-기는 하지만 / -기는 -지만
Used to first acknowledge or concede a fact, then contrast it with an opposing or qualifying statement. The speaker admits the first part is true while emphasizing that the second part is also true.
Summary
Equivalent
It's true that... but / Granted... but
Also: -(으)ㄴ/는데 (Provides background contrast) · -지만 (Simple contrast - shorter form)
Example
That restaurant's food is good, granted, but the prices are too expensive.
그 식당 음식이 맛있기는 하지만 가격이 너무 비싸요.
Grammar rules
- Often shortened in speech by repeating the verb/adjective stem: '먹기는 먹지만' (I do eat it, but...).
- This pattern emphasizes the concession before the 'but'.
- The conceded part is usually something the listener assumes or already knows. The contrast part typically follows with a nuance of disappointment or limitation.
연락하기는 하지만 자주 만나지는 못해요. (We do keep in touch, but we can't meet often.)
Patterns
Verbs (Acknowledge + Contrast)
Present · Verb Stem + 기는 하지만
Adjectives (Acknowledge + Contrast)
Present · Adjective Stem + 기는 하지만
Same Verb Repeated
Present · Verb Stem + 기(는) + Verb + 지만
Example sentences
That restaurant's food is good, granted, but the prices are too expensive.
그 식당 음식이 맛있기는 하지만 가격이 너무 비싸요.
I did learn Korean, but I still can't do it well.
한국어를 배우기는 배웠지만 아직 잘 못해요.
The house is spacious, granted, but it's too far from the station.
집이 넓기는 한데 역에서 너무 멀어요.
Conversation
A: Are you on a diet these days?
요즘 다이어트 중이에요?
B: I do exercise, but I'm not really keeping up with my diet.
운동하기는 하지만 식단은 잘 지키지 못하고 있어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct acknowledgment + contrast form.
Reading.
Delicious.