Processing keyword: ~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something but...)

Korean Grammar Point: ~기는 하다 [gineun hada] (Do something but...)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar construct ~기는 하다 is used to acknowledge or admit a fact, often followed by a contrasting statement. It is similar to saying "I do... but..." or "It is... but..." in English. This structure allows the speaker to express a concession or slight contradiction, adding nuance to their statements.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The structure ~기는 하다 is used to:

• Admit or acknowledge something, but then add a contrasting point.
• Emphasize a verb or adjective, indicating that while the action or state is true, there is some reservation or contrast.

Structure

Formation:

1. Verb/Adjective Stem + 기는 하다

Formation Diagram

Verb/Adjective Type	Stem Ending	Attach	Result
Action Verb	가	기는 하다	가기는 하다 (go but...)
Descriptive Verb	크다	기는 하다	크기는 하다 (is big but...)
Conjugation of 하다:

• Past Tense: 하다 → 했다
• Present Tense: 하다 → 한다
• Future Tense: 하다 → 할 것이다 Politeness Levels:
• Formal: 합니다
• Informal polite: 해요
• Casual: 해

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ~지만: Used directly after a verb/adjective stem to mean "but".
  • 예: 춥지만 (It's cold, but...)
• ~ㄴ/은/는데: Provides background or contrast.
  • 예: 먹는데 (I eat, but...) Difference:
• ~기는 하다 emphasizes the acknowledgment before introducing the contrast, adding a layer of emphasis or concession.
• ~지만 is a straightforward conjunction for "but" without additional emphasis.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 집이 크기는 한데 너무 비싸요.
   • jibi keugineun hande neomu bissayo.
   • The house is big, but it's too expensive.
2. 그 영화가 재미있기는 했지만 다시 보고 싶지는 않아요.
   • geu yeonghaga jaemiitgineun haetjiman dasi bogo sipjineun anayo.
   • The movie was interesting, but I don't want to watch it again.
3. 운동을 하기는 하지만 자주 못 해요.
   • undongeul hagineun hajiman jaju mot haeyo.
   • I do exercise, but I can't do it often.
4. 맛있기는 한데 너무 매워요.
   • masitgineun hande neomu maewoyo.
   • It's tasty, but it's too spicy.
5. 그 사람이 친절하기는 한데 믿음이 안 가요.
   • geu sarami chinjeolhagineun hande mideumi an gayo.
   • That person is kind, but I can't trust them.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Formal:
  • 제가 알기는 합니다만 확실하지는 않습니다.
    • jega algineun hamnidaman hwaksilhajineun anseumnida.
    • I do know, but I'm not certain.
• Informal:
  • 보고서 쓰기는 했어, 그런데 완벽하지는 않아.
    • bogoseo sseugineun haesseo, geureonde wanbyeokhajineun anha.
    • I did write the report, but it's not perfect.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Korean culture, indirect communication is valued to maintain harmony and show respect.
• Using ~기는 하다 allows speakers to acknowledge a point while gently introducing a differing opinion or reservation.

Levels of Politeness

• Adjusting the conjugation of 하다 changes the politeness level.
  • Casual: 하다 → 해
  • Polite Informal: 하다 → 해요
  • Polite Formal: 하다 → 합니다

Idiomatic Expressions

• 먹기는 먹었다: I did eat, but...
• 오기는 왔다: I came, but...

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Misplacing the Conjugation: Incorrectly conjugating 하다 instead of the main verb.
  • Incorrect: 공부하기는 했다.
  • Correct: 공부를 하기는 했다.
• Overusing in Simple Sentences: Using ~기는 하다 when there is no contrasting point can confuse the listener.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 기는 as "Yes, it's true..." and 하다 as "but..."
• Practice: Create your own sentences acknowledging a fact and adding a contrast.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~기는 하다 is used to acknowledge something before introducing a contrasting point.
• It emphasizes the verb or adjective, adding nuance to your statements.
• Conjugate 하다 to match the tense and politeness level.
• It differs from ~지만 by adding emphasis on acknowledgment.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: How do you form the ~기는 하다 structure with a verb?
   • Answer: Attach 기는 하다 to the verb stem. For example, 가다 (to go) becomes 가기는 하다.
2. Question: What is the main difference between ~기는 하다 and ~지만?
   • Answer: ~기는 하다 emphasizes the acknowledgment before introducing contrast, while ~지만 is a direct conjunction meaning "but" without added emphasis.
3. Question: Translate using ~기는 하다: "I do like coffee, but I prefer tea."
   • Answer: 커피를 좋아하기는 하지만 차를 더 좋아해요.
     • keopireul joahagineun hajiman chareul deo joahaeyo.

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Try creating your own sentences using ~기는 하다 to express concessions or contrasts.

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