TL;DR 🦄
- ⚖️ -기는 하지만 [-gi-neun ha-ji-man] means it is true that..., but... / I admit that..., but...
- 🤝 It first acknowledges the first idea, then gives a contrasting point: 비싸기는 하지만 품질이 좋아요. [bi-ssa-gi-neun ha-ji-man pum-ji-ri jo-a-yo] — It is expensive, but the quality is good.
- 🧠 Compared with plain -지만, it sounds more like “I’ll grant that A is true; however, B is also important.”
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use 
Korean Helper Widgets to hear 좋기는 하지만, 먹기는 하지만, 학생이기는 하지만, 하기는 했지만, and the contracted spoken form 좋긴 하지만. Listen for the “admit first, contrast second” rhythm. 🎧
🌈 The Big Picture
-기는 하지만 is a contrast pattern that admits one side first and then adds a different or more important point.
Think of it like:
- “It’s true that A, but B.”
- “I admit A, however B.”
- “A is the case, yes, but B changes the situation.”
Plain -지만 is a simple “but.” -기는 하지만 is more deliberate. It highlights that the speaker is not ignoring the first point — they are acknowledging it before contrasting.
Examples:
- 이 옷이 예쁘기는 하지만 너무 비싸요.
[i o-si ye-ppeu-gi-neun ha-ji-man neo-mu bi-ssa-yo] — This clothing is pretty, but it is too expensive. 👕
옷 = clothing; 예쁘다 = to be pretty; 비싸다 = to be expensive.
- 시간이 있기는 하지만 오래 기다릴 수는 없어요.
[si-ga-ni it-gi-neun ha-ji-man o-rae gi-da-ril su-neun eop-seo-yo] — I do have time, but I can’t wait for long. ⏰
시간 = time; 있다 = to have/exist; 오래 = for a long time; 기다리다 = to wait.
- 그 사람을 만나기는 했지만 많이 이야기하지는 못했어요.
[geu sa-ra-meul man-na-gi-neun haet-ji-man ma-ni i-ya-gi-ha-ji-neun mo-tae-sseo-yo] — I did meet that person, but I couldn’t talk much. 🤝
만나다 = to meet; 이야기하다 = to talk; 못하다 = cannot do.
The feeling is often balanced, polite, and thoughtful: “Yes, that part is true — but here’s the other side.” ⚖️
🎨 The Core -기는 하지만 Family
1. Action verb stem + 기는 하지만
Use this when admitting that an action happens or happened.
- 가다 [ga-da] — to go → 가기는 하지만 [ga-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that someone goes, but...
- 먹다 [meok-da] — to eat → 먹기는 하지만 [meok-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that someone eats, but...
- 사용하다 [sa-yong-ha-da] — to use → 사용하기는 하지만 [sa-yong-ha-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that someone uses it, but...
2. Descriptive verb/adjective stem + 기는 하지만
Use this when admitting that a state is true.
- 좋다 [jo-ta] — to be good → 좋기는 하지만 [jo-ki-neun ha-ji-man] — it is good, but...
- 비싸다 [bi-ssa-da] — to be expensive → 비싸기는 하지만 [bi-ssa-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is expensive, but...
- 어렵다 [eo-ryeop-da] — to be difficult → 어렵기는 하지만 [eo-ryeop-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is difficult, but...
3. Noun + 이기는 하지만
Use this when admitting an identity or category.
- 학생 [hak-saeng] — student → 학생이기는 하지만 [hak-saeng-i-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that someone is a student, but...
- 전문가 [jeon-mun-ga] — expert → 전문가이기는 하지만 [jeon-mun-ga-i-gi-neun ha-ji-man] — it is true that someone is an expert, but...
In conversation, noun + 이기는 하지만 may become shorter depending on speech style, but the full form is safest for learners.
4. Past: -기는 했지만
Use this when admitting that something did happen.
- 갔다 → 가기는 했지만 — it is true that someone went, but...
- 샀다 → 사기는 했지만 — it is true that someone bought it, but...
- 봤다 → 봤기는 하지만 ❌ → 보기는 했지만 ✅ — it is true that someone watched/saw it, but...
Important: the verb stem still uses -기, and past is shown in 했지만: 먹기는 했지만, 가기는 했지만.
🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence
- 이 가방이 작기는 하지만 생각보다 많이 들어가요.
[i ga-bang-i jak-gi-neun ha-ji-man saeng-gak-bo-da ma-ni deu-reo-ga-yo] — This bag is small, but more fits inside than expected. 👜
가방 = bag; 작다 = to be small; 생각보다 = more than expected; 들어가다 = to go in/fit.
- 한국어 문법이 어렵기는 하지만 재미있어요.
[han-gu-geo mun-beo-bi eo-ryeop-gi-neun ha-ji-man jae-mi-i-sseo-yo] — Korean grammar is difficult, but it is fun. 📚
한국어 = Korean language; 문법 = grammar; 재미있다 = to be fun.
- 회의에 참석하기는 했지만 중요한 내용은 못 들었어요.
[hoe-ui-e cham-seo-ka-gi-neun haet-ji-man jung-yo-han nae-yong-eun mot deu-reo-sseo-yo] — I did attend the meeting, but I didn’t hear the important content. 💼
회의 = meeting; 참석하다 = to attend; 중요하다 = to be important; 내용 = content.
🧩 General Formation Rule
Present action/descriptive verbs
Attach -기는 하지만 to the stem.
- 가다 → 가기는 하지만
- 먹다 → 먹기는 하지만
- 좋다 → 좋기는 하지만
- 멀다 → 멀기는 하지만
Past
Use stem + 기는 했지만.
- 가다 → 가기는 했지만 — did go, but...
- 먹다 → 먹기는 했지만 — did eat, but...
- 공부하다 → 공부하기는 했지만 — did study, but...
Future/intention
Use stem + 기는 하겠지만 or a future expression in the second clause.
- 가기는 하겠지만 늦을 것 같아요.
[ga-gi-neun ha-get-ji-man neu-jeul geot ga-ta-yo] — I probably will go, but I think I’ll be late.
- 사기는 하겠지만 지금은 아니에요.
[sa-gi-neun ha-get-ji-man ji-geu-meun a-ni-e-yo] — I probably will buy it, but not now.
Nouns
Use noun + 이기는 하지만.
- 학생 → 학생이기는 하지만
- 초보자 → 초보자이기는 하지만
- 전문가 → 전문가이기는 하지만
🚨 Shortened Spoken Forms
In speech, 기는 often contracts to 긴.
- 좋기는 하지만 → 좋긴 하지만 — it is good, but...
- 비싸기는 하지만 → 비싸긴 하지만 — it is expensive, but...
- 가기는 했지만 → 가긴 했지만 — I did go, but...
Both are useful:
- Full form -기는 하지만 = clearer, slightly more careful.
- Short form -긴 하지만 = common in conversation.
Examples:
- 맛있긴 하지만 너무 매워요.
[ma-sit-gin ha-ji-man neo-mu mae-wo-yo] — It is tasty, but it is too spicy. 🌶️
- 가긴 했지만 오래 있지는 않았어요.
[ga-gin haet-ji-man o-rae it-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo] — I did go, but I didn’t stay long. 🚶
🔍 Intermediate Nuance: “Admitting” Before Contrasting
The key function of -기는 하지만 is concession: the speaker concedes or admits the first point.
Compare:
- 이 식당은 맛있지만 비싸요.
[i sik-dang-eun ma-sit-ji-man bi-ssa-yo] — This restaurant is tasty, but expensive.
- 이 식당은 맛있기는 하지만 비싸요.
[i sik-dang-eun ma-sit-gi-neun ha-ji-man bi-ssa-yo] — I admit this restaurant is tasty, but it is expensive.
The second version feels more like the speaker is responding to a possible argument:
- “Yes, it’s tasty.”
- “I’m not denying that.”
- “But the price is still a problem.”
That makes -기는 하지만 very useful when you want to sound fair, nuanced, or diplomatic. 🤝
🔍 -기는 하지만 vs Related Contrast Grammar
-지만
Simple contrast: A but B.
- 좋지만 비싸요. — It is good, but expensive.
-기는 하지만
Admitting A before emphasizing B.
- 좋기는 하지만 비싸요. — It is good, yes, but it is expensive.
-기는 한데
Softer, more conversational, often leaves the contrast hanging or indirect.
- 좋기는 한데 좀 비싸요. — It is good, but, well, it’s a bit expensive.
-기는 -지만
More emphatic repeated form. Often repeats the same verb/adjective.
- 좋기는 좋지만 너무 비싸요. — It is definitely good, but it is too expensive.
-는데도
Even though a concrete fact is true, an unexpected result happens.
- 비싼데도 사람들이 많이 사요. — Even though it is expensive, many people buy it.
📚 Cross-check note
The use of -기는 하지만 as an admitting/conceding contrast pattern was cross-checked against Korean grammar references and learner materials. This lesson connects with Expressing Contrast: 지만, Softening Confrontation: -기는 한데..., Contrastive Background: -는데도, Contrast with Expectation: -(으)ㄴ/는데도 불구하고, and Background Information: -는데 / -(으)ㄴ데. ✅
🪞 Synonym Alert
- -지만 → but; simple contrast ⚖️
- -기는 하지만 → it is true that..., but...; admitting then contrasting 🤝
- -기는 한데 → it is true that..., but...; softer/conversational 🌫️
- -기는 -지만 → definitely A, but B; emphatic repetition 🔁
- -는데도 → even though; unexpected result 🫢
- 그렇지만 / 하지만 → however/but between sentences 🔗
⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge
- ❌ 좋은기는 하지만 → ✅ 좋기는 하지만 (Use the stem + 기, not adjective modifier form.)
- ❌ 먹었기는 하지만 → ✅ 먹기는 했지만 (Past usually goes on 하다: 했지만.)
- ❌ 학생기는 하지만 → ✅ 학생이기는 하지만 (Noun + 이기는 하지만.)
- ❌ Using it for any random “but” → ✅ Use it when you are admitting A before giving B.
- ❌ Thinking -기는 하지만 and -기는 한데 are always identical → ✅ -기는 한데 is softer and more conversational; -기는 하지만 is clearer and more direct.
🎉 Now you can sound balanced and fair in Korean: “I admit that part is true, but...” -기는 하지만 unlocked. ⚖️✨
Try this exercise
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct -기는 하지만 or -기는 했지만 form. Then check whether the first clause is being admitted before the contrast.
1. 좋다 → 품질이 ＿＿＿＿ 가격이 너무 비싸요.
[jo-ta → pum-ji-ri ＿＿＿＿ ga-gyeo-gi neo-mu bi-ssa-yo]
The quality is good, but the price is too expensive. 💸
Answer
좋기는 하지만 — stem + 기는 하지만.
2. 예쁘다 → 이 옷이 ＿＿＿＿ 제 스타일은 아니에요.
[ye-ppeu-da → i o-si ＿＿＿＿ je seu-ta-i-reun a-ni-e-yo]
This clothing is pretty, but it is not my style. 👕
Answer
예쁘기는 하지만.
3. 먹다 → ＿＿＿＿ 많이 먹지는 않았어요.
[meok-da → ＿＿＿＿ ma-ni meok-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I did eat, but I didn’t eat much. 🍚
Answer
먹기는 했지만 — past admission.
4. 학생 → ＿＿＿＿ 경험이 많아요.
[hak-saeng → ＿＿＿＿ gyeong-heo-mi ma-na-yo]
They are a student, but they have a lot of experience. 🎓
Answer
학생이기는 하지만 — noun + 이기는 하지만.
5. 어렵다 → 문법이 ＿＿＿＿ 재미있어요.
[eo-ryeop-da → mun-beo-bi ＿＿＿＿ jae-mi-i-sseo-yo]
The grammar is difficult, but it is fun. 📚
Answer
어렵기는 하지만.
6. 가다 → ＿＿＿＿ 오래 있지는 않았어요.
[ga-da → ＿＿＿＿ o-rae it-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I did go, but I did not stay long. 🚶
Answer
가기는 했지만.
7. 편하다 → 이 방법이 ＿＿＿＿ 시간이 오래 걸려요.
[pyeon-ha-da → i bang-beo-bi ＿＿＿＿ si-ga-ni o-rae geol-lyeo-yo]
This method is convenient, but it takes a long time. 🧭
Answer
편하기는 하지만.
8. ❌ 좋은기는 하지만 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
좋기는 하지만 — use the stem + 기.
9. ❌ 먹었기는 하지만 → ✅ ＿＿＿＿
Answer
먹기는 했지만 — past is normally shown in 했지만.
10. Choose the form that admits A before contrasting:
① 좋지만 비싸요.
② 좋기는 하지만 비싸요.
Answer
② — 좋기는 하지만 sounds like “It is good, yes, but...”
Vocabulary Box
- 좋다 → to be good
- 가격 → price
- 예쁘다 → to be pretty
- 옷 → clothing
- 스타일 → style
- 먹다 → to eat
- 학생 → student
- 경험 → experience
- 어렵다 → to be difficult
- 문법 → grammar
- 편하다 → to be convenient/comfortable
- 방법 → method
Tip 💡 If the first clause means “I admit this,” -기는 하지만 fits well.
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below turns admitting + contrasting into a full workout. ⚖️
🎯 Practice Hub — Admitting but Contrasting: -기는 하지만
Welcome to the balanced-contrast gym. 🏋️ You’ll practice admitting one point first, then adding the real contrast. This pattern is useful when you want to sound fair, diplomatic, and clear.
🔊 Audio reminder: Use Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a sentence aloud.
📝 Instructions: Fill each blank with -기는 하지만, -기는 했지만, or a related spoken form. Then check whether the first idea is being acknowledged before the second idea.
Exercise 1 — Basic Admission Forms ✅
A. 좋다 → 이 제품이 ＿＿＿＿ 비싸요.
[jo-ta → i je-pu-mi ＿＿＿＿ bi-ssa-yo]
This product is good, but expensive. 📦
Answer
좋기는 하지만.
B. 맛있다 → 음식이 ＿＿＿＿ 너무 매워요.
[ma-sit-da → eum-si-gi ＿＿＿＿ neo-mu mae-wo-yo]
The food is tasty, but too spicy. 🌶️
Answer
맛있기는 하지만.
C. 싸다 → 가격이 ＿＿＿＿ 품질이 아쉬워요.
[ssa-da → ga-gyeo-gi ＿＿＿＿ pum-ji-ri a-swi-wo-yo]
The price is cheap, but the quality is disappointing. 💸
Answer
싸기는 하지만.
D. 편하다 → 위치가 ＿＿＿＿ 방이 작아요.
[pyeon-ha-da → wi-chi-ga ＿＿＿＿ bang-i ja-ga-yo]
The location is convenient, but the room is small. 🏨
Answer
편하기는 하지만.
E. 멀다 → 회사가 ＿＿＿＿ 지하철이 가까워요.
[meol-da → hoe-sa-ga ＿＿＿＿ ji-ha-cheo-ri ga-kka-wo-yo]
The office is far, but the subway is close. 🚇
Answer
멀기는 하지만.
F. 복잡하다 → 설명이 ＿＿＿＿ 정확해요.
[bok-jja-pa-da → seol-myeong-i ＿＿＿＿ jeong-hwa-kae-yo]
The explanation is complicated, but accurate. 🧾
Answer
복잡하기는 하지만.
G. 빠르다 → 배송이 ＿＿＿＿ 포장이 별로예요.
[ppa-reu-da → bae-song-i ＿＿＿＿ po-jang-i byeol-lo-ye-yo]
Delivery is fast, but the packaging is not great. 📦
Answer
빠르기는 하지만.
H. 예쁘다 → 디자인이 ＿＿＿＿ 사용하기 불편해요.
[ye-ppeu-da → di-ja-i-ni ＿＿＿＿ sa-yong-ha-gi bul-pyeo-nae-yo]
The design is pretty, but it is inconvenient to use. 🎨
Answer
예쁘기는 하지만.
I. 재미있다 → 영화가 ＿＿＿＿ 조금 길어요.
[jae-mi-it-da → yeong-hwa-ga ＿＿＿＿ jo-geum gi-reo-yo]
The movie is fun, but a little long. 🎬
Answer
재미있기는 하지만.
J. 필요하다 → 이 기능이 ＿＿＿＿ 자주 쓰지는 않아요.
[pi-ryo-ha-da → i gi-neung-i ＿＿＿＿ ja-ju sseu-ji-neun a-na-yo]
This feature is necessary, but I don’t use it often. ⚙️
Answer
필요하기는 하지만.
Vocabulary Box
- 제품 → product
- 맛있다 → to be tasty
- 맵다 → to be spicy
- 싸다 → to be cheap
- 품질 → quality
- 위치 → location
- 복잡하다 → to be complicated
- 정확하다 → to be accurate
- 배송 → delivery
- 포장 → packaging
- 디자인 → design
- 기능 → feature/function
Tip 💡 Stem + 기는 하지만. Do not use adjective modifier forms like 좋은 or 예쁜.
Exercise 2 — Past Admission: -기는 했지만 🕰️
A. 가다 → 회의에 ＿＿＿＿ 늦게 도착했어요.
[ga-da → hoe-ui-e ＿＿＿＿ neut-ge do-cha-kae-sseo-yo]
I did go to the meeting, but I arrived late. 💼
Answer
가기는 했지만.
B. 먹다 → 아침을 ＿＿＿＿ 조금만 먹었어요.
[meok-da → a-chi-meul ＿＿＿＿ jo-geum-man meo-geo-sseo-yo]
I did eat breakfast, but only a little. 🍳
Answer
먹기는 했지만.
C. 보다 → 영화를 ＿＿＿＿ 끝까지 보지는 않았어요.
[bo-da → yeong-hwa-reul ＿＿＿＿ kkeut-kka-ji bo-ji-neun a-na-sseo-yo]
I did watch the movie, but I didn’t watch it to the end. 🎬
Answer
보기는 했지만.
D. 사다 → 책을 ＿＿＿＿ 아직 읽지 않았어요.
[sa-da → chae-geul ＿＿＿＿ a-jik ik-ji a-na-sseo-yo]
I did buy the book, but I haven’t read it yet. 📖
Answer
사기는 했지만.
E. 공부하다 → 문법을 ＿＿＿＿ 아직 헷갈려요.
[gong-bu-ha-da → mun-beo-beul ＿＿＿＿ a-jik het-gal-lyeo-yo]
I did study the grammar, but I’m still confused. 🧩
Answer
공부하기는 했지만.
F. 예약하다 → 미리 ＿＿＿＿ 자리가 없었어요.
[ye-ya-ka-da → mi-ri ＿＿＿＿ ja-ri-ga eop-seo-sseo-yo]
I did reserve in advance, but there were no seats. 🪑
Answer
예약하기는 했지만.
G. 전화하다 → ＿＿＿＿ 아무도 받지 않았어요.
[jeon-hwa-ha-da → ＿＿＿＿ a-mu-do bat-ji a-na-sseo-yo]
I did call, but nobody answered. 📞
Answer
전화하기는 했지만.
H. 확인하다 → 두 번 ＿＿＿＿ 실수가 남았어요.
[hwa-gi-na-da → du beon ＿＿＿＿ sil-su-ga na-ma-sseo-yo]
I did check twice, but mistakes remained. ✅
Answer
확인하기는 했지만.
I. 만나다 → 그 사람을 ＿＿＿＿ 오래 이야기하지 못했어요.
[man-na-da → geu sa-ra-meul ＿＿＿＿ o-rae i-ya-gi-ha-ji mo-tae-sseo-yo]
I did meet that person, but I couldn’t talk for long. 🤝
Answer
만나기는 했지만.
J. 듣다 → 설명을 ＿＿＿＿ 이해하지 못했어요.
[deut-da → seol-myeong-eul ＿＿＿＿ i-hae-ha-ji mo-tae-sseo-yo]
I did hear the explanation, but I couldn’t understand. 🎧
Answer
듣기는 했지만.
Vocabulary Box
- 회의 → meeting
- 도착하다 → to arrive
- 아침 → breakfast/morning
- 끝까지 → until the end
- 아직 → still/yet
- 헷갈리다 → to be confused
- 예약하다 → to reserve
- 받다 → to receive/answer
- 확인하다 → to check
- 설명 → explanation
Tip 💡 Past admission usually uses stem + 기는 했지만: 가기는 했지만, 먹기는 했지만.
Exercise 3 — Nouns and Spoken Short Forms 🗣️
A. 학생 → ＿＿＿＿ 실무 경험이 많아요.
[hak-saeng → ＿＿＿＿ sil-mu gyeong-heo-mi ma-na-yo]
They are a student, but they have a lot of practical experience. 🎓
Answer
학생이기는 하지만.
B. 초보자 → ＿＿＿＿ 침착하게 설명했어요.
[cho-bo-ja → ＿＿＿＿ chim-cha-ka-ge seol-myeong-hae-sseo-yo]
They are a beginner, but they explained calmly. 🧑🏫
Answer
초보자이기는 하지만.
C. 전문가 → ＿＿＿＿ 모든 것을 알지는 못해요.
[jeon-mun-ga → ＿＿＿＿ mo-deun geo-seul al-ji-neun mo-tae-yo]
They are an expert, but they don’t know everything. 🧑💼
Answer
전문가이기는 하지만.
D. Full → spoken: 좋기는 하지만 → ＿＿＿＿
Answer
좋긴 하지만.
E. Full → spoken: 가기는 했지만 → ＿＿＿＿
Answer
가긴 했지만.
F. Full → spoken: 비싸기는 하지만 → ＿＿＿＿
Answer
비싸긴 하지만.
G. 맛있긴 하지만 너무 달아요. means:
Answer
It is tasty, but it is too sweet.
H. 사긴 했지만 아직 안 썼어요. means:
Answer
I did buy it, but I haven’t used it yet.
I. Choose the conversational form: ① 좋긴 하지만 / ② 좋은긴 하지만
Answer
① 좋긴 하지만.
J. Choose the noun form: ① 학생기는 하지만 / ② 학생이기는 하지만
Answer
② 학생이기는 하지만.
Vocabulary Box
- 실무 경험 → practical work experience
- 초보자 → beginner
- 침착하다 → to be calm
- 전문가 → expert
- 모든 것 → everything
- 달다 → to be sweet
- 쓰다 → to use/write
Tip 💡 In conversation, 기는 often shortens to 긴: 좋긴 하지만.
Exercise 4 — Choose the Best Contrast Grammar 🧭
A. “It is good, yes, but expensive.”
① 좋기는 하지만 비싸요.
② 좋은데도 비싸요.
Answer
① — admitting then contrasting.
B. “It is good, but expensive.” (simple contrast)
① 좋지만 비싸요.
② 좋기는 좋지만 비싸요.
Answer
① — plain -지만 is enough for simple contrast.
C. “It is definitely good, but too expensive.” (emphatic repetition)
① 좋기는 좋지만 너무 비싸요.
② 좋는데도 너무 비싸요.
Answer
① — -기는 -지만 repeats for emphasis.
D. “It is good, but, well, a little expensive.” (soft/conversational)
① 좋기는 한데 좀 비싸요.
② 좋기는 하지만 좀 비싸요.
Answer
① — -기는 한데 sounds softer and more conversational.
E. “Even though it is expensive, many people buy it.”
① 비싸기는 하지만 사람들이 많이 사요.
② 비싼데도 사람들이 많이 사요.
Answer
② — -는데도 marks unexpected result.
F. “I did go, but I arrived late.”
① 가기는 했지만 늦게 도착했어요.
② 갔기는 하지만 늦게 도착했어요.
Answer
① — past admission uses 가기는 했지만.
G. “I admit this method is convenient, but it is slow.”
① 이 방법이 편하기는 하지만 느려요.
② 이 방법이 편한데도 느려요.
Answer
① — admission + contrast.
H. “This bag is small, but more fits than expected.”
① 작기는 하지만 생각보다 많이 들어가요.
② 작은지만 생각보다 많이 들어가요.
Answer
① — stem + 기는 하지만.
I. “I studied, but I still don’t understand.”
① 공부하기는 했지만 아직 이해가 안 돼요.
② 공부했기는 하지만 아직 이해가 안 돼요.
Answer
① — 공부하기는 했지만.
J. “They are an expert, but they can make mistakes.”
① 전문가기는 하지만 실수할 수 있어요.
② 전문가이기는 하지만 실수할 수 있어요.
Answer
② — noun + 이기는 하지만.
Decision Box
- -지만 → simple but
- -기는 하지만 → admit A, then contrast B
- -기는 한데 → softer “it is true, but...”
- -기는 -지만 → emphatic “definitely A, but...”
- -는데도 → even though; unexpected result
Tip 💡 Use -기는 하지만 when you want to sound fair before giving the real objection or contrast.
Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️
A. ❌ 좋은기는 하지만 비싸요. → ✅ ＿＿＿＿ 비싸요.
Answer
좋기는 하지만.
B. ❌ 먹었기는 하지만 많이 먹지는 않았어요. → ✅ ＿＿＿＿ 많이 먹지는 않았어요.
Answer
먹기는 했지만.
C. ❌ 학생기는 하지만 경험이 많아요. → ✅ ＿＿＿＿ 경험이 많아요.
Answer
학생이기는 하지만.
D. ❌ 예쁜기는 하지만 제 스타일은 아니에요. → ✅ ＿＿＿＿ 제 스타일은 아니에요.
Answer
예쁘기는 하지만.
E. ❌ 갔기는 하지만 오래 있지는 않았어요. → ✅ ＿＿＿＿ 오래 있지는 않았어요.
Answer
가기는 했지만.
F. 비싸기는 하지만 품질이 좋아요. means:
Answer
It is expensive, but the quality is good. / I admit it is expensive, but the quality is good.
G. 보긴 했지만 기억이 안 나요. means:
Answer
I did see/watch it, but I don’t remember.
H. Choose the spoken contraction: ① 재미있긴 하지만 / ② 재미있는긴 하지만
Answer
① 재미있긴 하지만.
I. -기는 하지만 is best when:
Answer
You acknowledge that the first point is true, then give a contrasting point.
J. The past admission pattern is:
Answer
stem + 기는 했지만 — for example, 가기는 했지만, 먹기는 했지만, 공부하기는 했지만.
Vocabulary Box
- 품질 → quality
- 보다 → to see/watch
- 기억이 나다 → to remember
- 재미있다 → to be fun/interesting
- 스타일 → style
- 경험 → experience
Tip 💡 Final check: “I admit A, but B” = A기는 하지만 B.
🎉 Admitting-but-contrasting mastered! You can now sound nuanced instead of blunt: 좋기는 하지만..., 가기는 했지만..., 학생이기는 하지만... ⚖️✨
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