What is “-지만”?

“-지만” is a conjunctive ending used to connect two opposing facts or to add conditions to a statement.
It attaches to the stem of verbs and adjectives, and its full form is “-지마는”.

Usage

1) Connecting Opposing Facts

“-지만” is used to link two clauses that present contrasting ideas or situations.

• 친구는 요리를 잘 하지만 저는 못해요. (My friend cooks well but I can’t.)
• 어제는 추웠지만 오늘은 따뜻하다. (It was cold yesterday but today it’s warm.)
• 배고픈 것은 괜찮지만 목마른 것은 참을 수 없다. (Being hungry is okay, but I can’t stand being thirsty.)
• 문제를 풀려고 했지만 너무 어려웠어요. (I tried to solve the question, but it was too difficult.)

2) Adding Conditions or Facts

“-지만” can also be used to add supplementary information to the first clause.

• 전주 음식은 맛도 있지만 종류도 다양합니다. (Food in Jeonju is not only tasty but also diverse.)
• 이 가수는 노래도 잘 부르지만 성격도 매력적이야. (This singer is not only good at singing but also has a charming personality.)
• 프랑스는 풍경도 아름다웠지만 요리가 정말 맛있었어요. (France’s scenery was beautiful, and the food was also delicious.)
• 이 청소기는 성능도 안 좋지만 소리가 시끄럽다. (This vacuum cleaner has poor performance and is also noisy.)

3) Asking for Permission or Making a Polite Request

“-지만” is used to politely ask for a favor or understanding from someone.

• 죄송하지만 옆으로 조금 가시겠어요? (I’m sorry, but could you move over a little?)
• 실례지만 성함이 어떻게 되시나요? (Excuse me, but may I ask your name?)

4) Presenting Prerequisite Facts

“-지만” can introduce prerequisite information before proceeding with the main statement.

• 놀랍겠지만 사실 이 보석은 가짜야. (It would be hard to believe, but this jewel is fake.)
• 이미 공지를 보신 분들은 아시겠지만 내일은 쉬는 날입니다. (Those who already saw the notice would know, but tomorrow we rest.)
• 바보 같이 들리겠지만 저는 꼭 이 인형이 필요해요. (This might sound like a fool, but I really need this doll.)

Practice Quiz

Fill in the blanks with the correct conjunctive ending.

1. _________(놀랍다) 사실 이 보석은 가짜야.
   (It’s hard to believe, but this jewel is fake.)
2. 이 가수는 노래도 잘 ______ (부르다) 성격도 매력적이야.
   (This singer is not only good at singing but also has a charming personality.)
3. ________(실례하다) 성함이 어떻게 되시나요?
   (Excuse me, but may I ask your name?)
4. 어제는 ________(춥다) 오늘은 따뜻하다.
   (It was cold yesterday but today it’s warm.)
5. 문제를 풀려고 _______(하다) 너무 어려웠어요.
   (I tried to solve the question, but it was too difficult.)

Answers (with Translations)

• 놀랍겠지만 사실 이 보석은 가짜야.
  (It’s hard to believe, but this jewel is fake.)
• 이 가수는 노래도 잘 부르지만 성격도 매력적이야.
  (This singer is not only good at singing but also has a charming personality.)
• 실례지만 성함이 어떻게 되시나요?
  (Excuse me, but may I ask your name?)
• 어제는 추웠지만 오늘은 따뜻하다.
  (It was cold yesterday but today it’s warm.)
• 문제를 풀려고 했지만 너무 어려웠어요.
  (I tried to solve the question, but it was too difficult.)