-기는 하다 acknowledges something is true while implying a contrast - "I do X, but..." or "it is X, but..."
Concession - Admitting something before contradicting
Partial agreement - Yes, but...
Downplaying - Technically true, however...
It is tasty, but it is too expensive.
Often contracted to -긴 하다 in speech. The contrast clause may be implied.
-기는 contracts to -긴
- 먹기는 해요 → 먹긴 해요
- 좋기는 해요 → 좋긴 해요
Contrast often follows with 그런데/근데/지만
- 알긴 아는데... (I do know, but...)
- Sometimes contrast is just implied
Repeating the verb for emphasis
- 가기는 가요 (I am going, but...)
- 먹기는 먹었어요 (I did eat, but...)
I do know, but it is hard to explain.
I do exercise (but not much/regularly).
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