하지만
hajiman[ha̠d͡ʑima̠n]
The English phrase "however" can be expressed in Korean using 하지만 (hajiman).
The term is used to mean "no matter how."
Meaning: no matter how (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 하지만 is a standard way to say "however," other forms exist depending on the context. 그러나 is a more formal equivalent, while 그렇지만 is also used formally to introduce contrasting ideas. In casual settings or everyday conversations, you might use 그치만 or use 그런데 to present an alternative viewpoint.
How do you pronounce it?
hajiman
Did you know?
- In Korean debate or formal apologies, speakers may avoid 하지만 because starting a sentence with 'however' can be perceived as being overly defensive or dismissive of the other person's point.
- In Korean, you can attach the contrastive suffix -지만 directly to almost any adjective or verb to create a 'however' relationship within a single sentence, rather than starting a new sentence with a conjunction.
- The word 그치만 is a cute or childish variation of 그렇지만. It is frequently used in K-pop lyrics and dramas to make a character sound more endearing or stubborn.
Examples in context
- 하지만 주인공은 자신의 실수를 인식하고 있다.However the protagonist is aware of his own mistakes.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 하지만 to show a character's awareness.Tatoeba #507546 by orzage, translation #328815 by fcbond
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are discussing a difficult math problem.
- 민준 Min-jun이 문제는 정말 너무 어려워요.i munjeneun jeongmal neomu eoryeowoyo.This problem is really too difficult.
- 서연 Seo-yeon하지만 아무리 풀어도 답이 안 나와요.hajiman amuri pureodo dabi an nawayo.However much I solve it, the answer doesn't come out.
- 민준 Min-jun선생님께 여쭤보는 게 좋을까요?seonsaengnimkke yeojjwoboneun ge joeulkkayo?Should we ask the teacher?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 그렇게 해요.ne, geureoke haeyo.Yes, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 하지만, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
