Lesson 62 · Contrasting Two Facts: -지만
Hyeju’s Beginner Korean · Lesson 62 · Grammar
Contrasting Two Facts: -지만
Learn Contrasting Two Facts: -지만 with form rules, natural examples, common mistakes, romanization, and six practice questions with answers.
Introduction / Review
Use -지만 to connect facts that contrast: a bag is expensive but beautiful; a place is small but comfortable. The second clause often adds a fact that differs from an expectation created by the first.
N = noun; V = action verb; A = descriptive verb. Romanization is a reading aid.
Today’s Grammar / Explanation
- Add 지만 directly to a V/A stem: 가다 → 가지만; 작다 → 작지만; 비싸다 → 비싸지만.
- Keep the stem before 지: 춥다 → 춥지만; 듣다 → 듣지만; 살다 → 살지만.
- Past: 갔지만, 좋았지만. Nouns: 학생이지만, 친구지만/친구이지만.
Examples
이 가방은 비싸지만 예뻐요.
i gabangeun bissajiman yeppeoyo
This bag is expensive but pretty.
방은 작지만 편해요.
bangeun jakjiman pyeonhaeyo
The room is small but comfortable.
음식은 맵지만 맛있어요.
eumsigeun maepjiman masisseoyo
The food is spicy but delicious.
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.
hangugeoneun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo
Korean is difficult but fun.
비가 왔지만 여행했어요.
biga watjiman yeohaenghaesseoyo
It rained, but I traveled.
가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요.
gago sipjiman sigani eopseoyo
I want to go, but I don’t have time.
Compare with similar grammar
LESSON 63
-(으)ㄴ/는데
이 식당은 좀 비싼데 맛있어요.Softer than -지만. It can contrast or simply give background.
Look ahead: Lesson 63 →RELATED PATTERN
하지만 · 그렇지만
비싸요. 하지만 맛있어요.To start a new sentence with “But”, use 하지만 or 그렇지만.
RELATED PATTERN
-(으)ㄴ/는 반면에
서울은 편리한 반면에 복잡해요.A more formal, balanced contrast between two sides.
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -지만 | but (clear contrast) | 작지만 편해요 |
| -(으)ㄴ/는데 | but / and (softer, background) | 작은데 편해요 |
| 하지만 | But… (starts a new sentence) | 작아요. 하지만 편해요 |
| -았/었지만 | but (past) | 비쌌지만 샀어요 |
Common mistakes
Both statements can be true at the same time. -지만 does not make the first fact false. For a reason-result relationship, use a reason connector instead; for a simple list without contrast, -고 may fit better.
-지만 attaches directly to the stem: 비싸지만.
After a noun ending in a consonant: 이지만.
For a past contrast, use -았/었지만.
At the start of a sentence, use 하지만 (or 그렇지만).
Mini practice · six questions
All sentences below are new. Try each one before opening the answer.
- Fill in the blank한국어는 조금 ______ 재미있어요. (어렵다)
Check answer
한국어는 조금 어렵지만 재미있어요.
Contrast → 어렵지만.
- Fill in the blank어제 열심히 ______ 시험이 어려웠어요. (공부하다)
Check answer
어제 열심히 공부했지만 시험이 어려웠어요.
Past contrast → 공부했지만.
- Choose the better form이 식당은 싸(고 / 지만) 맛있어요.
Check answer
고
Two good points, no contrast → -고.
- Choose the better form이 식당은 맛있(고 / 지만) 너무 비싸요.
Check answer
지만
A good point and a bad point → -지만.
- Find and fix the mistake제 동생은 고등학생지만 키가 정말 커요.
Check answer
제 동생은 고등학생이지만 키가 정말 커요.
학생 ends in a consonant → 이지만.
- Say it in KoreanI like coffee, but I don’t drink it at night.
Check answer
저는 커피를 좋아하지만 밤에는 안 마셔요.
좋아하 + 지만. 밤에는 adds contrast too.
Today’s Key Point
지만 links a contrast; both facts may be true; keep dictionary stems before 지만.
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