📝 Grammar B1

-지만

-jiman

But / although

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What it means

-지만 is a connective ending meaning but or although. Attached directly to a verb/adjective stem to connect two contrasting ideas within one sentence.

Nuance & when to use

Unlike 그런데 or 그렇지만 which come between sentences, -지만 attaches directly to the verb. Both subjects in the two clauses can be different (unlike -아서/어서).

⚠ Common mistake

Using -지만 and 그런데 interchangeably. -지만 attaches to a verb stem within a sentence; 그런데 is a separate connecting word between sentences. They're not interchangeable.

Example sentences

피자를 좋아하지만 많이 먹으면 배가 아파요. Pijareul joahajiman mani meogeumyeon baega apayo. I like pizza, but if I eat too much my stomach hurts.
한국어가 어렵지만 재미있어요. Hangugeoga eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo. Korean is difficult, but it's interesting.
비가 오지만 우산이 없어요. Biga ojiman usani eopseoyo. It's raining, but I don't have an umbrella.
조금 늦었지만 이제 왔어요. Jogeum neujeotjiman ije wasseoyo. I'm a bit late, but I've arrived now.

See also

-는데 그러나 그런데 반면에
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗
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More B1 lessons

한라산 Hallasan Hallasan — Korea's highest mountain (Jeju) 참다 chamda to endure / to hold back / to suppress 애용 aeyong Favorite / Most-used item
← -아서/어서 가슴 →

FAQ

When is this used?

Unlike 그런데 or 그렇지만 which come between sentences, -지만 attaches directly to the verb. Both subjects in the two clauses can be different (unlike -아서/어서).

What's a common mistake?

Using -지만 and 그런데 interchangeably. -지만 attaches to a verb stem within a sentence; 그런데 is a separate connecting word between sentences. They're not interchangeable.

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