Processing keyword: ~하기는 [hagineun] (Although, but)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기는 [hagineun] (Although, but)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ~하기는 (hagineun) is used in Korean to express a contrast or partial agreement, similar to "although" or "but" in English. It acknowledges a point while introducing a differing or opposing idea.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ~하기는 is derived from the verb stem followed by -기 (the nominalizer) and -는, which together function to highlight a certain action or state before presenting a contrasting statement.

Structure

Verb stem + 기는

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 기는 + [Contrasting Clause]

Example Formation

• 가다 (to go): 가 (verb stem) + 기는 = 가기는
• 먹다 (to eat): 먹 (verb stem) + 기는 = 먹기는

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. 지만 (jiman)
   • Usage: Directly attaches to the verb stem to mean "but."
   • Example: 먹지만 - "I eat but..."
2. 는데 (neunde)
   • Usage: Connects two clauses, with the first providing background or contrast.
   • Example: 먹는데 - "I eat, and/but..." Comparison with ~하기는:

• ~하기는 places emphasis on the verb action, acknowledging it before introducing the contrast.
• Unlike ~지만 and ~는데, ~하기는 often implies a partial agreement with a nuance of concession.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 이 영화가 재미있기는 하지만 조금 길어요. Translation: "Although this movie is interesting, it's a bit long."
2. 그분을 알기는 하지만 친하지는 않습니다. Translation: "I do know him, but I'm not close with him."

Informal Context

1. 먹기는 했는데 아직 배고파. Translation: "I did eat, but I'm still hungry."
2. 가기는 갈 거야, 근데 늦을 것 같아. Translation: "I will go, but I might be late."

Written Context

1. 시험을 준비하기는 했으나 기대만큼 성적이 나오지 않았다. Translation: "Although I prepared for the exam, my grades didn't come out as expected."

Spoken Context

1. 듣기는 했어, 하지만 믿기 어려워. Translation: "I did hear about it, but it's hard to believe."

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

In Korean, expressing contrast or concession respectfully is important, especially in formal situations. Using ~하기는 allows speakers to acknowledge a point before gently introducing a differing opinion, which aligns with the cultural value of maintaining harmony.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting the Nominalizer 기
  • Incorrect: 가는 했는데...
  • Correct: 가기는 했는데...
• Confusing with ~고는
  • ~고는 also means "and then," but does not carry the same concessive meaning.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~하기는 as "Doing it is (true), but..." to remember that it acknowledges the action before contrasting.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기는 is used to express partial agreement with an action before introducing a contrast.
• Formed by adding -기는 to the verb stem.
• Emphasizes the first action or state, acknowledging it before contrasting.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~하기는 with the verb 읽다 (to read)?
   • Answer: 읽기는
2. Translate to Korean: "I did see it, but I don't remember well."
   • Answer: 보기는 봤지만 잘 기억나지 않아.
3. What is the main difference between ~하기는 and ~지만?
   • Answer: ~하기는 emphasizes and acknowledges the verb action before contrasting, while ~지만 is a direct conjunction meaning "but."

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Feel free to revisit the examples and notes to reinforce your understanding of ~하기는. Practice by creating your own sentences using this grammar point!

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