Level 4

하긴

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Usage and Nuance

The Korean word '하긴' is often used to acknowledge or concede a point that has just been made, similar to 'indeed' or 'though' in English. It can soften disagreement or emphasize agreement with a nuance of reflection or reconsideration.

Common Contexts

'하긴' frequently appears in conversational Korean when the speaker wants to admit that something is true despite previous doubts or to add a reason supporting what was just said.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 하긴, ... (Indeed, ...): Used to concede or confirm a statement.
  • 하긴 그렇지 (Indeed, that's right): Agreement with a previous statement.
  • 하긴 뭐 (Well, indeed): Casual reflection or acceptance.

Register and Politeness

'하긴' is informal and commonly used in spoken Korean among friends or in casual settings. It is less common in formal writing or speech.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '하긴' with '하지만' (but/however). While both can introduce contrast, '하긴' is more about conceding or agreeing with a nuance of reflection, whereas '하지만' is a straightforward conjunction for contrast. Avoid substituting one for the other to maintain naturalness.

Example Sentences

하긴, 그 말도 일리가 있어.

Hagin, geu maldo illi ga isseo.

Indeed, that argument makes sense too.

그 사람이 늦었지만, 하긴 교통이 너무 막혔어.

Geu sarami neujeotjiman, hagin gyotongi neomu makyeosseo.

He was late, but indeed the traffic was really bad.

하긴, 내가 그렇게 말한 것도 이해가 돼.

Hagin, naega geureoke malhan geotdo ihaega dwae.

Indeed, I can understand why I said that.