Literary Contrastive: -건만 (But, Yet)

It means 'but' or 'yet' in a formal, literary sense. Use it when one fact contradicts another in a dramatic way like 돈은 많건만 쓸 곳이 없다 (He has much money, yet nowhere to spend it).

The meaning is the same, but the vibe is different. -지만 is for daily life, while -건만 is for books and speeches.

Probably not, unless you are being ironic or dramatic. It sounds very stiff in a casual chat.

Just drop the 다 from the verb and add 건만. For example, 먹다 becomes 먹건만.

Yes, it works perfectly with adjectives. 예쁘다 becomes 예쁘건만 (She is pretty, but...).

For nouns ending in a vowel, use 건만. For those ending in a consonant, use 이건만 like 학생이건만.

Yes, add it after the past tense marker. For example, 했건만 means 'I did it, but...'

It is rarely used in the future tense. Usually, we use it for existing states or past actions.

It often implies regret or a missed opportunity. This gives it a naturally heavy or sad tone.

Yes, it is a common grammar point in the Advanced (Level 5-6) reading and writing sections.

No, it is a connecting particle. It must join two clauses together.

Yes, -건만 is generally considered more literary and dramatic than -으나.

Yes, you can use 시 before it. For example, 가셨건만 (The honored person went, but...).

The short form is -건. You will see this in poetry or song lyrics frequently.

No, the second clause can end in any politeness level, though formal endings are most common.

Yes, news headlines often use it to show a contrast between a policy and its result.

It is possible, but rare. It almost always points to a disappointing or ironic outcome.

It is somewhat similar to 'albeit' or 'notwithstanding,' as it carries a formal weight.

Yes, if you are describing a challenge you faced. It can make you sound very articulate.

Occasionally, in ballads, to emphasize the pain of a breakup or longing.

Rarely in casual talk. They might use it when giving a formal presentation or a wedding toast.

Using it for simple, non-dramatic facts. Don't use it for things that aren't significant.