그런데

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Usage and Meaning

'그런데' is a very common conjunction in Korean used to introduce a contrast or an unexpected fact, similar to 'but', 'however', or 'by the way' in English. It often connects two sentences where the second sentence provides information that contrasts or adds nuance to the first.

Common Contexts

You will hear '그런데' frequently in daily conversations, news, and storytelling when the speaker wants to shift the topic slightly or present a surprising or contrasting detail.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 그런 데도: even so, despite that
  • 그런데도: nevertheless, still
  • 그런데 말입니다: by the way (used to introduce a new topic or question)

Register and Politeness

'그런데' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is polite enough for everyday conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '그런데' with '그래서' (so, therefore). Remember, '그런데' introduces contrast or unexpected information, while '그래서' shows cause and effect.

Summary

Use '그런데' to smoothly connect sentences with contrasting or additional information. It helps make conversations more natural and dynamic.

Example Sentences

저는 그 영화를 좋아했어요. 그런데 친구는 별로였대요.

Jeoneun geu yeonghwareul joahaesseoyo. Geureonde chinguneun byeolloyettaeyo.

I liked that movie. But my friend didn't like it much.

오늘은 날씨가 좋네요. 그런데 내일은 비가 온대요.

Oneureun nalssiga jonneyo. Geureonde naireun biga ondaeyo.

The weather is nice today. However, it will rain tomorrow.

회의는 오후 3시에 시작해요. 그런데 준비가 아직 안 됐어요.

Hoeuineun ohu 3sie sijakhaeyo. Geureonde junbiga ajik an dwaesseoyo.

The meeting starts at 3 PM. But the preparations are not done yet.