Korean · Greetings & Essentials
"But" in Korean: 하지만
하지만hajiman
But in Korean is 하지만 (hajiman). 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
But: starting the exchange
가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간이 없어요.gago sipeoyo. hajiman sigani eopseoyo.
Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce 하지만
Say it
hajiman
/hatɕiman/
하지만 is read hajiman. In 하지만 괜찮아요, read the full phrase as hajiman gwaenchanayo.
"But" in Korean: quick reference
| Korean | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 하지만hajiman | But The inventory form for but. | The inventory form for but. |
| 하지만 괜찮아요hajiman gwaenchanayo | but it is okay 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic. | 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic. |
How to use 하지만 in real life
- 1But: starting the exchange
가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간이 없어요.
gago sipeoyo. hajiman sigani eopseoyo.
I want to go. But I have no time.
하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
- 2But: adding useful context
비가 와요. 하지만 갈 거예요.
biga wayo. hajiman gal geoyeyo.
It is raining. But I will go.
This sentence places 하지만 in a complete exchange.
- 3But: a different conversation
작아요. 하지만 편해요.
jagayo. hajiman pyeonhaeyo.
It is small. But it is comfortable.
This sentence places 하지만 in a complete exchange.
Mistakes English speakers make with 하지만
Incorrect: 가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간가 없어요.
Correct: 가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간이 없어요.
When practicing but, 시간 ends in a consonant, so this sentence needs 시간이, not 시간가.
Incorrect: 비이 와요. 하지만 갈 거예요.
Correct: 비가 와요. 하지만 갈 거예요.
When practicing but, 비 ends in a vowel, so this sentence needs 비가, not 비이.
Good to know
하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
Read this practice conversation aloud
Tutor-led greetings and essentials study exercise: two sentences with 하지만
Partner
이 표현을 사용해서 한 문장 말해 볼까요?
i pyohyeoneul sayonghaeseo han munjang malhae bolkkayo?
Shall we say a sentence using this expression?
You
가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간이 없어요.
gago sipeoyo. hajiman sigani eopseoyo.
I want to go. But I have no time.
Partner
좋아요. 다른 문장으로도 연습해 볼까요?
joayo. dareun munjangeurodo yeonseupae bolkkayo?
Good. Shall we practice with another sentence too?
You
비가 와요. 하지만 갈 거예요.
biga wayo. hajiman gal geoyeyo.
It is raining. But I will go.
This is a sample dialogue for reading aloud. Try both parts, then replace a detail with one from your own life.
Explore ChatPal"But" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "But" in Korean
What does 하지만 mean?
But in Korean is 하지만 (hajiman). 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
When should I say 하지만 괜찮아요?
하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
How does 하지만 괜찮아요 differ from the basic expression?
하지만 괜찮아요 means “but it is okay”. 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
Can I use 하지만 in a full sentence?
가고 싶어요. 하지만 시간이 없어요. means “I want to go. But I have no time.” 하지만 contrasts with the preceding statement; 그런데 can introduce a contrast or a new related topic.
Use these words in a conversation
Find useful phrases for a situation, learn what to say back, and rehearse your part with revealable sample answers.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
