Grammar · Joining sentences

-지만, but

Pattern

[stem] + 지만 [contrasting clause]

-지만 joins two clauses that pull against each other, 'but' or 'although'. It attaches straight to the stem, or to the past stem for past events (갔지만, 했지만). After a noun it is 이지만 following a consonant and 지만 following a vowel.

The mistake to avoid

Do not add 그런데 or 하지만 after -지만 as well. One 'but' is enough: 비싸지만 맛있어요.

Examples

Romanisation help

비싸지만 맛있어요.

bissajiman masisseoyo.

It is expensive but tasty.

한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.

hangugeoneun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo.

Korean is hard but fun.

피곤했지만 운동했어요.

pigonhaetjiman undonghaesseoyo.

I was tired, but I exercised.

작지만 편해요.

jakjiman pyeonhaeyo.

It is small but comfortable.