-기는 하다: I do but…

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안녕하세요!

Prepare to be amazed, as today, we’re diving headfirst into the magician’s hat of Korean grammar to unveil the wondrous “-기는 하다”! 🪄✨ Wait, what’s that? You thought we’d be pulling out a rabbit? Oh, come on, that’s so last century! Instead, we’re about to embark on an even more captivating adventure. Just imagine… by the end of this lesson, you’ll be sprinkling “-기는 하다” around like fairy dust on your sentences, adding that extra sprinkle of magic to your Korean conversations.

So, tighten your seat belts and make sure your grammar hats are securely fastened because we’re taking off to the dazzling world of “-기는 하다”. Hang on tight, and let’s make some linguistic magic happen! 🎢🎠🔮🌌

Conjugation

VERB + 기는 하다

  1. Take a verb i.e. 가다
  2. Drop 다
  3. Add 기는 하다 i.e. 가기는 하다
  • 먹다 –> 먹 + 기는 하다 –> 먹기는 하다
  • 사다 –> 사 + 기는 하다 –> 사기는 하다
  • 오다 –> 오 + 기는 하다 –> 오기는 하다
  • 하다 –> 하 + 기는 하다 –> 하기는 하다

Past tense

VERB + 기는 했다

  1. Take a verb i.e. 가다
  2. Drop 다
  3. Add 기는 했다 i.e. 가기는 했다
  • 먹다 –> 먹 + 기는 했다 –> 먹기는 했다
  • 사다 –> 사 + 기는 했다 –> 사기는 했다
  • 오다 –> 오 + 기는 했다 –> 오기는 했다
  • 하다 –> 하 + 기는 했다 –> 하기는 했다

Understanding -기는 하다

Welcome to the foundational section of our whirlwind tour on “-기는 하다”! Before diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty details, let’s start by setting a strong foundation. Here’s where we uncover the magic behind this construction.

Origin Tale: Though not an ancient scroll’s secret, understanding the origins of a language construct can be fascinating. The “-기는 하다” structure, in its essence, is a product of Korean’s love for nuanced expressions. It emerges from the combination of the nominalization “-기” and the verb “하다” (to do). The “는” in between serves as a contrastive topic marker.

Literal Breakdown:

  • -기: This is a nominalizing suffix. It turns verbs into nouns or gerunds. Think of it as the “-ing” in English. For example, “먹다” (to eat) becomes “먹기” (eating).
  • 는: A topic marker with a slight contrastive nuance. It brings attention to what’s being described.
  • 하다: The verb “to do”. In this context, it’s more of a supportive verb, indicating the act of doing.

Functional Meaning: The construction “-기는 하다” translates to “do something, but…” or “it’s not that I/you/he/she doesn’t do something, but…”. It’s a way of acknowledging an action or state while simultaneously contrasting it with another sentiment or situation. It’s a bit like saying in English, “I do eat vegetables, but…”. The statement recognizes the act of eating vegetables but hints there’s more to the story.

Why It’s Essential: Language is all about nuance! “-기는 하다” offers a fantastic way to express a subtle contrast or clarification in Korean. Whether you’re navigating daily conversations or delving deep into literature, this structure provides an invaluable tool for more sophisticated communication.

Now that you have a basic understanding, let’s delve deeper and explore how and when to use this fascinating structure!

Usage Scenarios & Context

As we chart the vast seas of Korean expressions, we’ve now reached the island of “-기는 하다.” Let’s explore its diverse landscapes by examining various contexts where this structure shines the brightest.

  • Acknowledging with a Twist: The primary use of “-기는 하다” is to recognize or admit an action or feeling but then introduce an opposing or contrasting thought. It’s like saying, “Yes, but…” in English. It also feels like you are adding an emphasis on the “do” or “did” part.
    • “요리하기는 하는데, 잘하는 건 아니에요.” (I do cook, but I wouldn’t say I’m good at it.)
  • Softening Refusals or Negative Statements: Koreans, known for their polite nature, often use this structure to make a negative statement sound softer and less direct.
    • “가기는 가고 싶지만, 시간이 없어요.” (I do want to go, but I don’t have time.)
  • Expressing Partial Agreement: This structure can be handy when you want to agree with someone to some extent, without entirely committing to their viewpoint.
    • “그 영화 재미있기는 했지만, 최고라고는 할 수 없어요.” (The movie was enjoyable, but I wouldn’t say it was the best.)
  • Clarifying Misunderstandings: If someone misunderstands your stance or feelings, “-기는 하다” is a great tool to set the record straight.
    • “나쁘게 생각하기는 하지 않아요, 그저 조금 실망했을 뿐이에요.” (It’s not that I think poorly of it; I’m just a bit disappointed.)
  • Expressing Hesitation: When you’re on the fence about something and want to express your uncertainty or ambivalence, this structure can be your go-to.
    • “사기는 하고 싶은데, 너무 비싸요.” (I do want to buy it, but it’s too expensive.)
  • Highlighting Preferences or Comparisons: While discussing preferences or making comparisons, “-기는 하다” can help bring out the nuances.
    • “커피는 마시기는 하는데, 차가 더 좋아요.” (I do drink coffee, but I prefer tea.)

These scenarios are just the tip of the iceberg, but they provide a glimpse into the versatility of “-기는 하다.” Whether it’s to convey hesitance, agreement, or contrast, this structure will elevate your Korean fluency to new heights. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore some sample sentences next!

Sample Sentences & Breakdown

  • 요리하기는 하는데, 전문가는 아니에요.
    • 요리하기 = cooking
    • 하는데 = the action of doing
    • 전문가 = expert
    • 아니에요 = is not
    • Translation: I do cook, but I’m not an expert.
  • 운동하기는 하지만, 매일은 아니에요.
    • 운동하기 = exercising
    • 하지만 = but
    • 매일 = every day
    • 아니에요 = is not
    • Translation: I do exercise, but not every day.
  • 그 노래 듣기는 하는데, 제 스타일은 아니에요.
    • 그 노래 = that song
    • 듣기 = listening
    • 하는데 = the action of doing/listening
    • 제 스타일 = my style
    • 아니에요 = is not
    • Translation: I do listen to that song, but it’s not my style.
  • 여행 가기는 가지만, 해외로는 잘 안 가요.
    • 여행 가기 = traveling
    • 가지만 = but/go
    • 해외로 = overseas
    • 잘 안 가요 = don’t often go
    • Translation: I do travel, but I don’t often go overseas.
  • 영화 보기는 하는데, 공포 영화는 싫어요.
    • 영화 보기 = watching movies
    • 하는데 = the action of watching
    • 공포 영화 = horror movies
    • 싫어요 = dislike
    • Translation: I do watch movies, but I dislike horror films.

By breaking down these sentences, we can see that the essence of “-기는 하다” is to acknowledge an action but then present a contrasting idea or limitation. It’s like adding a pinch of “yes, but…” to your sentences. Ready for some practice? Let’s conjure up some Korean magic together!

Activity 1

Fill in the blanks.

  1. 그는 ___________, 자주는 안 해요. – He does exercise, but not often.
  2. 친구들과 ___________, 이번 주는 바빠요. – I do meet with friends, but I’m busy this week.
  3. 그녀는 음악 ___________, K-pop은 잘 안 들어요. – She does listen to music, but she doesn’t really listen to K-pop.
  4. ___________, 온라인으로만 해요. – I do shop, but only online.
  5. 저는 ___________, 마라톤은 안 달려요. – I do run, but I don’t run marathons.

Activity 1 Answers

  1. 그는 운동하기는 하는데, 자주는 안 해요. – He does exercise, but not often.
  2. 친구들과 만나기는 하는데, 이번 주는 바빠요. – I do meet with friends, but I’m busy this week.
  3. 그녀는 음악 듣기는 하는데, K-pop은 잘 안 들어요. – She does listen to music, but she doesn’t really listen to K-pop.
  4. 쇼핑하기는 하는데, 온라인으로만 해요. – I do shop, but only online.
  5. 저는 러닝하기는 하는데, 마라톤은 안 달려요. – I do run, but I don’t run marathons.

Wrap up

🎉🕺And there you have it, folks!🕺🎉

You’re now armed with the power of “-기는 하다”! So, the next time someone says, “Hey! Do you dance?” you can confidently say, “춤추기는 하는데, 내 춤을 보면 웃음이 나올 거예요!” (I do dance, but if you see me dance, you might laugh!)

Remember, every twist and turn in the path of learning a language comes with its unique dance moves—some smooth, some awkward, but all absolutely fabulous! So, dance your heart out and enjoy every step.

🎈Now, we want to hear from YOU! Leave us a comment with your own sentences using “-기는 하다.” Are you secretly a K-pop star? A master chef who occasionally burns toast? Let us know in the funniest way possible! And if you’re feeling a little shy, just remember that we all have two left feet sometimes. 😜

Happy learning and keep those sentences rolling in! 🥳🎊

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