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B1 · Intermediate Grammar

(으)ㄴ/는데

Background context connector
Practice this free →

Sets up background information before the main point. Softens transitions, contradictions and requests.

Tip: 는데 is one of the most versatile connectors in Korean. Master this and you'll sound natural.

Examples

KoreanEnglish
배가 고픈데 뭐 먹을까요? I'm hungry — what shall we eat?
비가 오는데 우산 있어요? It's raining — do you have an umbrella?
한국어를 배우는데 어려워요. I'm learning Korean (but) it's hard.