Processing keyword: ~라든지 ~라든지 [radenji radenji] (Either or)
Korean Grammar Point: ~라든지 ~라든지 [radenji radenji] (Either or)
1. Introduction
In Korean, expressing choices or alternatives is essential for everyday conversation. The grammar point ~라든지 ~라든지 [radenji radenji] is used to list examples among various options, similar to "either... or..." or "such as... and..." in English. This structure helps convey flexibility or multiple possibilities without specifying all options.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
The construction ~라든지 ~라든지 is used to:
- List multiple examples among possible options.
- Express that any of the mentioned examples (or others) are applicable.
- Imply that the speaker is offering choices or illustrating possibilities. Equivalent expressions in English include:
- "Such as... or..."
- "Either... or..."
- "Things like... and..."
Structure
The structure combines verbs, adjectives, or nouns with ~라든지 to list examples.
Formation
For action verbs and descriptive verbs (adjectives) in the present tense:
| Verb Base Form | Attach |
|---|---|
| 가다 (to go) | 가라든지 |
| 먹다 (to eat) | 먹는다든지 |
| 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁘다든지 |
| For nouns: | |
| Noun | Attach |
| ------------- | ---------- |
| 책 (book) | 책이라든지 |
| 영화 (movie) | 영화라든지 |
Formation Diagram
[Verb stem/Adjective stem] + ~다든지
[Noun] + ~(이)라든지
... ~라든지 ~라든지 ...
Notes:
- Use ~(이)라든지 after nouns.
- Use ~다든지 after verb or adjective stems ending with 다.
- You can list two or more options using ~라든지 ~라든지.
Visual Aid: Structure Table
| Word Type | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Action Verb | ~다든지 | 하다든지 |
| Descriptive Verb | ~다든지 | 작다든지 |
| Noun (with 받침) | ~이라든지 | 집이라든지 |
| Noun (no 받침) | ~라든지 | 학교라든지 |
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing ~라든지 ~라든지 with ~거나 ~거나
While both structures are used to list options, there are nuances:
- ~거나 ~거나: Simply lists options, equivalents to "or" in English.
- Example: 먹거나 마시거나 (eat or drink)
- ~라든지 ~라든지: Lists examples among many possibilities, often implying that there are other options not listed.
- Example: 책을 읽는다든지 음악을 듣는다든지 (Reading books or listening to music) Key Difference:
- ~거나: Direct choices between options.
- ~라든지: Examples among many possibilities; less exhaustive.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Speech
- 회의에서 새로운 아이디어를 제안한다든지 문제점을 논의한다든지 해야 합니다.
- We need to either propose new ideas or discuss issues in the meeting.
- 주말에 등산을 간다든지 박물관을 방문한다든지 계획하고 있습니다.
- I'm planning to either go hiking or visit a museum this weekend.
Informal Speech
- 시간 있을 때 영화 본다든지 게임 한다든지 해.
- When you have time, you can either watch movies or play games.
- 밥 먹으러 간다든지 커피 마시러 간다든지 하자.
- Let's either go eat or grab some coffee.
Written Context
- 여름 방학 동안 여행을 간다든지 새로운 것을 배운다든지 유익한 시간을 보낼 수 있다.
- During summer vacation, one can spend time beneficially by either traveling or learning something new.
- 프로젝트에서는 데이터를 수집한다든지 분석한다든지 다양한 작업이 필요합니다.
- In a project, various tasks like collecting or analyzing data are necessary.
Spoken Context
- 오늘 저녁에 뭐 할 거야?
친구랑 만난다든지 집에서 쉰다든지 할 예정이야.
- What are you doing tonight?
- I'm planning to either meet a friend or rest at home.
- 스트레스 받을 때는 운동한다든지 음악을 듣는다든지 해봐.
- When you're stressed, try exercising or listening to music.
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness Levels
- Using ~라든지 ~라든지 is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
- Adjust the sentence endings to match the appropriate politeness level.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 뭐라든지 간에: No matter what (someone) says
- 예시: 사람들이 뭐라든지 간에 나는 내 길을 간다.
- No matter what people say, I go my own way.
- 예시: 사람들이 뭐라든지 간에 나는 내 길을 간다.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes
- Using ~거나 instead of ~라든지 when listing examples among possibilities.
- Incorrect: 책을 읽거나 영화를 본다.
- Better: 책을 읽는다든지 영화를 본다든지 한다.
- Forgetting to adjust nouns with (이)라든지.
- Incorrect: 영화라든지 음악 듣는다든지.
- Correct: 영화를 본다든지 음악을 듣는다든지.
Tips
- Remember that ~라든지 often pairs with verbs in the plain form.
- Use particles appropriately after nouns within the structure.
- Think of ~라든지 ~라든지 as providing non-exhaustive examples.
Mnemonic Device
- "라든지 lists like legends": Think of "라든지" as listing legendary options among many.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ~라든지 ~라든지 is used to list examples among many possibilities.
- It can be used with verbs and nouns.
- It implies flexibility and openness to options not explicitly mentioned.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you attach ~라든지 to the noun 음식 (food)?
- Answer: 음식이라든지
- What is a key difference between ~라든지 and ~거나?
- Answer: ~라든지 lists examples among possibilities (implying there are more), while ~거나 lists direct alternatives.
- Translate the following sentence using ~라든지:
- "Let's do things like go shopping or watch a movie."
- Answer: 쇼핑을 한다든지 영화를 본다든지 하자.
By understanding and practicing ~라든지 ~라든지, you can express options and possibilities more naturally in Korean conversations. Try creating your own sentences to become more familiar with this grammar point!