V/A + -지만V/A + -jiman
Beginner 1 · #40Lesson 12: 전화 – Phone Calls

V/A + -지만 – But / although (Contrastive Connective)

Meaning: But / however / although

Conjugation & Pattern

  • Present: Verb/Adjective stem + -지만 | Noun (N) + (이)지만
  • Past: Verb/Adjective stem + -았/었지만

Detailed Usage

Connects two clauses that express contrasting or opposite ideas.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.

    Hangugeoneun eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo.

    Korean is difficult, but it is interesting.

  2. 2

    어제 백화점에 갔지만 옷을 안 샀어요.

    Eoje baekhwajeome gatjiman oseul an sasseoyo.

    I went to the department store yesterday, but I didn't buy any clothes.

  3. 3

    방이 작지만 아주 깨끗해요.

    Bangi jakjiman aju kkaekkeuthaeyo.

    The room is small, but it is very clean.

Important Notes

Past tense (-았/었지만) can be attached directly before '-지만' when the first clause occurred in the past.

Grammar Topics