-습니다만
But, However (Formal)
-습니다만 is a formal ending used to connect two contrasting ideas, similar to 'but' or 'however'. It's also used to politely introduce a topic or make a request.
How It Works
-습니다만 is a formal connective ending used to express contrast or to provide a polite introduction to a main point. It's commonly used in business settings, presentations, or when speaking to someone of higher status.
How to use:
It attaches to the stem of a verb, adjective, or to a noun with 이다.
- For verb/adjective stems ending in a consonant, add -습니다만.
- e.g., 좋다 (to be good) → 좋 + 습니다만 → 좋습니다만
- e.g., 먹다 (to eat) → 먹 + 습니다만 → 먹습니다만 - For verb/adjective stems ending in a vowel, add -ㅂ니다만.
- e.g., 가다 (to go) → 가 + ㅂ니다만 → 갑니다만
- e.g., 죄송하다 (to be sorry) → 죄송하 + ㅂ니다만 → 죄송합니다만 - For nouns, add -입니다만.
- e.g., 학생 (student) → 학생 + 입니다만 → 학생입니다만
Main Usages:
1. Expressing Contrast: It connects two clauses where the second clause contrasts with the first. It's a formal equivalent of -지만.
- e.g., 회의는 끝났습니다만 아직 할 일이 남았습니다. (The meeting is over, but there is still work left to do.)
2. Polite Introduction / Softener: It's frequently used to soften a request, question, or potentially difficult statement. It acts as a polite preface.
- e.g., 죄송합니다만, 잠시 시간 좀 내주실 수 있습니까? (I'm sorry, but could you spare a moment?)
- In this usage, it often translates to 'Excuse me, but...' or 'I realize that..., but...'.
Compared to -ㄴ/는데, -습니다만 is significantly more formal and is used in the 하십시오체 (very formal polite) speech level.
Examples (5)
- 디자인은 좋습니다만 가격이 좀 비쌉니다.
The design is good, but the price is a bit expensive.
Word by Word: The design is good but the price is a little expensive.
- 죄송합니다만, 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠습니까?
I'm sorry, but could you please explain it one more time?
Word by Word: I am sorry but, again one time could you explain?
Here, '죄송합니다만' is used as a polite way to introduce a request, softening the imposition.
- 전화 드렸습니다만 안 받으시더군요.
I called you, but you didn't answer.
Word by Word: I gave a call but you didn't receive.
- 열심히 공부했습니다만 시험에 떨어졌습니다.
I studied hard, but I failed the exam.
Word by Word: Diligently I studied but I failed the exam.
- 실례입니다만, 지금 몇 시인지 알 수 있습니까?
Excuse me, but could you tell me what time it is now?
Word by Word: It is a discourtesy but, now what time it is can I know?
Similar to '죄송합니다만', '실례입니다만' is a set phrase used to politely ask a question to a stranger. It is formed from the noun 실례 (discourtesy) + 입니다만.
Common Mistakes
Using -습니다만 in a casual or informal context.
Not Quite이거 좋습니다만, 너도 먹을래?Better이거 맛있지만, 너도 먹을래?-습니다만 is a formal ending. Mixing it with the informal ending -ㄹ래 is unnatural. For informal situations, use -지만 instead.
Confusing the attachment rule for vowel/consonant stems.
Not Quite가습니다만...Better갑니다만...For stems ending in a vowel like 가-, you must add -ㅂ니다만, not -습니다만.
Learn This First
To express formal contrast 'but/however', you need formal endings and contrast patterns.
Related Patterns
- -ㄴ/는데Background Info, But
-ㄴ/는데 can also express contrast or provide background information before a main clause. It is much more versatile and common in conversation than -습니다만, and it is less formal.
- 그런데But, However, By the Way
그런데 is a conjunction that starts a new sentence, meaning 'but' or 'by the way'. -습니다만 connects two clauses within the same sentence.