Korean Grammar Point
~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo] (While, although)

~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo] (While, although)

Short explanation:

Used to express a contradictory situation or event occurring at the same time; 'while', 'although'.

Formation:

Verb-stem + ~하면서도

Examples:

그녀는 회사에서 바쁘게 일하면서도 항상 일찍 집에 가서 아이들과 식사를 함께해요.
Geunyeoneun hoesaeseo bappeuge ilhamyeonseodo hangsang iljjik jibe gaseo aideulgwa siksa reul hamkkehaeyo.
Even as she works hard at the company, she always goes home early to have meals with her children.
저는 공부에 집중하면서도 친구들과 소통하는 데에는 어려움이 있어요.
Jeoneun gongbue jipjunghamyeonseodo chingudeulgwa sotonghaneun deeneun eoryeoumi isseoyo.
While focusing on studies, I find it difficult to communicate with friends.
그는 연인과 행복하게 지내면서도, 그녀가 항상 곁에 없을 때를 두려워해요.
Geuneun yeoningwa haengbokhage jjinaemyeonseodo, geunyeoga hangsang gyeote eobseul ttaereul duryeowohaeyo.
Even as he spends happy times with his lover, he fears the times when she is not by his side.
어머니는 항상 건강에 신경을 쓰면서도, 자신의 건강은 항상 무시하곤 해요.
Eomeonineun hangsang geongange singyeongeul sseumyeonseodo, jasinui geongangeun hangsang musihagon haeyo.
While mom always takes care of our health, she tends to ignore her own health.

Long explanation:

'~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo]' is a conjunction used in Korean to indicate two actions or states happening simultaneously, with an aspect of contradiction or conflicting elements. It's like saying 'although' or 'even when' in English, and implies that despite the first action, the second one still occurs. It can be used to show inconsistency between what is expected and what really happens.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo] (While, although)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo] (While, although)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~하면서도 [hamyeonseodo] (While, although)

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's lesson! We're going to explore the Korean grammar point ~하면서도, which is essential for expressing contrast or unexpected outcomes between two simultaneous actions or states. Mastering this grammar will enhance your ability to articulate complex ideas in Korean.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure ~하면서도 combines ~하면서 (while doing) and (even, also) to express "even while doing" or "although doing". It highlights that the action in the main clause occurs despite the action in the subordinate clause.

Structure

  • Verb Stem + (으)면서도

Formation Diagram

Component Function
Verb Stem Base form of the action verb
(으)면서도 Connective ending indicating contrast ("even while")
  • Attach -면서도 directly to verb stems ending with a vowel.
  • Attach -으면서도 to verb stems ending with a consonant.

Examples of Formation

  1. Verb ending with a vowel: 가다 (to go)
    • Verb Stem: 가
    • Formation: 가면서도
    • Meaning: Even while going
  2. Verb ending with a consonant: 먹다 (to eat)
    • Verb Stem: 먹
    • Formation: 먹으면서도
    • Meaning: Even while eating

Visual Aid

[Verb Stem] + (으)면서도
  • Ends with vowel: Verb Stem + 면서도 → 가면서도
  • Ends with consonant: Verb Stem + 면서도 → 먹으면서도

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~면서도 with ~지만

  • ~지만 means "but" or "although" and connects two contrasting clauses.
  • Difference:
    • ~지만 does not imply simultaneity.
    • ~하면서도 implies that both actions are occurring at the same time. Example with ~지만:
  • 날씨가 춥지만 밖에 나갔어요.
    • It's cold, but I went outside. Example with ~하면서도:
  • 춥다고 말하면서도 창문을 열었어요.
    • Even while saying it's cold, he opened the window.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Written

  1. 환경을 파괴하면서도 발전만을 추구합니다.
    • They pursue only development even while destroying the environment.
  2. 그는 실패를 두려워하면서도 도전에 나섰다.
    • He stepped up to the challenge even while fearing failure.

Informal Spoken

  1. 너는 모르겠다면서도 왜 자꾸 물어봐?
    • Why do you keep asking even though you say you don't know?
  2. 걔는 싫다면서도 매일 와.
    • He comes every day even though he says he doesn't like it.

Polite Speech

  1. 학생들은 피곤하다면서도 열심히 공부해요.
    • Even though the students say they're tired, they study hard.
  2. 어머니는 힘들다면서도 미소를 지으셨어요.
    • Mother smiled even though she said it was hard.

Casual Speech

  1. 나는 공연이 재미없다면서도 끝까지 봤어.
    • I watched the performance till the end even though I said it was boring.
  2. 친구는 바쁘다면서도 나를 도와줬어.
    • My friend helped me even though he said he was busy.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, there's an emphasis on harmony and collective well-being. Using ~하면서도 can reflect the depth of emotions or the complexity of situations, acknowledging contrasting feelings or actions.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • The politeness level is adjusted through the verb endings, not the ~하면서도 structure itself.
  • Ensure that the rest of the sentence matches the appropriate speech level for your audience.

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~하면서도

  1. 웃으면서도 울고 있다
    • Even while laughing, crying inside.
    • Describes someone hiding their true feelings.
  2. 알면서도 속아주다
    • Even though one knows, pretending to be deceived.
    • Indicates going along with something despite knowing the truth.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Forgetting '으' with consonant-ending verbs
    • Incorrect: 먹면서도
    • Correct: 먹면서도
  2. Using ~하면서도 with adjectives
    • ~하면서도 is typically used with verbs, not adjectives.
    • Incorrect: 행복하다면서도
    • Correct: 행복하면서도 (since 행복하다 can act as a descriptive verb)
  3. Confusing simultaneity with sequential actions
    • ~하면서도 implies actions happening at the same time.
    • Don't use it for actions that occur one after another.

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Contrast: Associate with "even" to remember that ~하면서도 expresses an unexpected or contrasting action.
  • Practice with Common Verbs: Create sentences using everyday verbs to become comfortable with the structure.
  • Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers using ~하면서도 to grasp natural usage and intonation.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~하면서도 expresses contrast or unexpected outcomes between two simultaneous actions.
  • Formed by adding (으)면서도 to the verb stem.
  • Implies "even while doing" or "although doing".

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank:
    • 그는 공부를 하면서도 음악을 들어요.
      • He listens to music even while studying.
  2. True or False:
    • ~하면서도 can be used with adjectives.
      • Answer: False (It's primarily used with action verbs.)
  3. Translate into Korean:
    • "She smiles even though she's sad."
      • Answer: 그녀는 슬프면서도 미소를 지어요.

By understanding and practicing ~하면서도, you'll be able to express complex ideas involving contrast and simultaneity in Korean. Keep practicing, and soon it'll become a natural part of your Korean language skills!

Practice Time!

Try creating your own sentences using ~하면서도. Start with verbs you frequently use, and don't hesitate to make mistakes—that's how you learn!

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Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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