-지만 vs -(으)ㄴ데/는데

Beginner · TOPIK I

-지만 is a clear 'but'; -(으)ㄴ데/는데 is broader — it can mark a soft contrast, but very often it just sets the scene or gives background before the main point.

-지만A connective ending used to recognize the truth of the preceding statement and add facts that are the opposite of it or different.-(으)ㄴ데/는데A connective ending used to talk in advance about a situation to follow.

Rules of thumb

For a clear contrast (A, but B), use -지만; -는데 often works too but sounds softer.
To give background before a question, offer or request, only -는데 works (지금 마트에 가는데 뭐 필요해요? 'I'm going to the store — need anything?').
Forms: verb + -는데, adjective + -(으)ㄴ데, noun + 인데; past -았/었는데.
-지만 appears in polite set phrases: 죄송하지만 'sorry, but', 실례지만 'excuse me, but'.
Sentence-final -는데(요) leaves the sentence hanging, inviting a reaction.

Example sentences

-지만
Korean is hard, but it's fun.
-(으)ㄴ데/는데
This restaurant is a bit pricey, but it's really good.
-(으)ㄴ데/는데
I'm heading to the store now — do you need anything?
배가 고프지만 같이 밥 먹으러 갈까요?
Incorrect
I'm hungry, but shall we go eat? [Wrong: this sets the scene for a suggestion, so it needs -(eu)nde, not -jiman]
-지만
Excuse me, could I squeeze past?

← All confused pairs