Processing keyword: ~이든지 ~든지 [ideunji deunji] (Whether… or)

Korean Grammar Point: ~이든지 ~든지 [ideunji deunji] (Whether… or)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing choices or possibilities often involves using the grammar point ~이든지 ~든지. This structure is equivalent to "whether... or" in English and is used to indicate that any of the given options are acceptable or that the outcome is the same regardless of the choice.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~이든지 ~든지 is used to:

• Express that any of the options are acceptable.
• Indicate that the result is the same regardless of the choices.
• Convey flexibility or indifference among options.

Structure

For Nouns:

Ending of Noun	Attach	Example
Ends with consonant	-이든지	책 이든지
Ends with vowel	-든지	영화 든지

For Verbs and Adjectives:

Attach -든지 directly to the verb or adjective stem.

Type	Formation	Example
Verb/Adjective	Verb/Adj. Stem + 든지	먹 든지, 크 든지

Formation Diagram

For Nouns:

[Noun] + (이)든지

For Verbs/Adjectives:

[Verb/Adjective Stem] + 든지

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 거나

• 거나 is used to list alternatives but is only used with verbs and adjectives.
• ~이든지 ~든지 can be used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
• ~이든지 ~든지 often emphasizes that any option is acceptable.

Grammar Point	Usage	Example
거나	Verb/Adjective alternatives	먹거나 마신다 (eat or drink)
~(이)든지	Noun/Verb/Adjective alternatives	책이든지 영화든지 좋아요 (I like either books or movies)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Written

   • 시간이 있을 때는 책이든지 영화든지 봅니다.
     • When I have time, I read books or watch movies.

2. Informal Spoken

   • 네가 오든지 말든지 난 갈 거야.
     • Whether you come or not, I'm going.

3. Polite Spoken

   • 무엇을 먹든지 다 맛있을 거예요.
     • Whatever we eat, it will all be delicious.

4. Formal Spoken

   • 내일 비가 오든지 안 오든지 행사는 진행됩니다.
     • Whether it rains or not tomorrow, the event will proceed.

Breakdown of an Example

• 네가 가든지 말든지 상관없어.
  • 네가: You (informal)
  • 가: Go
  • 든지 말든지: Whether or not
  • 상관없어: I don't care
  • I don't care whether you go or not.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness Levels

• The use of ~이든지 ~든지 does not inherently convey politeness or informality.
• Politeness is typically adjusted through sentence endings rather than the use of this grammar point.
• However, being aware of the context and choosing appropriate vocabulary is important in Korean culture.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 죽든지 살든지
  • Whether I die or live (An expression used to indicate doing something with full commitment)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Misplacing (이)
   • Incorrect: 영화이든지 (when 영화 ends with a vowel)
   • Correct: 영화든지
2. Confusing with ~(으)나
   • ~(으)나 means "but" or "although", not "whether... or".
   • ~(이)든지 expresses options, whereas ~(으)나 expresses contrast.

Learning Tips

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 든지 as "doesn’t matter which one".
• Practice: Create sentences using nouns, verbs, and adjectives to get comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~이든지 ~든지 means "whether... or..."
• Used with nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
• Indicates that any of the options are acceptable or the outcome is the same.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you attach ~이든지 ~든지 to a noun ending with a consonant?
2. Translate to Korean: "Whether it's tea or coffee, I like both."
3. What is a common mistake when using ~이든지 ~든지?

Answers:

1. Attach -이든지 after nouns ending with a consonant.
2. 차이든지 커피든지 둘 다 좋아해요.
3. Misplacing (이) by not matching it with the noun ending (vowel or consonant).

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Feel free to practice by making your own sentences using ~이든지 ~든지 to solidify your understanding!

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