V+기는(요)

Table of content

Gentle refutation Contrast Shortened form

Gentle refutation

Expression is used to politely refute or disagree with the other person's statement. Used in response to a compliment to show modesty. Can also be used lightly criticize or scold someone.

Example

잘하기는요. 저보다 잘하는 사람이 많아요.

I'm not that good. There are many people who are better than me.

Contrast

Used to contrast the current situation with a different situation. The speaker acknowledge the first clause but want to express a difference stance or view. Only the 기는 form is valid in this case.

Example

우리 아이가 시끄럽게 하기는 해도 말썽을 부리지는 않아. 그러니까 걱정하지 마.

Even though my child can be noisy, they don't cause trouble. So don't worry.

Some of the pattern(s) used in this grammar

V+기

N+은/는

Shortened form

Instead of the full version V+기는(요) (Gentle refutation) can be shortened to 긴(요).

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