Usage of '그러나'
'그러나' is a conjunction used to express contrast or opposition between two statements. It is similar to 'but' or 'however' in English and is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean.
Common Contexts
You will often find '그러나' linking two sentences where the second sentence presents a different or opposing idea to the first. It is more formal than '근데' or '하지만', making it suitable for written texts, formal speeches, and polite conversations.
Collocations and Patterns
- '그러나' + [clause]: introduces a contrasting statement.
- Often used at the beginning of a sentence to shift the topic or present an opposing fact.
Register and Politeness
'그러나' is neutral to formal in tone. It is appropriate in academic writing, news reports, and formal discussions. For casual conversations, '근데' or '하지만' might be more common.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '그러나' with '그래서' (so/therefore). Remember, '그러나' introduces contrast, not cause and effect.
Using '그러나' correctly helps you sound more natural and clear when expressing contrasting ideas in Korean.