Korean Grammar Point
~했지만 [haetjiman] (Did, but)

~했지만 [haetjiman] (Did, but)

Short explanation:

This grammar point is used to connect two contrasting ideas or to express 'did, but' in English.

Formation:

Verb in past tense + 지만

Examples:

저는 어제 공부를 많이 했지만, 시험에서 저의 성적은 그리 좋지 않았어요.
Jeoneun eoje gongbureul manhi haetjiman, siheomeseo jeoui seongjeogeun geuri joheuji anhasseoyo.
I studied a lot yesterday, but my grades in the test weren't that good.
그는 힘들게 일했지만, 그의 노력이 인정되지 않았어요.
Geuneun himdeulge ilhaetjiman, geuui noryeogi injeongdoeji anhasseoyo.
He worked hard, but his efforts were not recognized.
나는 그것을 지금 막 마쳤지만, 그것은 정말로 힘들었어요.
Naneun geugeoseul jigeum mak machyeotjiman, geugeoseun jeongmallo himdeureosseoyo.
I just finished it, but it was really hard.
우리는 정말 빨리 달렸지만, 버스를 잡지 못했어요.
Urineun jeongmal ppalli dallyeotjiman, beoseureul japji moshaesseoyo.
We ran really fast, but we couldn't catch the bus.

Long explanation:

The Korean grammar point '~했지만 [haetjiman]' is used when there is a contrasting idea or unexpected result compared to the preceding action, akin to 'did, but' in English. It is usually used when the outcome of the first clause doesn't match what you expected in the second clause. Therefore, you can see it a lot in situations where there is a contradiction between the two actions.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~했지만 [haetjiman] (Did, but)

Korean Grammar Point: ~했지만 [haetjiman] (Did, but)

Grammar Point: ~했지만 (haetjiman) - "Did, but"

1. Introduction

The Korean phrase ~했지만 (haetjiman) is a conjunction that translates to "did, but" in English. It is used to express a contrast or a contradiction between two clauses, usually indicating that while the first action or statement has occurred, the second part presents a different outcome or opinion.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The structure ~했지만 introduces a contrast between two statements. The first part usually presents a fact or an action that has been completed, while the second part offers a contrasting or unexpected result.

  • Structure:

    • This grammar point is constructed with the past tense form of the verb, followed by the conjunction -지만.
    • Example structure: [Verb stem + 았/었/했 + 지만]

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + 았/었/했 + 지만

Visual Aids

Verb Stem Tense ~했지만 Example Translation
가다 학교에 갔지만 사람이 없었다. I went to school, but there was noone.
먹다 먹었 밥을 먹었지만 아직 배가 고프다. I ate rice, but I'm still hungry.
하다 일은 했지만 결과가 좋지 않았다. I did the work, but the result was not good.

3. Comparative Analysis

  • Similar Expressions:
    • ~지만 [jiman]: This also indicates contrast but can be used with a wider range of verbs without the need for past tense.
    • ~그러나 [geureona] / ~그렇지만 [geureochiman]: These are more formal ways to indicate contrast and can replace ~했지만 in certain contexts, often used in written or formal speech.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal Context:

    • 연구를 했지만 결과가 없었다.
    • (I conducted research, but there were no results.)
  2. Informal Context:

    • 어제 영화를 봤지만 재미없었어.
    • (I watched a movie yesterday, but it wasn’t fun.)
  3. Written Context:

    • 그녀는 공부를 했지만 시험에 떨어졌다.
    • (She studied, but she failed the exam.)
  4. Spoken Context:

    • 그 책을 읽었지만 이해하기 어려웠어.
    • (I read that book, but it was hard to understand.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ~했지만 reflects a level of politeness and respect toward the listener by acknowledging differing opinions or outcomes. This contrasts with a more direct approach which may come off as rude in Korean culture.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 그렇지만 말이에요 (geureochiman malieyo): "But that's what I'm saying." This phrase can be used to emphasize the contrast or disagreement in a conversation.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Omitting the verb: Beginners might forget to include the verb form leading to incomplete sentences.
    • Incorrect: 학교에 갔지만
    • Correct: 학교에 갔지만 사람이 없었다.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Devices: Remember that ~했지만 connects two contrasting ideas. Think of it as " though/although I did that..." which can help tie the idea together in your mind.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~했지만 is used to express contrast between two statements.
  • It follows the structure of the past tense form of a verb plus -지만.
  • Can replace or be compared to other contrastive phrases like ~지만, ~그러나, and ~그렇지만.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~했지만 translate to in English?
  2. How is the structure of ~했지만 formed?
  3. Provide an example sentence using ~했지만. By understanding and practicing ~했지만, learners will be able to express contrasting ideas effectively in various contexts!
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