Part 32.1 - ~는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데 — Give Background, Contrast, Lead to Next Sentence ("but, and, so, by the way")
Basic Information
Use ~는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데 to connect sentences, give background information, contrast ideas, or lead to the next sentence.
It can be translated depending on context as:
It is one of the most flexible and frequently used connectors in Korean conversation!
Grammar Rule
- Action Verb stem + 는데
- Descriptive Verb/Adjective stem + consonant → 은데
- Descriptive Verb/Adjective stem + vowel → ㄴ데
- Noun + 인데
Usage
Use **는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데** to:
- Add background before the main sentence.
- Contrast two ideas ("but...").
- Explain context for what you are about to say.
- Politely lead into a suggestion or request.
Example Sentences
| Korean |
English |
| 비가 오는데 우산이 없어요. |
It’s raining, but I don’t have an umbrella. |
| 저는 학생인데 제 친구는 선생님이에요. |
I am a student, but my friend is a teacher. |
| 영화를 봤는데 재미있었어요. |
I watched the movie, and it was fun. |
| 시간이 없는데 빨리 가요. |
We don’t have time, so let’s go quickly. |
| 이 책 좋은데 좀 어려워요. |
This book is good, but it’s a bit difficult. |
Important Notes
- ~는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데 is very conversational and used all the time.
- It helps sentences sound more **natural and smooth** in Korean.
- The exact English meaning depends on the context — it could mean **but, and, so, by the way**.
- You can often leave the second part of the sentence **unstated** — the listener will understand the implied meaning.
Summary
Use ~는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데 to:
- Give background information
- Contrast two ideas
- Explain context naturally
- Lead to the next sentence
This is one of the most essential grammar patterns for speaking Korean naturally!
Common TOPIK I Patterns
- Verb stem + 는데 → background / contrast
- Adjective stem + (으)ㄴ데 → background / contrast
- Noun + 인데 → background / contrast
End of Lesson
Now you know how to use **~는데 / (으)ㄴ데 / 인데** to speak more naturally in Korean.
Try using it when giving background, making contrasts, or leading your sentences! 🎉