Korean Contrast Connectors: How to Say 'However' and 'On the Other Hand'
Learn to link contrasting ideas in Korean with connectors like 그러나, 하지만, 반면에, and 그런데. Master their usage, politeness levels, and nuances.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Korean, contrasting ideas requires more than just saying 'but.' Different connectors express different nuances and are used in different contexts. This lesson focuses on four essential contrast connectors: 그러나 (geureona), 하지만 (hajiman), 반면에 (banmyeone), and 그런데 (geureonde). You'll learn when to use each, how they affect politeness, and how to link sentences naturally. By the end, you'll be able to express 'however' and 'on the other hand' accurately in both formal and informal situations.
By the end, you can…
- use 그러나 and 하지만 to contrast two sentences in formal and informal contexts.
- use 반면에 to compare two different situations or facts.
- use 그런데 to introduce a contrasting or unexpected point in conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
그러나
however
geureona
Formal, written style. Often used in essays, news, and presentations. Less common in casual speech.
하지만
but, however
hajiman
Neutral politeness. Common in both spoken and written Korean. Safe choice for most situations.
반면에
on the other hand
banmyeone
Used to compare two contrasting facts or situations. Often in analytical or explanatory contexts.
그런데
however, but, by the way
geureonde
Conversational. Can introduce a contrast or shift topic. Politeness depends on verb endings.
그렇지만
but, nevertheless
geureochiman
Slightly more emphatic than 하지만. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Contrast connectors typically appear at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a clause. For example: '그러나 오늘은 비가 와요.' (However, it's raining today.) '하지만 저는 집에 있을 거예요.' (But I will stay home.) '반면에 내일은 맑을 거예요.' (On the other hand, tomorrow will be sunny.) '그런데 지금 시간이 없어요.' (But I don't have time now.) These connectors link two sentences, showing contrast. They do not change the verb ending; the politeness level is determined by the verb ending in each clause.
When to use it
Use 그러나 in formal writing like reports or academic papers. 하지만 is versatile for both formal and informal situations. 반면에 is best for comparing two different things, like 'In Korea, summers are hot, whereas in Canada, they are cool.' 그런데 is common in conversation to introduce a contrasting fact or change the subject. For example, if someone says 'I love coffee,' you might reply '그런데 저는 차를 더 좋아해요.' (But I prefer tea.)
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
저는 주말에 등산을 좋아해요.
I like hiking on weekends.jeoneun jumare deungsaneul joahaeyo.그런데 저는 산에 가는 것을 별로 안 좋아해요.
However, I don't really like going to the mountains.geureonde jeoneun sane ganeun geoseul byeollo an joahaeyo.그러나 등산은 건강에 좋아요.
However, hiking is good for your health.geureona deungsaneun geongange joayo.반면에 저는 수영이 더 재미있어요.
On the other hand, swimming is more fun for me.banmyeone jeoneun suyeongi deo jaemiisseoyo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean, the choice of contrast connector can reflect the formality of the situation. 그러나 is rarely used in casual conversation; using it with friends might sound stiff or bookish. 하지만 is safe in most contexts. 그런데 is very common in speech and can also mean 'by the way' when changing topics. Pay attention to the verb endings: even with a formal connector like 그러나, if the verb ends in -요, the sentence remains polite but not overly formal.
One thing to watch for
Using 그러나 in casual spoken Korean with friends.
Try this instead: In casual speech, use 그런데 or 하지만 instead. For example, instead of '그러나 나는 안 가.' say '그런데 나는 안 가.' or '하지만 나는 안 가.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Which contrast connector is most appropriate for a formal written report?
Show a sample answer
그러나
그러나 is formal and typically used in writing. 하지만 could also be acceptable, but 그러나 is more formal.
2How would you say 'On the other hand, I prefer coffee' in Korean?
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반면에 저는 커피를 더 좋아해요.
반면에 introduces a contrasting preference. You could also use 그런데, but 반면에 emphasizes the contrast more.
3What is the difference between 하지만 and 그런데?
Show a sample answer
하지만 is a straightforward 'but' or 'however' used in various contexts. 그런데 is more conversational and can also mean 'by the way' or introduce a new topic.
Both can contrast, but 그런데 is more common in speech and has additional functions.
Use 그러나 for formal writing, 하지만 for neutral contrast, 반면에 for comparisons, and 그런데 for conversational contrast. Match the connector to the context and politeness level.
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