Processing keyword: ~하기는 [hagineun] (But)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기는 [hagineun] (But)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Korean grammar point ~하기는 (hagineun), which is used to express contrast or concession, similar to the English word "but". Understanding this grammar will enhance your ability to convey nuanced thoughts and participate in more complex conversations.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The construction ~하기는 is used to acknowledge or concede a point before introducing a contrasting statement. It translates to "It is true that... but..." or "I do... but...".

Structure

The structure involves attaching ~기는 to the verb stem:

[Verb Stem] + 기는

Formation Diagram

Verb Stem	+	기는
먹		기는
가		기는
공부하		기는

How It Works

1. Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
2. Add 기는: Attach 기는 to the verb stem.
3. Complete the Sentence: Follow with the contrasting statement.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~지만

• ~지만: Simply attaches to the verb stem to mean "but".
  • 먹지만 - "I eat, but..."
• ~하기는: Emphasizes the action before contrasting.
  • 먹기는 하지만 - "I do eat, but..." Nuance Difference:
• ~지만 is a direct conjunction for "but".
• ~하기는 adds emphasis or concession to the action before contrasting.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal

• 영화를 보기는 했지만 재미없었어요.
  • Yeonghwareul bogineun haetjiman jaemi-eopseosseoyo.
  • "I did watch the movie, but it wasn't interesting."

Informal

• 알기는 아는데 말하기 싫어.
  • Algineun aneunde malhagi sireo.
  • "I do know, but I don't want to say."

Spoken

• 가기는 갔어, 그런데 늦었어.
  • Gagineun gasseo, geureonde neujeosseo.
  • "I did go, but I was late."

Written

• 그 책을 읽기는 했으나 내용이 어려웠다.
  • Geu chaegeul ilgineun haeseuna naeyongi eoryeowotda.
  • "I did read that book, but the content was difficult."

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

Using ~하기는 can soften statements, showing humility or politeness by acknowledging something before presenting a contrasting view.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 좋기는 좋은데...
  • "It is good, but..."
• 많기는 많지만...
  • "There are many, but..."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect: 먹기는 하지만 맛없어요. (Using 지만 after 기는)
  • Correction: 먹기는 했지만 맛없어요. (Ensure tense is consistent)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~하기는 as "Doing is (the case), but..."
• Practice Contrasts: Create sentences that first acknowledge then contrast.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기는 is used to express concession before making a contrasting statement.
• It emphasizes the verb action.
• It can add nuance to your speech, making it sound more natural and fluent.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~하기는 to the verb 하다?
2. Translate: "I do like it, but it's expensive."
3. What's the difference between ~지만 and ~하기는?

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Answers:

1. 하 + 기는 = 하기는
2. 좋아하기는 하지만 비싸요.
3. ~지만 is a direct "but", while ~하기는 emphasizes the action before contrasting.

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