-건만Korean connective · TOPIK 6
-geonman
A connective ending used when the actual result is different from the result that was anticipated from the preceding statement.
형태Forms
Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.
A connective ending used when the actual result is different from the result that was anticipated from the preceding statement.
앞에 오는 말로 인해 기대되는 결과와 다른 결과가 일어남을 나타내는 연결 어미.
쓰임Usage
Attaches after the copula 이다, verbs and adjectives, the honorific -으시-, the past -었- or the future -겠-.
'이다', 동사와 형용사 또는 '-으시-', '-었-', '-겠-' 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.
예문Examples
삼촌은 가진 것은 없건만 계획하고 있는 사업은 여럿이다.
My uncle has nothing, yet he has several business plans in the works.
어머니가 그렇게 말렸건만 동생은 기어코 회사를 그만두고 말았다.
Even though Mother tried to stop him, my brother quit his job anyway.
밥 먹을 새도 없이 바쁘건만 지수는 아이들 걱정에 수시로 집에 전화를 했다.
She was so busy she had no time to eat, but Jisu still called home often, worried about the children.
대화In conversation
반장은 아직 안 왔어요?
Has the class president arrived yet?
응. 오늘이 마지막 수업이건만 안 올 모양이다.
No. Even though today is the last class, it looks like he won't come.
관련 문법Related grammar
Other connectives you will meet alongside this one.
자주 묻는 질문Common questions
What does -건만 mean in Korean?
-건만 is a connective introduced at 6급 (TOPIK 6). A connective ending used when the actual result is different from the result that was anticipated from the preceding statement.
When do you use -건만?
Attaches after the copula 이다, verbs and adjectives, the honorific -으시-, the past -었- or the future -겠-. The other shape is -건마는 — same point, different environment.
What is the difference between -건만 and -건마는?
None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same connective, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.
What TOPIK level is -건만?
6급 — TOPIK 6, mastery. It is one of 56 grammar points at that level.
Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.