-지만
Attached to a verb or adjective stem to contrast the preceding clause with the following clause. It shows opposing or contrary information.
Summary
Equivalent
But / Although
Also: 그렇지만 / 하지만 (But/However - conjunctions)
Example
That restaurant is expensive but very delicious.
그 식당은 비싸지만 아주 맛있습니다.
Grammar rules
- Attach '-지만' directly to the stem.
- It can be attached to the past tense marker (-았/었지만) to contrast past events.
- Unlike '-는데' which can just be background info, '-지만' strongly emphasizes the contrast between the two clauses.
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요. (Korean is difficult but fun.)
Patterns
All Verbs/Adjectives
Present/Past/Future · Verb/Adjective Stem + 지만
Example sentences
That restaurant is expensive but very delicious.
그 식당은 비싸지만 아주 맛있습니다.
It rained yesterday, but the weather is clear today.
어제는 비가 왔지만 오늘은 날씨가 맑아요.
I exercise every day, but I don't lose weight.
매일 운동을 하지만 살이 안 빠져요.
Conversation
A: Isn't the kimchi spicy?
김치가 맵지 않아요?
B: It is a bit spicy, but I keep wanting to eat it.
조금 맵지만 자꾸 먹고 싶어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence with the contrasting ending '-지만'.
Studying.
Eating.