Korean grammar patterns › Level 5
-되
(do) …, but (with the condition that …)
Level 5 · TOPIK II · advanced
How to use it
Allows or accepts clause 1 and then adds a condition, limit or extra detail in clause 2. Typical of advice, rules and instructions; it sounds formal and somewhat old-fashioned.
Forming it
| 가다 | → 가되 |
| 먹다 | → 먹되 |
| 마시다 | → 마시되 |
| 학생 | → 학생이되 |
Not a simple 'but' between two facts; for plain contrast use -지만 or -(으)나.
Examples
술은 마시되 너무 많이 마시지는 마세요.
Drink if you like, but don't drink too much.
돈은 빌려주되 꼭 날짜를 정하세요.
Lend the money if you want, but be sure to set a date.
Compared with similar patterns
-지만 / -(으)나 just contrast two facts; -되 accepts the first part and then limits it ('yes, but only if / in this way').