하지만 vs 근데 vs 그런데 vs 는데 | The Right Way to Say “But” In Korean

안녕하세요 리더님! Koreanstudyjunkie에서 Junie입니다. Today, I will break down each of these conjunction words.

These words are related, but they're not interchangeable. Let’s get into it!

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하지만 = However / But

The most formal and strongest contrast.

~ Usually starts a new sentence.

~ Common in writing, speeches, news, essays, presentations.

~ Can feel more formal or dramatic

Example Sentences:

한국어를 열심히 공부했어요. 하지만 시험은 어려웠어요.

I studied Korean hard. However, the test was difficult.

비가 왔어요. 하지만 우리는 갔어요.

It rained. However, we went.

많이 연습했어요. 하지만 실수를 했어요.

I practiced a lot. However, I made a mistake.

그 식당은 유명해요. 하지만 저는 안 가 봤어요.

That restaurant is famous. However, I've never been there.

날씨가 좋았어요. 하지만 집에 있었어요.

The weather was nice. However, I stayed home.

돈이 있었어요. 하지만 사고 싶은 게 없었어요.

I had money. However, there was nothing I wanted to buy.

일찍 출발했어요. 하지만 늦었어요.

I left early. However, I was late.

한국어를 9년 동안 공부했어요. 하지만 아직도 모르는 표현이 많아요.

I've studied Korean for 9 years. However, there are still many expressions I don't know.

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For everyday Korean conversation, 근데 and -는데 are by far the most frequently used.

그런데 = By the way / However / But

Can show contrast or introduce new information.

Usage 1 - Contrast

한국어를 5년 동안 공부했어요. 그런데 아직도 어려워요.

I've studied Korean for 5 years, but it's still difficult.

일찍 잤어요. 그런데 피곤해요.

I went to bed early, but I'm tired.

배가 고팠어요. 그런데 많이 못 먹었어요.

I was hungry, but I couldn't eat much.

어제 푹 잤어요. 그런데 아직 피곤해요.

I slept well yesterday, but I'm still tired.

이 책은 재미있어요. 그런데 조금 어려워요.

This book is interesting, but it's a little difficult.

버스를 탔어요. 그런데 길이 막혔어요.

I took the bus, but there was traffic.

Usage 2 - Topic-changing usage / New topic

오늘 회사에 갔어요. 그런데 재미있는 일이 있었어요.

I went to work today. By the way, something interesting happened.

주말에 부산에 갔어요. 그런데 부산 음식이 정말 맛있더라고요.

I went to Busan on the weekend. By the way, the food there was really delicious.

어제 친구를 만났어요. 그런데 재미있는 이야기를 들었어요.

I met a friend yesterday. By the way, I heard an interesting story.

오늘 회사에 갔어요. 그런데 새 직원이 왔어요.

I went to work today. By the way, a new employee arrived.

Usage 3 - Before a question

그런데 몇 살이에요?

By the way, how old are you?

그런데 한국에는 왜 왔어요?

By the way, why did you come to Korea?

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근데 = 그런데 (shortened)

This is simply the casual spoken version of 그런데.

More Examples:

어제 공부했어. 근데 기억이 안 나.

I studied yesterday, but I don't remember.

맛있어. 근데 좀 비싸.

It's delicious, but it's a little expensive.

맛있어. 근데 좀 짜.

It's tasty, but a little salty.

공부했어. 근데 다 잊어버렸어.

I studied, but I forgot everything.

가고 싶어. 근데 시간이 없어.

I want to go, but I don't have time.

어제 영화 봤어. 근데 별로였어.

I watched a movie yesterday, but it wasn't great.

한국어는 좋아해. 근데 문법은 어려워.

I like Korean, but the grammar is difficult.

어제 서울 갔어. 근데 사람 진짜 많더라.

I went to Seoul yesterday. By the way, there were so many people.

근데 너 주말에 뭐 해?

By the way, what are you doing this weekend?

Most Koreans say 근데 much more often than 그런데 when chatting.

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는데

This is different because it's attached to the previous clause.

It often means:

• but

• and

• so

The exact meaning depends on context.

Usage 1 - Contrast

한국어는 재미있는데 어려워요.

Korean is interesting, but difficult.

가고 싶은데 시간이 없어요.

I want to go, but I don't have time.

커피는 좋은데 차를 더 좋아해요.

Coffee is good, but I like tea more.

가고 싶은데 돈이 없어요.

I want to go, but I don't have money.

운동은 하는데 살이 안 빠져요.

I exercise, but I don't lose weight.

많이 잤는데 아직 졸려요.

I slept a lot, but I'm still sleepy.

한국어를 공부하는데 아직 잘 못해요.

I study Korean, but I'm still not very good at it.

Usage 2 - Background Information

지금 공부하는데 전화가 왔어요.

I was studying when I got a call.

지금 밥 먹는데 친구가 전화했어요.

I was eating when my friend called.

길을 걷는데 고양이를 봤어요.

I was walking when I saw a cat.

공부하는데 갑자기 졸렸어요.

I was studying when I suddenly got sleepy.

음악을 듣는데 비가 오기 시작했어요.

I was listening to music when it started raining.

Usage 3 - Softening a message or request

죄송한데 화장실이 어디예요?

Excuse me, but where is the bathroom?

궁금한 게 있는데요.

There's something I'm curious about...

죄송한데 다시 말씀해 주세요.

Sorry, but could you say that again?

바쁜데 잠깐만 도와줄 수 있어요?

I know you're busy, but could you help me for a moment?

실례인데 이름이 뭐예요?

Excuse me, but what's your name?

미안한데 문 좀 닫아 줄래?

Sorry, but could you close the door?

Without -는데, these requests can sound more direct.

Usage 4 - Introducing topic / Background information

Often there is an implied continuation.

궁금한 게 있는데요.

There's something I'm curious about...

부탁이 있는데요.

I have a favor to ask...

질문이 있는데요.

I have a question...

할 말이 있는데.

I have something to say.

드릴 말씀이 있는데요.

There's something I'd like to tell you.

Koreans often stop here because the listener already understands more information is coming.

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That’s all for this lesson! Hopefully you learned something new. If you want to see more lessons like this, leave a like or comment below ;)