Korean Grammar Point
~으나마나 [eunamana] (It's no use, to no avail)

~으나마나 [eunamana] (It's no use, to no avail)

Short explanation:

Used to convey the meaning that an action, effort, or expectation was in vain or had no effect.

Formation:

Verb-으나마나

Examples:

나는 시험을 잘 볼려고 열심히 공부했으나마나, 결과는 항상 만족스럽지 않았어요.
Naneun siheomeul jal bollyeogo yeolsimhi gongbuhaesseumana, gyeolgwa-neun hangsang manjokseureobji anh-ass-eyo.
Despite studying hard to do well in the exam, the result was always unsatisfactory.
우리는 빨리 도착하기 위해 택시를 탔으나마나, 결국 지각했어요.
Urineun ppalli dochak hagi wihae taeksi-reul tass-eumana, gyeolguk jigaghayeo.
Despite taking a taxi to arrive quickly, we ended up being late.
그는 병원에 가서 약을 가져왔으나마나, 증상이 전혀 나아지지 않았어요.
Geuneun byeong-won-e gaseo yag-eul gajyeowass-eumana, jeung-gang-i jeonhyeo naajiji anh-ass-eyo.
Despite going to the hospital and getting medicine, the symptoms didn't improve at all.
난 그녀에게 사과했으나마나, 그녀는 나를 용서하지 않았어요.
Nan geunyeo-ege sagwahaess-eumana, geunyeo-neun naleul yongseohaji anh-ass-eyo.
Although I apologized to her, she did not forgive me.

Long explanation:

The grammar point '~으나마나 [eunamana]' is used in Korean sentences to express the idea of futile effort or no effect. Its use implies that the expected outcome did not come to pass, or that the action, despite being done, resulted in no meaningful or positive result. This grammar point is generally used in negative contexts.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~으나마나 [eunamana] (It's no use, to no avail)

Korean Grammar Point: ~으나마나 [eunamana] (It's no use, to no avail)

으나마나 (eunamana) (It's no use, to no avail)

1. Introduction

In Korean, the expression ~으나마나 is used to convey that an action will not influence the outcome; that is, "it's no use" doing something because the result will be the same regardless. This grammar point emphasizes the futility or ineffectiveness of an action.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

Meaning:
The phrase ~으나마나 translates to "whether you do it or not," suggesting that an action is pointless because it doesn't affect the outcome. Usage:

  • Attach ~으나마나 to the stem of an action verb to indicate that doing the action will not make a difference.
  • Commonly used to express that an effort is unnecessary due to its ineffectiveness.
  • Often followed by phrases like 소용없다 ("it's useless") or 결과가 똑같다 ("the result is the same").

Structure

Formation Diagram

For Action Verbs:

  1. Verb stem ending with a consonant:
    • Verb stem + 으나마나
    • Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으나마나
  2. Verb stem ending with a vowel:
    • Verb stem + 나마나
    • Example: 가다 (to go) → 가나마나

Visual Aids

Formation Table

Verb Verb Stem Ending Result
먹다 (to eat) Consonant 으나마나
가다 (to go) Vowel 나마나
읽다 (to read) Consonant 으나마나
오다 (to come) Vowel 나마나

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

  1. ~아/어 봤자 (Even if you try...)
    • Usage: Suggests that even if an action is attempted, the outcome won't change.
    • Example:
      말해 봤자 소용없어요.
      (It's no use talking.)
    • Difference:
      ~아/어 봤자 implies making an attempt that is likely to fail, whereas ~으나마나 expresses that the action is inherently futile without the need to attempt.
  2. ~어도/아도 (Even if...)
    • Usage: Conveys a conditional "even if," introducing a hypothetical situation.
    • Example:
      늦어도 괜찮아요.
      (Even if you're late, it's okay.)
    • Difference:
      ~어도/아도 is neutral and conditional, whereas ~으나마나 emphasizes inevitability and the uselessness of the action.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

  1. 회의에 참석하나마나 결과는 동일합니다.
    (It's no use attending the meeting; the outcome is the same.)
  2. 그 문제는 논의하나마나 해결되지 않을 것입니다.
    (Discussing that issue is pointless; it won't be resolved.)

Informal Situations

  1. 물어보나마나 똑같아.
    (It's no use asking; it's the same.)
  2. 해 보나마나야. 시간 낭비야.
    (It's pointless to try; it's a waste of time.)

Written Context

  1. 이 계획은 검토하나마나 승인되지 않을 것이다.
    (Reviewing this plan is futile; it won't be approved.)

Spoken Context

  1. 그 영화는 보나마나 재미없어.
    (It's no use watching the movie; it's uninteresting.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Indirect Communication:
    Korean language often uses indirect expressions to convey negative sentiments politely. Using ~으나마나 is a way to express futility without being too direct or harsh.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • Formal Speech:
    Used in professional or formal settings with appropriate verb endings.
    Example: 검사하나마나입니다. (There's no use testing it.)
  • Informal Speech:
    Common among friends or close acquaintances without formal endings.
    Example: 시도하나마나야. (It's pointless to attempt.)

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 보나마나 뻔하다 (It's obvious without even looking.)
    • Usage: To express that the outcome is evident.
    • Example:
      결과는 보나마나 뻔해.
      (The result is obvious.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Wrong Attachment with Vowel Ending Verbs
    • Incorrect: 가 으나마나
    • Correct: 가 나마나
  2. Using with Adjectives
    • Incorrect: 아름답 으나마나
    • Correct Usage: ~으나마나 is typically used with action verbs, not adjectives.

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Ending:
    For verbs ending with a consonant, think of adding "으" similar to other grammar patterns like ~을 것이다.
  • Practice Common Verbs:
    Create example sentences with verbs you frequently use to become comfortable with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~으나마나 expresses the futility of an action, meaning "it's no use" or "to no avail."
  • Attach ~으나마나 to action verb stems: 으나마나 after consonants, 나마나 after vowels.
  • Not used with adjectives; primarily for action verbs.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of ~으나마나: (읽다) 책은 ________ 이해할 수 없어요.

    Answer: 읽으나마나
    (It's no use reading the book; you can't understand it.)

  2. True or False: ~으나마나 can be used with adjectives.

    Answer: False
    It's typically used with action verbs.

  3. Choose the correct form to complete the sentence: 문을 두드리____ 아무도 없을 거예요. a) 나마나
    b) 으나마나

    Answer: b) 으나마나
    Because 두드리다 ends with a consonant sound "ㄹ" in 두드리.


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