V + 건만

1. Title

: V + -건만

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2. Grammar Explanation

V + -건만 is an advanced literary or spoken contraction of V + -기는 하지만 / V + -기는 한데. It presents a contrast between two ideas, similar to “although...”, “even though...”, “but...”, often implying that the speaker is dissatisfied, disappointed, or that the outcome is unexpected.

Compared with -지만, -건만 often carries more emotion or regret.

Structure

Present Tense

Verb Stem + 건만

• 가다 → 가건만

• 먹다 → 먹건만

• 기다리다 → 기다리건만

• 노력하다 → 노력하건만

Past Tense

Verb Stem + -았/었건만

• 가다 → 갔건만

• 먹다 → 먹었건만

• 공부하다 → 공부했건만

Future Tense

Verb Stem + -겠건만

• 가겠건만

• 먹겠건만

• 도와주겠건만

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3. Example Sentences

1. 열심히 운동하건만 살이 잘 안 빠져요.
   (Even though I exercise hard, I can’t lose weight.)

2. 매일 한국어를 공부하건만 아직 자신 있게 말하지 못해요.
   (Although I study Korean every day, I still can’t speak confidently.)

3. 일찍 출발했건만 항상 길이 막혀요.
   (Even though I left early, the traffic is always bad.)

4. 여러 번 설명했건만 이해하지 못하는 사람이 있어요.
   (Although I explained it many times, some people still don’t understand.)

5. 부모님은 걱정하지 말라고 하건만 계속 신경이 쓰여요.
   (Even though my parents tell me not to worry, I still worry.)

6. 맛있게 만들려고 하건만 마음처럼 잘 안 돼요.
   (Although I try to cook it well, it doesn’t turn out the way I want.)

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4. Sample Dialogues

Dialogue 1

A: 시험 준비 열심히 했어요?
(Did you study hard for the exam?)

B: 네. 밤늦게까지 공부했건만 결과가 좋지 않았어요.
(Yes. Even though I studied until late at night, the result wasn’t good.)

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Dialogue 2

A: 왜 그렇게 피곤해 보여요?
(Why do you look so tired?)

B: 일찍 자려고 했건만 자꾸 일이 생겨요.
(Even though I tried to go to bed early, work keeps coming up.)

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Dialogue 3

A: 새 휴대폰은 마음에 들어요?
(Do you like your new phone?)

B: 디자인은 좋건만 배터리가 너무 빨리 닳아요.
(Although the design is nice, the battery drains too quickly.)

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5. Make Korean Sentences from English!

1. Even though I wake up early, I’m always late.

2. Although my mom cooks every day, she never gets tired of it.

3. Even though my friend apologized, I was still upset.

4. Although I drink a lot of water, I still feel thirsty.

5. Even though my brother practices every day, he isn’t satisfied.

6. Although Mina studies hard, she worries about the exam.

7. Even though the teacher explained it many times, I couldn’t understand.

8. Although I save money every month, it disappears quickly.

9. Even though my sister exercises regularly, she wants to become healthier.

10. Although the manager praised my work, I still want to improve.

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Leave an example sentence in the comments, and I’ll give you feedback!

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