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Unit 25: But, However (그렇지만, 그런데)

To finish off our conjunctions, we need to learn how to express contrast! When you want to say "But" or "However" at the beginning of a sentence, you can use 그렇지만 or 그런데.

1. 그렇지만 (geu-reo-chi-man) = But, However

그렇지만 is used to introduce a direct contrast or disappointment related to the previous sentence. It is clear and somewhat formal.

  • Sentence 1. 그렇지만 Sentence 2 (Contrast).

Examples: * 피곤해요. 그렇지만 공부할 거예요. (I am tired. But, I will study.)

  • 이 옷은 예뻐요. 그렇지만 비싸요. (This clothes is pretty. However, it is expensive.)

2. 그런데 (geu-reon-de) = But, And then, By the way

그런데 is much more commonly used in everyday conversation than 그렇지만.

It can mean "but", but it is softer. It is also used to change the subject ("by the way") or just to transition into a new related thought, even if it's not a strict contrast!

  • Sentence 1. 그런데 Sentence 2 (Transition/Contrast).

Examples: * 어제 친구를 만났어요. 그런데 친구가 아팠어요. (I met a friend yesterday. But, my friend was sick.)

  • 밥을 먹었어요. 그런데 배가 고파요. (I ate a meal. But, I am hungry.)

  • (Changing the subject): 날씨가 좋네요. 그런데 어디 가요? (The weather is nice. By the way, where are you going?)

3. Which one should I use?

In spoken Korean, 그런데 is your best friend. It sounds natural in almost any situation where you want to pause and transition your thought, whether there is a contrast or not. 그렇지만 is used when you want to emphasize a strong "HOWEVER".

Summary

  • 그렇지만 = But / However (Strong contrast)
  • 그런데 = But / By the way (Soft transition or contrast. Most common in speech!)