Processing keyword: ~하기는 [hakineun] (Though, although)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하기는 [hakineun] (Though, although)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing contrast or concession within a sentence is essential for nuanced communication. The grammar point ~하기는 (~hakineun) is used to acknowledge a fact or action while implying a contrasting or limiting condition. It is similar to "though" or "although" in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~하기는 is used to:

• Admit or acknowledge something.
• Introduce a contrasting point or reservation.

It translates to "though" or "although" in English.

Structure

Formation

The structure for using ~하기는 is:

**Verb Stem** + **-기는**

Formation Diagram

Verb Type	Verb Stem	+ 기는	Result
Action	먹다 (to eat)	먹 + 기는	먹기는
Descriptive	춥다 (to be cold)	춥 + 기는	춥기는
Copular	이다 (to be)	이 + 기는	이기는

Usage Notes

• ~하기는 is often followed by -지만, -한데, or -한데도, which introduce the contrasting statement.
• It can be used in both spoken and written Korean, in formal and informal contexts.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with -지만

While -지만 alone means "but" or "however," combining ~하기는 with -지만 adds emphasis on the acknowledgment before the contrast.

• -지만: Simple contrast.
• ~하기는 하지만: Emphasizes the concession before contrasting. Examples:
• 🔹 가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요.
  • I want to go but don't have time.
• 🔹 가고 싶기는 하지만 시간이 없어요.
  • Though I want to go, I don't have time.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 이 영화는 재미있기는 한데 조금 길어요.
   • Though this movie is interesting, it's a bit long.
2. 그 책을 읽기는 했지만 내용을 잘 이해하지 못했어요.
   • Although I read the book, I couldn't understand the content well.

Informal Context

1. 맛있기는 한데 너무 매워.
   • It's tasty, though it's too spicy.
2. 가기는 갔는데 아무도 없었어.
   • I did go, but no one was there.

Written Context

1. 그 계획이 좋기는 하지만 현실적이지 않습니다.
   • Though the plan is good, it is not realistic.
2. 참여하기는 했으나 큰 도움이 되지 못했습니다.
   • Although I participated, I wasn't much help.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ~하기는 reflects the Korean communication style of indirectly expressing disagreement or reservations to maintain harmony and politeness.

Levels of Politeness

• The formality is adjusted through verb endings after ~하기는.
  • Formal polite: ~하기는 하지만요.
  • Informal polite: ~하기는 하는데요.
  • Casual: ~하기는 한데.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 알기는 아는데...

   • I know it, but...

2. 좋기는 좋지만...

   • It's good, but...

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Omitting the contrasting clause:
  • Incorrect: 영화를 보기에는.
    • (Incomplete thought)
  • Correct: 영화를 보기에는 시간이 늦어요.
    • It's too late to watch a movie.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ~하기는 as acknowledging ("Yes, it's so") before introducing a "but."
• Practice: Create sentences by first stating a fact and then adding a contrasting point using ~하기는.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하기는 is used to acknowledge something before introducing a contrast.
• It translates to "though" or "although."
• The structure is Verb Stem + -기는.
• It is often followed by -하지만, -한데, etc.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 공부를 ________ 했지만 시험을 잘 못 봤어요. (I did study, but didn't do well on the exam.)
   • Answer: 하기는
2. True or False: ~하기는 can be used without a contrasting clause.
   • Answer: False
3. Translate to Korean: "Though it's expensive, I will buy it."
   • Answer: 비싸기는 하지만 살 거예요.

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Additional Practice

Try creating your own sentences using ~하기는 to express contrast. Remember to follow the structure and consider the level of politeness appropriate for the context.

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