How To Say 'Although' In Korean (기는 하지만)
The Korean expression A/V/N + 기는 하지만 functions like the English word “although,” highlighting a certain trait, action, or condition while also contrasting it with another perspective.
This construct is useful for showing that while one statement may be true to some extent, there is an additional viewpoint to consider.
Example sentences
회식에서 소주를 한 두 잔 마시기는 했지만 너무 싫었어요.
Although I did drink a couple of shots of soju at the company dinner, I hated it.
Although I did drink a couple of shots of soju at the company dinner, I hated it.
짐이 비싸기는 했지만 질이 좋아서 돈이 아깝지 않았어요.
The suitcase was expensive, but it's really good quality, so it was worth the money.
The suitcase was expensive, but it's really good quality, so it was worth the money.
시험이 어렵기는 했지만 기말고사를 위한 좋은 연습이였어요.
Although the test was difficult, it was good practice for the final exams.
Although the test was difficult, it was good practice for the final exams.
밥을 먹기는 했지만 지금 배가 고파요.
I did eat a meal, but I'm hungry now.
I did eat a meal, but I'm hungry now.
휴대폰으로 영화를 볼 수 있기는 하지만 화면이 작아서 좀 불편해요.
I can watch the movie on my phone, but the screen is small so it's not very comfortable.
I can watch the movie on my phone, but the screen is small so it's not very comfortable.
초코케이크가 건강에 나쁘기는 하지만 정말 맛있어요.
Chocolate cake is bad for you, but it tastes sooo good.
Chocolate cake is bad for you, but it tastes sooo good.
사우디에 일하면서 돈을 많이 벌 수 있기는 하지만 사우디의 엄격한 사회 규칙에 적응하는 게 힘들어요.
You can make a lot of money working in Saudi Arabia, but it's hard to adapt to the strict rules in the society.
You can make a lot of money working in Saudi Arabia, but it's hard to adapt to the strict rules in the society.
피아노를 치기는 하지만 잘 못 쳐요.
Although I can play the piano, I can't play that well.
Although I can play the piano, I can't play that well.
이 반바지가 조금 헐렁하기는 하지만 벨트를 매면 딱 맞아요.
These shorts are a little loose, but they fit perfectly when you wear a belt.
These shorts are a little loose, but they fit perfectly when you wear a belt.
그 남자는 영국 사람이기는 하지만 축구에 대해 잘 몰라요.
He is British, but he doesn't know anything about football.
He is British, but he doesn't know anything about football.
Usage notes
The 기는 하지만 construct is used both in formal and casual situations and is a nuanced way to express contrasting ideas. It’s often employed when you want to admit something while also providing a different angle or perspective.
Conclusion
The A/V/N + 기는 하지만 structure is a great way to add depth to your Korean conversations, allowing you to articulate complex ideas that involve both concessions and contrasts.
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