Korean Contrast: Using 그래도 for 'But Still' and Although
Learn to express contrast in Korean with 그래도 (but still) and although patterns. Elementary lesson with examples, dialogue, and practice.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
In Korean, expressing contrast like 'but still' or 'although' is essential for natural conversation. The most common way to say 'but still' is 그래도 (geuraedo). It connects two clauses where the second clause contrasts with the first, similar to 'but still' or 'nevertheless' in English. This lesson teaches you how to use 그래도 and related patterns to express contrast, so you can say things like 'Although it was late, we kept working' in Korean. You'll learn the direct answer first, then see accurate examples, register notes, a dialogue, and practice exercises. By the end, you'll be able to use 그래도 confidently in everyday situations.
By the end, you can…
- use 그래도 to express 'but still' in Korean.
- form sentences with 'although' using -지만 and 그래도.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
그래도
but still, nevertheless
geu-rae-do
Use at the start of a sentence to contrast with the previous statement. Common in spoken and written Korean.
늦었지만 그래도 계속 일했어요.
Although it was late, we still kept working.
neu-jeot-ji-man geu-rae-do gye-sok il-haess-eo-yo
Combines -지만 (although) with 그래도 (but still) for emphasis. Polite informal style.
비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.
It rained. But still, I went out.
bi-ga wa-sseo-yo. geu-rae-do na-ga-sseo-yo
Two separate sentences. 그래도 starts the second sentence to show contrast.
피곤하지만 그래도 할게요.
I'm tired, but still I'll do it.
pi-gon-ha-ji-man geu-rae-do hal-ge-yo
Uses -지만 and 그래도 together. -할게요 is a polite informal (해요체) ending expressing the speaker's intention or promise, not formal style.
그래도 괜찮아요?
But still, is it okay?
geu-rae-do gwaen-chan-a-yo?
A question using 그래도 to check if something is acceptable despite a concern.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The key pattern is: [Clause 1] + 그래도 + [Clause 2]. Clause 1 states a fact or situation, and Clause 2 expresses a contrasting action or opinion. For example, '늦었지만 그래도 계속 일했어요' means 'Although it was late, we still kept working.' Here, -지만 means 'although,' and 그래도 adds 'but still.' You can also use 그래도 alone at the start of a sentence: '비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.' This means 'It rained. But still, I went out.' Note that 그래도 is an adverb, so it doesn't change form. It's different from because/so, which focus on cause and effect. 그래도 focuses on contrast.
When to use it
Use 그래도 when you want to say that despite a situation, something else is true or happens. It's common in everyday conversation, storytelling, and even formal writing. For instance, if a friend says they're busy, you might reply, '그래도 시간을 내야 해요' (But still, you need to make time). In formal situations, you can use 그래도 with polite endings: '어려웠지만 그래도 해냈습니다' (It was difficult, but still we did it). Avoid using 그래도 when there's no contrast; it would sound odd. Also, don't confuse it with 그러나 (however), which is more formal and written. 그래도 is more conversational and can stand alone as a sentence starter.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
어제 많이 피곤했어요.
I was very tired yesterday.eo-je ma-ni pi-gon-haess-eo-yo그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?
But still, did you finish all the work?geu-rae-do il-eul da kkeut-nae-sseo-yo?네, 늦었지만 그래도 계속 했어요.
Yes, although it was late, I still kept working.ne, neu-jeot-ji-man geu-rae-do gye-sok haess-eo-yo대단해요! 그래도 쉬어야 해요.
Amazing! But still, you need to rest.dae-dan-hae-yo! geu-rae-do swi-eo-ya hae-yoA little context goes a long way
In Korean, 그래도 is very common in both casual and polite conversation. It softens the contrast and often shows empathy or encouragement. When speaking to someone older or in a formal setting, use polite verb endings like -요 or -습니다. Among friends, you can drop the -요 for a more casual tone. Remember that 그래도 is not a conjunction like 'but'; it's an adverb, so it can appear at the beginning of a sentence or after the subject.
One thing to watch for
Learners often use 그래도 as a direct translation of 'but' and place it between clauses without a pause, like '비가 왔어요 그래도 나갔어요' in one sentence without proper punctuation.
Try this instead: In Korean, 그래도 typically starts a new sentence or clause after a pause. Write or say: '비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.' (It rained. But still, I went out.) If you want to connect within one sentence, use -지만: '비가 왔지만 나갔어요.' (It rained, but I went out.) Both are correct, but they have different rhythms and formality.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'Although I was busy, I still went' using 그래도?
Show a sample answer
바빴지만 그래도 갔어요.
This uses -지만 for 'although' and 그래도 for 'but still.' It's a natural, polite sentence. You could also say '바빴어요. 그래도 갔어요.' as two sentences, which is also correct.
2What does 그래도 mean in English?
Show a sample answer
but still, nevertheless
그래도 is an adverb that expresses contrast, similar to 'but still' or 'nevertheless.' It's not a direct translation of 'but' in all contexts, but it often serves that function.
3Create a sentence using 그래도 to contrast with 'It was expensive.'
Show a sample answer
비쌌어요. 그래도 샀어요.
This means 'It was expensive. But still, I bought it.' You could also use -지만: '비쌌지만 샀어요.' Both are valid; the two-sentence version with 그래도 is more conversational.
Use 그래도 to express 'but still' in Korean. Combine it with -지만 for 'although' to show contrast clearly. Practice with everyday situations to sound more natural.
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