Contrasts In Korean With 기는 하다 (However, But, Although, etc.)

The Korean grammar structure A/V + 기는 하다 is used to describe contrasts between two statements.

The initial part of the structure acknowledges a fact or action, while the subsequent statement provides a contrasting detail. In English, this pattern could be compared to “even though” or “although”.

Grammar Rule: A/V + 기는 하다 -> 하다 often transforms into 하지만 or 한/하는데 (based on A/V)

Examples of 기는 하다 in use

저는 소설 책을 읽기는 했지만 기억이 안 나요.
I have read this novel, but I don't remember it.
저는 늦게 도착하기는 했지만 회의가 아직 시작 안 했어요.
I did arrive late for the meeting, but it hadn't started yet.
저는 영국사람이기는 하지만 생선과 감자튀김을 전혀 안 먹어요.
I am British, but I never eat fish and chips.
강원도가 멀기는 한데 겨울 전에 정말 가보고싶어요.
Gangwon-do is quite far, but I really want to visit before winter.
한국 학생들은 학교에 항상 다니기는 하는데 수업시간 동안에 잠을 자요.
Korean students are always in school, but they sleep during class.
새 아이폰은 진짜 비싸기는 하겠지만 이미 살 거에요.
The new iPhone will indeed be expensive, but I'm going to buy it anyway.

Conclusion

The 기는 하다 pattern in Korean presents an effective method to convey contrasts or conflicting statements within a sentence.

Familiarizing oneself with this structure can enable learners to describe situations with more nuance and clarity, capturing the ebb and flow of real-life scenarios.

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