Dictionary — Entry No. 0610
근데
geunde · adverb
근데
geunde
[GEUN-deh]
adverbbeginner
Meaning
근데 is a casual contraction of 그런데 (geureonde), meaning ‘but,’ ‘however,’ or ‘by the way.’ It is one of the most frequently used conversational connectors in Korean, used both to introduce a contrasting idea and to pivot to a new topic entirely. Its flexibility makes it one of the first filler words K-learners master.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
In Crash Landing on You, characters often use 근데 to pivot between tense military tension and softer personal moments, softening dramatic transitions in unexpected ways. TWICE members frequently reach for 근데 in behind-the-scenes content when changing subjects mid-interview, revealing how natural it sounds in casual idol speech. IVE’s Wonyoung uses 근데 in fan live sessions so frequently that fans joke it has become her verbal signature.
Example Sentences
근데, 그거 알아?
Geunde, geugeo ara?
By the way, did you know that? (topic shift — not a contradiction at all)
근데 왜 그랬어?
Geunde wae geuraesseo?
But why did you do that? (introducing a contrasting question)
좋아. 근데 좀 이상해.
Joha. Geunde jom isanghe.
It’s nice. But it’s a bit strange. (classic contrast usage in everyday speech)
⚠️ Don’t use geunde when…
근데 is informal — in formal writing, speeches, or job interviews, you must use the full form 그런데 instead. Also, don’t default to translating 근데 as ‘but’ every time — it very often means ‘by the way’ when shifting topics rather than contrasting ideas.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — used by characters to pivot between serious survival conversations and unexpectedly tender personal moments
- K-Pop: TWICE — What is Love?
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.