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

Korean Grammar Point: ~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.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure ~하면서도 combines ~하면서 (while doing) and 도 (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 + 으면서도 → 먹으면서도

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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.

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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.

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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.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting '으' with consonant-ending verbs
   • Incorrect: 먹면서도
   • Correct: 먹으면서도
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 도 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.

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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.

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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!

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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