그런데
But, However, By the Way
그런데 connects two sentences. It can mean 'but/however' to show contrast, or 'by the way' to introduce a new topic.
How It Works
그런데 is a versatile connective adverb used at the beginning of a sentence to link it to the previous one. It has two main functions:
1. Expressing Contrast ('but', 'however')
This is the most common use of 그런데. It connects two sentences where the second sentence presents an idea that contrasts with or is unexpected after the first one.
- 어제 시험을 잘 봤어요. 그런데 오늘은 기분이 안 좋아요. (I did well on the exam yesterday. However, I don't feel good today.)
This usage is very similar to 지만. The main difference is that 지만 connects two clauses into a single sentence, while 그런데 starts a new sentence, often creating a stronger separation between the ideas.
2. Changing the Topic ('by the way', 'and')
그런데 can also be used to smoothly change the subject of a conversation. In this case, it doesn't show a direct contrast but rather introduces a new, often unrelated, thought.
- A: 오늘 수업 재미있었죠? (Today's class was fun, right?)
B: 네, 재미있었어요. 그런데, 점심 뭐 먹을까요? (Yes, it was fun. By the way, what should we eat for lunch?)
Spoken Form: 근데
In everyday conversation, 그런데 is often shortened to 근데. 근데 has the exact same meanings and functions but is more casual and much more common in spoken Korean.
- 이 옷 예쁘다. 근데 너무 비싸. (These clothes are pretty. But they're too expensive.)
Examples (4)
- 어제 영화를 봤어요. 그런데 재미없었어요.
I watched a movie yesterday. But it wasn't fun.
Word by Word: Yesterday movie watched. But it was not fun.
This shows a clear contrast. The expectation after watching a movie is that it would be fun, but the second sentence contradicts that.
- 이 식당은 음식이 맛있어요. 그런데 좀 비싸요.
This restaurant's food is delicious. However, it's a bit expensive.
Word by Word: This restaurant food is delicious. However a little is expensive.
- 오늘 날씨가 좋네요. 그런데 주말에 뭐 할 거예요?
The weather is nice today. By the way, what are you doing this weekend?
Word by Word: Today weather is good. By the way on the weekend what will you do?
Here, 그런데 is used to change the topic from the weather to weekend plans. There is no logical contrast between the two sentences.
- 숙제 다 했어요. 그런데 혹시 제 펜 못 봤어요?
I finished my homework. By the way, have you seen my pen by any chance?
Word by Word: Homework all did. By the way by any chance my pen couldn't see?
Common Mistakes
Using 그런데 for cause and effect instead of 그래서 (so, therefore).
Different Meaning비가 왔어요. 그런데 길이 미끄러웠어요.Better비가 왔어요. 그래서 길이 미끄러웠어요.그런데 shows contrast or a topic change. It doesn't show a logical result. Because the rain caused the road to be slippery, you must use 그래서 ('so'). The incorrect sentence sounds like 'It rained. But the road was slippery,' which is illogical.
Related Patterns
- -지만But
Both mean 'but'. 지만 is a connective ending that joins two contrasting clauses into a single sentence. 그런데 is an adverb that connects two separate sentences. The contrast with 그런데 can feel stronger due to the full stop.
- -ㄴ/는데Background Info, But
This pattern can also express contrast, similar to 그런데. However, -(으)ㄴ/는데 is a connective ending that provides background information before presenting the main clause, making the connection smoother than the more abrupt sentence break with 그런데.
- -고And, And Then
While 그런데 often shows contrast, -고 simply connects two actions or states in sequence ('and' or 'and then'). It's useful to compare them to understand how to link ideas in different ways (contrast vs. sequence).
- -(으)니까So, Because
This shows a reason or cause ('because', 'so'). It expresses a logical relationship that is the opposite of contrast. Comparing 그런데 with -(으)니까 helps clarify the logical flow between sentences (contrast vs. reason).