Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 비록 | birok | [piɾo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈpi(ː)ɾo̞k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 하지만 | hajiman | [ha̠d͡ʑima̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| -지만 | -jiman | [t͡ɕima̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the way you say 'although' depends on whether you are starting a new sentence, connecting two parts of a single sentence or modifying a clause to express concession. 비록 is an adverb used to express concession, often requiring a matching ending like –더라도 or –지만 later in the sentence.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on their grammatical function: 하지만 is a standalone conjunction used to start a new sentence, meaning 'but' or 'however'. In contrast, -지만 is a suffix attached directly to verb or adjective stems to connect two clauses within a single sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -지만 is a grammatical particle that attaches directly to the stems of verbs or adjectives to mean 'although' or 'but' within a single sentence. The adverb 비록 often requires a matching ending, such as -지만 or -더라도, later in the sentence to complete the sense of concession.
How do you pronounce it?
birok
Did you know?
- The word 비록 is a Sino-Korean term derived from the Chinese characters 祕錄, which originally referred to secret records.
- The concept of 'concession' expressed by 비록 is often used in Korean to set up a hypothetical or highly improbable scenario, whereas English 'although' is often used for simple facts.
- The adverb 비록 creates a grammatical 'promise' in a sentence that must be fulfilled by a specific ending like -더라도 or -지만 to be complete.
Examples in context
- 저는 비록 베이징에 살고 있지만 중국어를 할 줄 모릅니다.Although I live in Beijing, I cannot speak Chinese.This sentence shows how to use 비록 to express concession.
- 비록 시간이 부족하지만, 열심히 공부할 거예요.Although I have a lack of time, I will study hard.
- 비록 비가 오지만, 나는 외출할 거예요.Although it is raining, I will go out.
- 비록 바쁘지만, 영화를 볼래?Although you're busy, do you want to watch a movie?
- 비록 비가 오지만 산책을 하고 싶어요.birok biga ojiman sanchaek-eul hago sipeoyo.Although it is raining, I want to go for a walk.
- 비록 어렵더라도 끝까지 노력할 거예요.birok eoryeopdeorado kkeutkkaji noryeok-hal geoyeyo.Although it is difficult, I will try until the end.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are discussing a difficult project at work.
- 지은 Ji-eun비록 프로젝트가 힘들지만 포기하지 마세요.birok peurojekteuga himdeuljiman pogihaji maseyo.Although the project is hard, please do not give up.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 비록 시간이 부족해도 열심히 할게요.ne, birok sigani bujokhaedo yeolsimhi halgeyo.Yes, although I lack time, I will work hard.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨라면 잘 해낼 수 있을 거예요.Hyeon-u ssiramyeon jal haenael su isseul geoyeyo.If it is you, Hyeon-u, you will be able to do well.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워요, 지은 씨 덕분에 힘이 나네요.gomawoyo, Ji-eun ssi deokbune himi naneyo.Thank you, I feel encouraged thanks to you, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “although” translations and entries 비록, 하지만, -지만, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries -지만, 비록, 하지만, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
