~지만 [jiman]	"but," "however"	Commonly used in both spoken and written Korean.
~는데 [neunde]	"but," "so," "and"	Used to provide background or contrast; more colloquial.
~하건마는 [hageonmaneun]	"although," "even though," "but"	More formal; adds a sense of concession; used in formal writing.

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal/Written
   • 그가 노력 하건마는 성과가 없다.
     • Although he makes an effort, there are no results.
2. Formal Speech
   • 시간이 많지 않 건마는 최선을 다하겠습니다.
     • Even though there isn't much time, I will do my best.
3. Literary Context
   • 봄이 오 건마는 마음은 아직 겨울이다.
     • Spring has come, but my heart is still in winter.
4. Essay Writing
   • 연구를 진행 하건마는 새로운 발견은 없었다.
     • We conducted the research; however, there were no new findings.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• Formal Contexts: ~하건마는 is considered formal and is often seen in literary works, official documents, and formal speeches.
• Not Common in Spoken Korean: In everyday conversation, Koreans prefer using ~지만 or ~는데 for expressing contrast.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ~하건마는 itself is not part of idiomatic expressions, understanding its usage can help in comprehending formal writing and classical Korean literature where such structures are more prevalent.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using in Informal Conversation
   • Incorrect: 오늘 바쁘 건마는 못 갈 것 같아. (Using 건마는 in casual speech)
   • Correct: 오늘 바쁘 지만 못 갈 것 같아.
2. Attaching to the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 노력하 는데건마는 성과가 없다.
   • Correct: 노력하 건마는 성과가 없다.

Tips

• Remember the Formality: Use ~하건마는 in formal writing or situations. For daily conversations, opt for ~지만.
• Verb Stem Usage: Always attach 건마는 directly to the verb stem without any tense markers.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하건마는 [hageonmaneun] expresses contrast or concession, similar to "although" or "but" in English.
• It is used by attaching 건마는 to the verb stem.
• Predominantly used in formal and written contexts.
• Not commonly used in everyday spoken Korean.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~하건마는: 그는 돈이 많 ____ 행복하지 않다.

   Answer

   그는 돈이 많 **건마는** 행복하지 않다.

2. True or False: ~하건마는 can be used interchangeably with ~지만 in casual conversation.

   Answer

   False. ~하건마는 is formal and not commonly used in casual conversation.

3. Choose the sentence that correctly uses ~하건마는: a) 시간이 없 는데건마는 일을 끝냈다. b) 시간이 없 건마는 일을 끝냈다.

   Answer

   b) 시간이 없 **건마는** 일을 끝냈다.

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By mastering ~하건마는 [hageonmaneun], you enhance your ability to express complex contrasts in formal Korean. Keep practicing by reading formal texts and trying to incorporate this structure into your writing exercises.

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