Grammar
-지만
Meaning
Beginner-jiman
Attaches to a verb, adjective, or noun+이다 to connect two clauses in contrast, similar to 'but' or 'although' in English. It can also soften a statement or introduce a polite disagreement.
Form
Attaches to a verb or adjective stem regardless of the final consonant: stem + -지만. Past tense: stem + -았/었지만. Noun + 이다 becomes -이지만 after a consonant (학생이지만), and -(이)지만 after a vowel, where the 이 may be dropped (친구(이)지만). In writing, it usually attaches directly to the plain stem rather than to a polite ending.
Examples
KTX는 처음에는 TGV 기술이었지만 지금은 한국 기술입니다.
The KTX was based on the TGV at first, but now it's Korean technology.
누리호는 처음에 실패했지만 두 번째는 성공했습니다.
Nuri failed the first time, but succeeded the second time.
이 옷은 비싸지만 품질이 좋아요.
This clothing is expensive, but the quality is good.
가고 싶지만 시간이 없어요.
I want to go, but I don't have time.
Common mistakes & nuance
-지만 is often used at the start of a polite request or disagreement, like '죄송하지만' ('sorry, but ~'), to soften what follows.
Similar grammar
- -는데
-는데 can also express a mild contrast, but it's broader — it also introduces background information or sets up what comes next. -지만 more directly signals a contrast, closer to a clear 'but.'