Processing keyword: ~했건만 [haetgeonman] (But, however)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했건만 [haetgeonman] (But, however)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing contrast or unexpected results is a common grammatical function. The suffix ~했건만 (~haetgeonman) is one such connector that conveys a sense of "but," "however," or "even though" in the past tense. This grammar point is used to show that despite a certain action or circumstance, the result was different from what was expected.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

~했건만 is used to connect two clauses where the first clause provides a past action or situation, and the second clause presents an unexpected result or contrasting statement. It emphasizes that even though something was done, the outcome was not as anticipated.

Structure

The formation of ~했건만 involves attaching the suffix ~건만 to the past tense form of a verb.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 았/었 + 건만

• Verb Stem: The base form of the verb without 다.
• 았/었: Past tense marker.
  • Use 았 after verb stems ending with the vowel ㅏ or ㅗ.
  • Use 었 after other vowels.
• 건만: Connector meaning "but," "however."

Example

• 하다 (to do)
  • Verb Stem: 하
  • Past Tense: 했 (하 + 였 → 했)
  • Combined: 했건만

Conjugation Table

Verb Infinitive	Verb Stem	Past Tense	+ 건만	Meaning
가다 (to go)	가	갔	갔건만	Even though (someone) went...
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹었	먹었건만	Even though (someone) ate...
오다 (to come)	오	왔	왔건만	Even though (someone) came...

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. ~지만 (but)
   • Usage: General contrast in present tense.
   • Example: 공부를 하지만 이해가 안 돼요.
   • Translation: I study but I don't understand.
2. ~했는데도 (even though)
   • Usage: Even though something was done, the result is unexpected.
   • Example: 열심히 공부했는데도 시험에 떨어졌어요.
   • Translation: Even though I studied hard, I failed the exam.
3. ~했건만
   • Usage: Emphasizes stronger contrast or disappointment from past actions.
   • Tone: More literary or formal than ~지만.
   • Example: 열심히 공부했건만 성적이 오르지 않았다.
   • Translation: Even though I studied hard, my grades didn't improve.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Written Context

1. 열심히 일했건만 보상이 없었다.
   • Translation: Even though I worked hard, there was no reward.
2. 노력했건만 원하는 결과를 얻지 못했다.
   • Translation: Even though efforts were made, the desired result was not achieved.

Informal Spoken Context

1. 많이 먹었건만 아직도 배고파.
   • Translation: Even though I ate a lot, I'm still hungry.
2. 일찍 잤건만 피곤해.
   • Translation: Even though I went to bed early, I'm tired.

Conversational Examples

1. 친구에게 전화했건만 받지 않았어요.
   • Translation: Even though I called my friend, they didn't answer.
2. 약을 먹었건만 낫지 않았어요.
   • Translation: Even though I took the medicine, I didn't get better.

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5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ~했건만 is more commonly used in written Korean, such as literature, essays, or formal speeches.
• It carries a more formal and sometimes poetic tone compared to everyday conversation.
• In spoken language, Koreans might prefer using ~했는데도, ~지만, or ~했는데 for similar meanings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ~했건만 itself is not idiomatic, it can appear in idiomatic expressions or proverbs that emphasize contrast between efforts and outcomes.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using ~했건만 in Casual Conversation
   • Mistake: Overusing ~했건만 in everyday speech where it sounds overly formal or literary.
   • Correction: Use ~했는데도 or ~지만 in casual contexts.
2. Incorrect Verb Conjugation
   • Mistake: Misapplying the past tense marker.
     • E.g., 가했건만 instead of 갔건만.
   • Correction: Ensure correct past tense formation before adding 건만.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 건만 as a formal "but" that connects past actions with unexpected results.
• Remember the Tone: Reserve ~했건만 for formal writing or expressions to match the level of formality.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~했건만 is used to express contrast between a past action and an unexpected result.
• It is formed by attaching 건만 to the past tense of a verb.
• More commonly used in formal writing than in everyday speech.
• Similar to ~지만 and ~했는데도, but with a more formal or literary tone.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the correct sentence using ~했건만:
   • I studied hard, but my grades didn't improve.
   • Answer: 열심히 공부했건만 성적이 오르지 않았다.
2. True or False: ~했건만 is commonly used in casual spoken Korean.
   • Answer: False; it's more formal and used in writing.
3. Choose the more appropriate connector for casual conversation:
   • A. 어제 비가 왔건만 우리는 놀러 갔어요.
   • B. 어제 비가 왔는데도 우리는 놀러 갔어요.
   • Answer: B is more appropriate for casual conversation.

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By understanding and practicing ~했건만, you can enhance your comprehension of formal Korean texts and express contrasts in a more nuanced way.

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