그러나
But, However
그러나 is a formal way to say 'but' or 'however' and connects two contrasting sentences.
How It Works
그러나 directly translates to 'but' or 'however'. It functions as a standalone word that begins a new sentence, creating a clear separation and contrast between two ideas.
Key Characteristics:
- Formality: 그러나 is considered quite formal. In everyday conversation, Koreans are more likely to use -지만 or -ㄴ/는데 to connect contrasting clauses within a single sentence, or the adverb 그런데 to connect two sentences.
- Usage: It's most common in written Korean (books, articles, reports) and formal spoken Korean (speeches, news broadcasts).
- Sentence Structure: [Sentence 1]. 그러나 [Sentence 2].
For example:
한국어 공부는 재미있습니다. 그러나 어렵습니다.
Studying Korean is fun. However, it is difficult.
This is grammatically correct but sounds very formal. A more natural conversational equivalent would be:
한국어 공부는 재미있지만 어려워요.
Studying Korean is fun but difficult.
Examples (4)
- 저는 매일 운동을 합니다. 그러나 살이 빠지지 않아요.
I exercise every day. However, I'm not losing weight.
Word by Word: I every day exercise do. However, weight does not get lost.
- 이 식당은 음식이 맛있습니다. 그러나 가격이 좀 비쌉니다.
This restaurant's food is delicious. However, the price is a bit expensive.
Word by Word: This restaurant food is delicious. However, price is a little expensive.
- 그는 부자입니다. 그러나 행복하지 않습니다.
He is rich. However, he is not happy.
Word by Word: He is a rich person. However, is not happy.
- 회의는 길었습니다. 그러나 좋은 결론을 내렸습니다.
The meeting was long. However, we reached a good conclusion.
Word by Word: The meeting was long. However, a good conclusion was made.
Common Mistakes
Related Patterns
- -지만But
Both mean 'but'. -지만 is a connective ending that joins two contrasting clauses into a single sentence. 그러나 is a standalone adverb that connects two separate sentences and is more formal.
- -ㄴ/는데Background Info, But
-ㄴ/는데 is a very common conversational ending that can express contrast, similar to 'but'. It's less formal than 그러나 and connects clauses within one sentence.
- 그런데But, However, By the Way
Both are adverbs that can mean 'but' or 'however'. 그런데 is much more common in conversation and is more versatile, as it can also mean 'by the way'. 그러나 is more formal and strictly used for contrast.
- 그래서So, Therefore
그래서 means 'so' or 'therefore'. It's related because it's also a connective adverb that links two sentences, but it shows a cause-and-effect relationship, which is the opposite of the contrasting relationship shown by 그러나.