Processing keyword: ~하든지 말든지 [hadeunji maldeunji] (Whether... or not)

Korean Grammar Point: ~하든지 말든지 [hadeunji maldeunji] (Whether... or not)

1. Introduction

The Korean grammar construct ~하든지 말든지 is used to express the meaning "whether (do something) or not." It's a way to indicate that the outcome or action does not affect the speaker's stance or that the decision is left entirely up to someone else.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ~하든지 말든지 is attached to verbs to indicate "whether you do it or not."
• It conveys indifference or lack of concern about the action being taken.

Structure

The structure involves attaching ~든지 말든지 to the verb stem.

Verb Stem + ~든지 말든지

Formation Diagram

Verb Type	Verb Stem	+ 든지 말든지	Complete Form
하다 (to do)	하	하든지 말든지	하든지 말든지
먹다 (to eat)	먹	먹든지 말든지	먹든지 말든지
가다 (to go)	가	가든지 말든지	가든지 말든지
읽다 (to read)	읽	읽든지 말든지	읽든지 말든지

Detailed Explanation

• Verb Stem: Remove the -다 ending from the dictionary form of the verb.
• Attach ~든지 말든지 directly to the verb stem.
• The construct can be used with any verb, and it doesn't change form based on tense or politeness level; adjustments are made elsewhere in the sentence.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ~거나 말거나

• ~거나 말거나 is another expression meaning "whether... or not," but it's less common in modern usage and can sound harsher or more dismissive.
• ~하든지 말든지 is slightly more neutral and commonly used in spoken Korean.

Grammar Point	Usage	Tone
~하든지 말든지	Whether do or not; indifferent	Neutral, casual
~거나 말거나	Whether do or not; don't care	Dismissive, potentially rude

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Informal Spoken

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

2. Formal Spoken

   • 그분이 참석하든지 말든지 행사는 예정대로 진행됩니다.
     • Whether he attends or not, the event will proceed as scheduled.

3. Casual Conversation

   • 비가 오든지 말든지 축구할 거야?
     • Are you going to play soccer whether it rains or not?

4. Written Formal

   • 참가자가 신청을 하든지 말든지 우리는 준비를 완료해야 합니다.
     • Whether participants sign up or not, we must complete the preparations.

5. Polite Informal

   • 맛있든지 말든지 한번 먹어 보세요.
     • Whether it's tasty or not, please try eating it once.

6. Expressing Indifference

   • 그가 성공하든지 말든지 내 알 바 아니다.
     • Whether he succeeds or not is none of my business.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirect Communication: Korean language often uses indirect expressions. Using ~하든지 말든지 allows speakers to express indifference without being overtly confrontational.
• Politeness Levels: While the structure itself doesn't change, the overall sentence should match the appropriate politeness level based on the context and the listener.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 알 바 아니다: An idiom meaning "it's none of my business," often used with ~하든지 말든지 to emphasize indifference.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Attaching to Adjectives: This grammar point is typically used with verbs, not adjectives.

   • Incorrect: 예쁘든지 말든지 신경 안 써.
   • Corrected: 그 사람이 예쁘든 못생기든 신경 안 써.

2. Politeness Mismatch: Using casual forms in formal situations.

   • Incorrect: 고객이 오든지 말든지 기다리지 말자.
   • Corrected: 고객님이 오시든지 말든지 기다리지 맙시다.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of "Do it or don't do it" as a way to remember ~하든지 말든지.
• Practice: Create your own sentences by choosing different verbs to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~하든지 말든지 is used to express "whether do or not" with a nuance of indifference.
• Attach ~든지 말든지 directly to the verb stem.
• Ensure the rest of the sentence matches the appropriate politeness level.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ~하든지 말든지 with the verb 보다 (to see)?
   • Answer: 보든지 말든지
2. Translate the following sentence:
   • 비싸든지 말든지 살 거예요.
   • Answer: Whether it's expensive or not, I'll buy it.
3. Is ~하든지 말든지 used with adjectives?
   • Answer: No, it's typically used with verbs.

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Feel free to create your own sentences using ~하든지 말든지 to enhance your understanding!

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