지만 (ji-man, jiman) · 는데 (neun-de, neunde)
지만 is mainly used to emphasize contrast with the previous clause, while 는데 is used to provide background information or smoothly connect situations.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A connective ending used to link clauses that contrast or oppose each other
When to use
clear contrast expression, strong opposing opinion, independent clause connection
The nuance
Used mainly to emphasize contrast or opposition with the preceding clause. Attached at the end of a clause to clearly indicate opposing meaning.
A connective ending used to provide background information, explain situations, or smoothly connect sentences
When to use
background explanation, situation connection, smooth conversation transition
The nuance
Mainly used to explain the situation or background of the preceding clause or to smoothly connect to the next sentence. Used not only for contrast but also for additional information or reasons.
저는 피자를 좋아하지만 채식주의자예요.
jeo-neun pi-ja-reul joh-a-ha-ji-man chae-sik-ju-ui-ja-ye-yo., jeo neun pi ja reul joh a ha ji man chae sik ju ui ja ye yo.
지만 is appropriate to clearly contrast opposing facts between clauses.
저는 피자를 좋아는데 채식주의자예요.
jeo-neun pi-ja-reul joh-a-neun-de chae-sik-ju-ui-ja-ye-yo., jeo neun pi ja reul joh a neun de chae sik ju ui ja ye yo.
는데 is used for background explanation, not contrast; 지만 should be used here.
비가 오지만 우리는 야외에서 축구를 했어요.
bi-ga o-ji-man u-ri-neun ya-oe-e-seo chuk-gu-reul haess-eo-yo., bi ga o ji man u ri neun ya oe e seo chuk gu reul haess eo yo.
지만 fits well when contrasting an unexpected situation.
비가 오는데 우리는 야외에서 축구를 했어요.
bi-ga o-neun-de u-ri-neun ya-oe-e-seo chuk-gu-reul haess-eo-yo., bi ga o neun de u ri neun ya oe e seo chuk gu reul haess eo yo.
는데 is appropriate to explain background and smoothly connect to the next action.
그 영화는 재미있는데 저는 별로 안 좋아해요.
geu yeong-hwa-neun jae-mi-iss-neun-de jeo-neun byeol-ro an joh-a-hae-yo., geu yeong hwa neun jae mi iss neun de jeo neun byeol ro an joh a hae yo.
는데 is suitable for smoothly connecting personal opinions after explaining a situation.
그 영화는 재미있지만 저는 별로 안 좋아해요.
geu yeong-hwa-neun jae-mi-iss-ji-man jeo-neun byeol-ro an joh-a-hae-yo., geu yeong hwa neun jae mi iss ji man jeo neun byeol ro an joh a hae yo.
지만 is appropriate to strongly contrast opposing opinions.
오늘은 바쁜데 내일 만날까요?
o-neul-eun ba-ppeun-de nae-il man-nal-kka-yo?, o neul eun ba ppeun de nae il man nal kka yo?
는데 is suitable for smoothly connecting a proposal or question after explaining a situation.
오늘은 바쁜지만 내일 만날까요?
o-neul-eun ba-ppeun-ji-man nae-il man-nal-kka-yo?, o neul eun ba ppeun ji man nae il man nal kka yo?
지만 expresses contrast, so it is inappropriate for connecting a proposal after explaining a situation.
Choose the correct connective: "I like exercising, ___ today I'm too tired."
Which is suitable for background explanation?
Fill in the blank: "He studied hard ___ he failed the exam."
Choose the correct connective: "It was raining ___ we went on a picnic."
