Learn Korean for Free | Beginner Korean Grammar #26
The room is small but clean. You are tired but still study. -지만 places two contrasting ideas in one sentence.
What Does A/V-지만 Mean?
Attach -지만 to an adjective or verb stem to mean “but” or “although.” The second clause presents information that contrasts with the first.
The Rule
Remove 다 and add -지만: 작다 → 작지만, 먹다 → 먹지만, 공부하다 → 공부하지만. The form does not change for vowels or consonants. Past tense can appear before it: 갔지만, 먹었지만.
Useful Korean Words
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 작다 | to be small |
| 크다 | to be big |
| 비싸다 | to be expensive |
| 맛있다 | to be delicious |
| 피곤하다 | to be tired |
| 좋아하다 | to like |
| 멀다 | to be far |
| 깨끗하다 | to be clean |
Korean Grammar Examples
방이 작지만 깨끗해요.
The room is small but clean.
이 음식은 맵지만 맛있어요.
This food is spicy but delicious.
피곤하지만 한국어를 공부해요.
I am tired, but I study Korean.
학교가 멀지만 매일 걸어가요.
The school is far, but I walk there every day.
어제 비가 왔지만 여행을 했어요.
It rained yesterday, but I traveled.
A Short Dialogue
A: 이 식당은 어때요? — How is this restaurant?
B: 조금 비싸지만 음식이 맛있어요. — It is a little expensive, but the food is good.
A: 사람이 많아요? — Are there many people?
B: 사람이 많지만 서비스가 빨라요. — It is crowded, but the service is fast.
A Common Mistake to Avoid
Do not finish the first clause with -아요/어요 before adding 지만: 맛있어요지만 is incorrect; use 맛있지만. The contrast should be meaningful. “It is cheap but inexpensive” is grammatically shaped like a contrast but the ideas do not oppose each other.
Quick Quiz 🎯
Join each pair with -지만: ① 작아요 / 편해요. ② 비가 와요 / 운동해요. ③ 어렵습니다 / 재미있습니다. ④ 바빴어요 / 친구를 만났어요.
Answers and Explanation
① 작지만 편해요. ② 비가 오지만 운동해요. ③ 어렵지만 재미있어요. ④ 바빴지만 친구를 만났어요. Only the final clause carries the main polite ending.
Try It in Your Own Life
Write two original sentences with A/V-지만 about your real schedule, plans, travel, food, or Korean study. Read them aloud, then change one word or time expression and say them again. This turns the pattern into language you can use instead of a sentence you only recognize.
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