In Korean, you can show contrast by adding a small word that means 'but still' or 'nevertheless' after a statement. This workshop uses recorded lines so you can hear the pattern, understand what each line means in English, and then practice saying the right part at the right time. You will work through a guided exchange, a reply comprehension task, and a recall task with correct roles. Each task includes an answer or self-check so you can confirm your choice before moving on.
Hearing the Contrast Word
The recorded line «그래도» means 'but still, nevertheless.' It is a short contrast word that comes after a statement to show that the next idea pushes against the first one. In «늦었지만 그래도 계속 일했어요.», the speaker says that although it was late, we still kept working. The English meaning is that the lateness did not stop the work. In «비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.», the speaker says it rained, but still they went out. The rain is the first fact, and going out is the contrasting action. Listen for the contrast word after the first fact, then notice the action that follows.
Contrast in a Short Exchange
The recorded exchange has two speakers. Speaker A says «어제 많이 피곤했어요.», which means 'I was very tired yesterday.' Speaker B replies with «그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?», which means 'But still, did you finish all the work?' Speaker A answers with «네, 늦었지만 그래도 계속 했어요.», which means 'Yes, although it was late, I still kept working.' Speaker B then says «대단해요! 그래도 쉬어야 해요.», which means 'Amazing! But still, you need to rest.' In this exchange, the contrast word appears in B's first reply and again in B's final reply. The question about finishing work comes before the answer about finishing work, so keep that order when you practice.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
그래도
but still, nevertheless
geu-rae-do
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
비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.
It rained. But still, I went out.
bi-ga wa-sseo-yo. geu-rae-do na-ga-sseo-yo
피곤하지만 그래도 할게요.
I'm tired, but still I'll do it.
pi-gon-ha-ji-man geu-rae-do hal-ge-yo
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
어제 많이 피곤했어요.
I was very tired yesterday.그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?
But still, did you finish all the work?네, 늦었지만 그래도 계속 했어요.
Yes, although it was late, I still kept working.대단해요! 그래도 쉬어야 해요.
Amazing! But still, you need to rest.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Tired but Working
Two learners read the recorded exchange. One learner reads Speaker A's lines, and the other reads Speaker B's lines. Read in the recorded order: A's statement, B's question, A's answer, then B's final reply.
Your task: Speaker A reads «어제 많이 피곤했어요.» and then «네, 늦었지만 그래도 계속 했어요.». Speaker B reads «그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?» and then «대단해요! 그래도 쉬어야 해요.». After reading, switch roles and read the same four lines again in the same order.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Matching Line
Read Speaker A's line «어제 많이 피곤했어요.», which means 'I was very tired yesterday.' Then choose the reply that matches the recorded exchange. The reply should ask about finishing work while showing contrast.
Your task: Which recorded line is Speaker B's reply to «어제 많이 피곤했어요.»? Choice 1: «그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?». Choice 2: «대단해요! 그래도 쉬어야 해요.». Say your choice aloud, then say the line.
Recall with Correct Roles
Cover the recorded lines. One learner takes Speaker A and the other takes Speaker B. Recall the four lines in the recorded order without looking.
Your task: Speaker A recalls the first statement and the answer. Speaker B recalls the question and the final reply. Say all four lines in order: A's statement, B's question, A's answer, B's final reply. Then switch roles and repeat.
Common questions
Where does the contrast word go in a Korean sentence?
In the recorded examples, the contrast word comes after a statement and before the next idea. In «비가 왔어요. 그래도 나갔어요.», the rain is stated first, and then the contrast word introduces going out. In «그래도 일을 다 끝냈어요?», the contrast word comes before the question about finishing work. Listen to the recordings and notice that the contrast word links two ideas rather than standing alone.
Can I practice both roles if I am learning alone?
Yes. You can play the recording and read Speaker A's lines, then play it again and read Speaker B's lines. There is no automatic assessment, so use the self-check in each exercise. For the guided exchange, check that the question about finishing work comes before the answer about finishing work, and that the final reply about rest comes last.
Sources and further reading
- korean: using although and howeverChecked September 2026
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