What is -(으)면서도 Grammar?
The -(으)면서도 grammar is used to describe simultaneity of contrasting actions or states. It emphasizes that even though one action/state exists or occurs, another contradictory action/state happens at the same time. It is similar to saying "even though... also..." or "while... but still..." in English.
This expression is the combined form of -면서 (while doing → simultaneity) and -아/어도 (also/even → contrast or addition)
 |
| 으면서도 grammar |
Key Characteristics:
- Connects two simultaneous actions or states.
- Shows contrast or contradiction between them.
- The subject of both clauses is usually the same.
How to Conjugate -(으)면서도
Verb or adjective stem ending in a consonant → -으면서도
- 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으면서도
- 춥다 (to be cold) → 추우면서도
Verb or adjective stem ending in a vowel → -면서도
- 가다 (to go) → 가면서도
- 예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘면서도
Noun + ‘이다’ → (이)면서도
(He is rich, yet lives frugally.)
그 사람은 친절하면서도 무서워요.
(He’s kind but also scary.)
(I was smiling, but crying inside.)
그녀는 돈이 없으면서도 명품만 사요.
(Even though she doesn't have money, she only buys luxury goods.)
(That person is kind yet strict.)
2. 이 옷은 저렴하면서도 품질이 좋아요.
(This clothing is cheap but also high quality.)
3. 그는 화를 내면서도 목소리는 차분했어요.
4. 한국어를 공부하면서도 집중을 모했어요.
(Although I was studying Korean, I couldn't concentrate)
5. 그녀는 웃으면서도 눈물을 흘렸어요.
(She smiled while crying.)
6. 일이 힘들면서도 보람이 있어요.
(The work is hard but rewarding.)
7. 그는 무섭게 말하면서도 나를 도와줬어요.
(He spoke harshly but still helped me.)
8. 부모님은 엄격하면서도 자상하세요.
(My parents are strict but also caring.)
9. 피곤하면서도 잠을 못 잤어요.
10. 이 책은 지루하면서도 유익해요.
(The book was boring but also educational.)
2. 이 제품은 저렴하면서도 잘 작동해요.
3. 그는 웃으면서도 속으로는 행복하지 않았어요.
4. 여행은 피곤하면서도 재미있었어요.
- 학생이다 (to be a student) → 학생이면서도
When and How to Use -(으)면서도
1. To describe dual but conflicting qualities within a person or situation:
그는 부자이면서도 검소하게 살아요.(He is rich, yet lives frugally.)
그 사람은 친절하면서도 무서워요.
(He’s kind but also scary.)
2. To describe contradictory emotions or states:
웃으면서도 속으로는 울고 있었어요.(I was smiling, but crying inside.)
그녀는 돈이 없으면서도 명품만 사요.
(Even though she doesn't have money, she only buys luxury goods.)
Differences from Similar Grammar Patterns
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Usage Difference |
|---|---|---|
| -(으)면서도 | Even though A, still B | Simultaneous, contrasting actions or states |
| -아/어도 | Even if, although | Often hypothetical or contradiction |
| -(으)면서 | While doing A, also B | Simultaneous actions, not necessarily contradictory |
| -고도 | Even after doing A, B happened | Often unexpected or contradictory result after the first action |
Quick Comparison:
- -(으)면서도 → At the same time and contradictory
- -아/어도 → Hypothetical contradiction
- -(으)면서 → Simultaneous actions (neutral)
- -고도 → After doing A, unexpectedly B
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using with different subjects in both clauses- 그는 공부하면서도 나는 놀았어요. (Incorrect)
- 그는 공부하면서도 쉬고 싶어했어요. (Correct)
2. Using with two actions that aren’t contradictory
- 그는 노래를 부르면서도 춤을 췄어요. (Incorrect)
- 그는 노래를 부르면서 춤을 췄어요. (Correct)
Examples of -(으)면서도 in Use
1. 그 사람은 친절하면서도 엄격해요.(That person is kind yet strict.)
2. 이 옷은 저렴하면서도 품질이 좋아요.
(This clothing is cheap but also high quality.)
3. 그는 화를 내면서도 목소리는 차분했어요.
(He got angry but still spoke calmly.)
4. 한국어를 공부하면서도 집중을 모했어요.
(Although I was studying Korean, I couldn't concentrate)
5. 그녀는 웃으면서도 눈물을 흘렸어요.
(She smiled while crying.)
6. 일이 힘들면서도 보람이 있어요.
(The work is hard but rewarding.)
7. 그는 무섭게 말하면서도 나를 도와줬어요.
(He spoke harshly but still helped me.)
8. 부모님은 엄격하면서도 자상하세요.
(My parents are strict but also caring.)
9. 피곤하면서도 잠을 못 잤어요.
(I was tired but couldn't sleep.)
10. 이 책은 지루하면서도 유익해요.
(The book was boring but also educational.)
Practice Sentences
Translate into Korean using -(으)면서도
1. The teacher is scary but also kind.2. This product is cheap but works well.
3. He was smiling but not happy inside.
4. The trip was tiring but fun.
Answers
1. 선생님은 무서우면서도 친절해요.2. 이 제품은 저렴하면서도 잘 작동해요.
3. 그는 웃으면서도 속으로는 행복하지 않았어요.
4. 여행은 피곤하면서도 재미있었어요.
Keywords for SEO
- -(으)며서도 grammar meaning
- Korean grammar -(으)면서도 usage
- How to use -(으)면서도 in Korean
- -(으)면서도 example sentences
- -(으)면서도 vs -지만
- Korean contrast grammar patterns
- Learn Korean contradictory grammar
- Korean simultaneous contrast grammar