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Connective Endings & Conjunctions

-지만, -는데, -(으)니까

-지만 = 'but'

Concession between clauses.

📊 Connectives
Ending Meaning Example
-지만 but 좋지만
-는데 but / background 먹는데
-(으)니까 because (reason) 바쁘니까
-(으)면 if / when 가면
💬 Examples
비싸지만 좋아요.
bissajiman joayo.
It's expensive, but good.
📝 -지만 = but
어렵지만 재미있어요.
eoryeopjiman jaemiisseoyo.
It's hard, but fun.
📝 Concession
-는데/-(으)ㄴ데 = background / mild contrast

Sets up context.

💬 Examples
비가 오는데 우산이 없어요.
biga oneunde usan-i eopseoyo.
It's raining, but I have no umbrella.
📝 -는데 = background / contrast
한국에 가는데 같이 갈래요?
hangug-e ganeunde gachi gallaeyo?
I'm going to Korea — want to come?
📝 -는데 sets up a suggestion
-(으)니까 = 'because' (with a result)

Reason, often before a command or suggestion.

💬 Examples
바쁘니까 나중에 전화할게요.
bappeunikka najunge jeonhwahalgeyo.
(I'm) busy, so I'll call later.
📝 -니까 = because / since
늦었으니까 빨리 가요.
neujeosseunikka ppalli gayo.
It's late, so let's hurry.
📝 -니까 before a suggestion