-나 (대조)
But, However
-나 is a connective ending used to link two clauses with a contrasting relationship. The first clause presents a fact, and the second clause presents an unexpected or opposing outcome.
How It Works
-(으)나 is a formal connective ending that expresses contrast or opposition between two clauses. It functions similarly to 'but', 'however', or 'although' in English. The first clause, ending in -(으)나, makes a statement that is accepted as true (a concession), but the second clause introduces a result or situation that is contrary to what one might expect from the first clause.
Conjugation:
- Verbs/Adjectives ending in a vowel or ㄹ: Stem + 나
- 가다 (to go) → 가나 (goes, but...)
- 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘나 (is pretty, but...)
- 만들다 (to make) → 만드나 (makes, but...) - Verbs/Adjectives ending in a consonant: Stem + 으나
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으나 (eats, but...)
- 좋다 (to be good) → 좋으나 (is good, but...) - Past Tense: Attach to the past tense stem -았/었- + 으나
- 먹었다 (ate) → 먹었으나 (ate, but...)
- 공부했다 (studied) → 공부했으나 (studied, but...)
Comparison with other contrastive forms:
- vs. -지만: Both mean 'but'. -(으)나 is more formal and literary. -지만 is the standard, versatile form used in both everyday speech and writing.
- vs. -ㄴ/는데: -ㄴ/는데 can show contrast, but it's often softer and used to provide background information. -(으)나 presents a more direct and stark contrast.
Because of its formal and slightly stiff nuance, -(으)나 is less common in casual conversation.
Examples (5)
- 그 옷은 디자인이 예쁘나 가격이 너무 비싸다.
That dress has a pretty design, but the price is too expensive.
Word by Word: That clothing's design is pretty but price is too expensive.
- 여러 번 전화했으나 아무도 받지 않았다.
I called several times, but nobody answered.
Word by Word: Several times I called but nobody received.
- 그는 나이는 어리나 생각이 깊다.
He is young, but he is thoughtful (deep in thought).
Word by Word: He age is young but thought is deep.
- 비는 그쳤으나 바람은 계속 불고 있다.
The rain has stopped, but the wind is still blowing.
Word by Word: Rain stopped but wind continuously is blowing.
- 최선을 다했으나 결과는 좋지 않았다.
I did my best, but the result was not good.
Word by Word: Best effort I did but result was not good.
Common Mistakes
Learn This First
To express formal contrast 'but/however', you need verb conjugation.
Related Patterns
- -지만But
-지만 is the most common and neutral way to express 'but'. While -(으)나 is formal and literary, -지만 can be used in almost any situation, both spoken and written.
- -ㄴ/는데Background Info, But
-ㄴ/는데 is a very versatile ending that can show contrast, but it's often softer than -(으)나. It's frequently used to provide background information or set the scene before the main clause, which might be contrastive.
- -더라도Even if, Although
-더라도 means 'even if' and is used for hypothetical situations. It's related to -(으)나 because both involve concession, but -(으)나 contrasts two actual facts, while -더라도 contrasts a hypothetical condition with a resulting action.
- -아/어도Even if, Regardless
Similar to -더라도, -아/어도 means 'even if' or 'regardless of'. It sets up a condition that does not affect the outcome in the main clause. The key difference is that -(으)나 connects two factual statements, whereas -아/어도 connects a condition (which may or may not be factual) with an unchanging result.