Comparing -지만 and -는데

Both -지만 and -는데 can translate to "but" in English. However, they serve different functions in Korean.

-지만

-지만 strictly highlights that two facts are opposite. It acts like a direct "but" or "however".

-는데

-는데 (or -(으)ㄴ데 for adjectives) sets the scene. It introduces a situation and smoothly transitions to a related point, an unexpected result, or a soft contrast.

Ending · Core Function

-지만 · Direct, strong contrast

-는데 / -(으)ㄴ데 · Background context or soft transition

Use -지만 when you want to emphasize the contrast between the first and second part of the sentence.

비싸지만 샀어요. (It is expensive, but I bought it.)

피곤하지만 운동했어요. (I am tired, but I exercised.)

In these sentences, the focus is entirely on the fact that the action was performed despite the opposite condition. It sounds firm and objective.

-는데 is much broader than just contrast. It provides background information for the clause that follows.

조금 비싼데 품질이 좋아요. (It is a little expensive, but the quality is good.)

피곤한데 잠이 안 와요. (I am tired, but I cannot sleep.)

Here, the first part sets up the current state, and the second part delivers the main point or observation. It sounds softer and more natural for everyday conversational transitions.

Let's look at the same starting sentence with both endings to see how the nuance changes.

Sentence · Meaning & Function

맵 지만 맛있어요. · Direct contrast: It is spicy, but delicious.

매 운데 괜찮아요? · Background: It is spicy, (so) is that okay?