elementary · freeInteractive lesson
지만 vs 는데
Try it freeContrast quizPick the right form in a mini quiz.Open →Explanation
-지만 is a clear “but/although”: 작지만 편해요.
-는데 often softens background or mild contrast in speech: 맛있는데 비싸요.
Writing and careful speech use both; conversation leans heavily on -는데.
Mistake: only using 하지만 as a free-standing English “but” calque every time.
Level: elementary. Read both sides of the contrast, say the examples out loud, then write one correct and one incorrect sentence and fix it.
Cross-link: open the related grammar or tools page the same day so the fix sticks in your study graph.
Examples
한국어는 어렵지만 재미있어요.
Korean is hard but fun.
가고 싶은데 시간이 없어요.
I want to go, but I don’t have time.
Common mistakes
- Translating the English pair word-for-word without checking which Korean form carries the real distinction.
- Treating the two forms as free synonyms after memorizing only one example.
Keep learning
Ready to level up 지만 vs 는데?
Test 지만 vs 는데 with contrastive examples and review until you can choose the right form without guessing.
Try a free Korean lessonNo account required for the demo. Cancel Pro anytime.