Processing keyword: ~든지 ~든지 [deunji deunji] (Either ... or)
Korean Grammar Point: ~든지 ~든지 [deunji deunji] (Either ... or)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing choices or alternatives is an essential part of conversation. The grammar pattern ~든지 ~든지 is used to indicate "either... or..." when presenting options. Mastering this pattern will enhance your ability to discuss preferences, possibilities, and choices in Korean.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The pattern ~든지 ~든지 means "either... or..." and is used to list options without emphasizing any preference. It implies that any of the options are acceptable or possible.
Structure
Attach ~든지 to the verb or noun stems of each option you want to present.
Formation Diagram
Option A Verb/Noun Stem + 든지 + Option B Verb/Noun Stem + 든지
Detailed Explanation
- Verb Usage: When using verbs, you attach ~든지 directly to the verb stem.
먹다 (to eat) → 먹든지 마시다 (to drink) → 마시든지 - Noun Usage: When using nouns, you attach ~(이)든지 to the noun.
If the noun ends with a consonant, use 이든지.커피 (coffee) → 커피든지 차 (tea) → 차든지학생 (student) → 학생이든지 - Adjective Usage: Similar to verbs, attach ~든지 to the adjective stem.
크다 (big) → 크든지 작다 (small) → 작든지
Visual Aid: Structure Table
| Part of Speech | Stem | + 든지 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb | 먹다 | 먹 + 든지 | 먹든지 |
| Noun (vowel) | 커피 | 커피 + 든지 | 커피든지 |
| Noun (consonant) | 학생 | 학생 + 이든지 | 학생이든지 |
| Adjective | 예쁘다 | 예쁘 + 든지 | 예쁘든지 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
- 거나 (~geona): Also means "or" but is used to present options, often implying that only one of them will actually occur.
먹거나 마시거나 해요. (I eat or drink.) - 든(~deun): A shortened, less formal version of ~든지.
Differences and Nuances
- ~든지 ~든지 emphasizes that any of the options are equally acceptable.
- 거나 often suggests a selection between options, possibly excluding the others.
- ~든지 can be used more flexibly to show indifference or inclusiveness of options.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- Formal Written
No matter if it rains or snows tomorrow, the event will proceed.내일은 비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 행사는 진행됩니다. - Informal Spoken
Let's decide whether to watch a movie or go shopping.영화 보든지 쇼핑하든지 결정하자. - Polite Conversation
On the weekend, do as you wish, whether you stay home or go out.주말에 집에 있든지 나가든지 편한 대로 하세요. - Casual Chat
Either you or I have to go.너든지 나든지 가야 해. - Expressing Indifference
I don't care what we eat.뭐를 먹든지 난 상관없어.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness and Formality
- The ~든지 ~든지 pattern is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- Adjust the level of politeness with the rest of the sentence endings.
Idiomatic Expressions
있으나 없으나 마찬가지다. It's the same whether it's there or not.
알든지 말든지 해라. Know it or not, do as you please.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Omitting 이 with Nouns Ending in Consonants Incorrect: 학생든지 Correct: 학생이든지
- Confusing with 거나 Mixing up ~든지 and ~거나 can change the nuance of the sentence.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of ~든지 as "doesn't matter which (do you) choose," since it presents options equally.
- Practice Pairing: Create sentences using pairs of verbs or nouns to get comfortable with attaching ~든지.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~든지 ~든지 is used to express "either... or..." and presents options equally.
- Attach ~든지 to verb or adjective stems and ~(이)든지 to nouns.
- It differs from ~거나 in nuance, emphasizing inclusiveness or indifference.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach ~든지 to the noun 학교? Answer: 학교든지
- Translate the following sentence:
Answer: Please choose whether to read or write.읽든지 쓰든지 선택하세요. - What is a common mistake when using ~든지 ~든지 with nouns? Answer: Forgetting to use 이든지 after nouns ending with a consonant.
By mastering ~든지 ~든지, you enhance your ability to discuss options and preferences smoothly in Korean conversations. Keep practicing with different verbs, nouns, and adjectives to become more confident!