V/A + -건마는 / -건만, N + -(이)건마는 (Even though, and yet...)
Meaning: And yet / even though (literary contrastive ending expressing regret that the second clause runs counter to what the first clause implies).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Present: V/A + -건마는 (-건만) | Noun + -(이)건마는 (-(이)건만)
- Past: V/A + -았/었건마는 (-았/었건만)
- Volition/Wish: -겠건마는 (-겠건만)
Detailed Usage
Similar to '-지만' and '-(으)ㄴ/는데도', but carries a more literary, wistful tone when an effort or condition fails to yield the expected result.
Example Sentences
- 1
이곳에서 많은 물건을 팔건마는 제가 사고 싶은 것은 없어요.
Igoseseo maneun mulgeoneul palgeonmaneun jega sago sipeun geoseun eopseoyo.
They sell many goods here, and yet there is nothing I want to buy.
- 2
운동을 열심히 하건만 살은 도무지 빠지지 않는다.
Undongeul yeolsimhi hageonman sareun domuji ppajiji anneunda.
I exercise diligently, and yet I don't lose any weight at all.
- 3
오늘 해야 할 일이 많건마는 시간이 턱없이 부족하다.
Oneul haeya hal iri mangeonmaneun sigani teogeopsi bujokhada.
I have so much work to do today, and yet there is nowhere near enough time.
Important Notes
The contracted form '-건만' is more frequently used than '-건마는'.
