Korean Grammar Point
~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] (Whether... or... [honorific])

~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] (Whether... or... [honorific])

Short explanation:

Used to list two or more possibilities in a respectful manner.

Formation:

Verb + 시든지 / Adjective + 으시든지 / Noun + 이시든지

Examples:

선생님이 미리 알려 주시든지, 아니면 수업시간에 배우시든지 해야 학생들이 이해할 수 있을 것 같아요.
Seonsaengnimi miri allyeo jusideunji, animyeon sueopsigane baeusideunji haeya haksaengdeuri ihaehal su isseul geot gatayo.
Whether the teacher explains it ahead of time, or teaches it during the class, it seems like then the students will be able to understand.
아빠가 지금 집에 오시든지, 아니면 조금 늦게 오시든지, 저는 항상 환영해요.
Appaga jigeum jibe osideunji, animyeon jogeum neujge osideunji, jeoneun hangsang hwanyeonghaeyo.
Whether my dad comes home now, or comes a little late, I always welcome him.
할머니가 저녁에 전화하시든지, 아니면 메세지를 보내시든지 해요.
Halmeoniga jeonyeoge jeonhwahasideunji, animyeon mesijireul bonaesideunji haeyo.
Whether my grandmother calls in the evening, or sends a message, she does so.
의사 선생님이 약을 처방하시든지, 아니면 수술을 권고하시든지, 환자는 항상 존중받아야 해요.
Uisa seonsaengnimi yageul cheobanghasideunji, animyeon susureul gwongohasideunji, hwanjaneun hangsang jonjunghabaeya haeyo.
Whether the doctor prescribes medication, or recommends surgery, the patient should always be respected.

Long explanation:

The grammar point ~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] is used to list out multiple possibilities in an honorable or respectful manner, used frequently when talking about someone in a higher position or an elder. The listed possibilities do not have to be entirely likely or true, as it is used loosely to respect the freedom of choices or opinions of others. The main idea behind using this grammar is to show respect while expressing uncertainties or possibilities.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] (Whether... or... [honorific])

Korean Grammar Point: ~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] (Whether... or... [honorific])

Grammar Point: ~(으)시든지 [(eu)sideunji] (Whether... or... [honorific])

1. Introduction

The expression ~(으)시든지 is a grammatical structure used to indicate a choice or alternatives, similar to the English phrase "whether... or...". This expression is particularly respectful and is used when talking about elders or individuals of higher social status.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~(으)시든지 is used to present two or more alternatives in a respectful manner. It carries a tone of flexibility or indifference to the choice being made.

Structure

  • Basic Structure:

    • Verb stem + (으)시든지
    • 예: 가다 (gada) -> 가시든지 (gasideunji), 먹다 (meokda) -> 드시든지 (deusideunji)
  • Honorific Form:

    • The inclusion of "시" indicates a higher level of respect, which is key when addressing or referring to someone older or of a higher status.

Formation Diagram

[Verb Stem] + (으)시든지 → [Choice 1] or [Choice 2]

Visual Aids

Verb Stem Honorific Form Full Expression
가다 (gada) 가시- 가시든지 (gasideunji)
먹다 (meokda) 드시- 드시든지 (deusideunji)
자다 (jada) 주무시- 주무시든지 (jumusideunji)

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar expressions include:

  • -(으)면: This is used for conditional statements (if...).
  • -든지 (non-honorific): The same alternatives can be expressed informally without the honorific particle.

Comparison Table

Grammar Point Usage Honorific
~(으)시든지 Options with respect Yes
~(으)면 Conditional expressions No
~(으)든지 Non-respectful options No

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal Context:
    • 교수님, 오시든지 아니면 이메일로 연락하시든지요?
      • Translation: Professor, whether you come or contact me via email is fine.
  2. Informal Context:
    • 너 와서 먹든지 아니면 다른 날에 오든지 해.
      • Translation: You can either come and eat or come another day.
  3. Written Context:
    • 우리는 이번 주 금요일에 모임을 가질 것인데, 참석하시든지 아니면 다음 모임에 오시든지 말씀해 주십시오.
      • Translation: We will have a meeting this Friday, please let us know whether you will attend or come to the next meeting.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, addressing elders or superiors with honorifics is significant. Using ~(으)시든지 reflects respect and acknowledges the social hierarchy in relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • "농담이든지 진담이든지" - "Whether it's joking or serious" showcases how this pattern can be used in informal settings as well.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Mistakes: Failing to use the honorific form when speaking to someone of higher status can be seen as disrespectful.
  • Tip: Make sure to practice using the structure with different verbs to become comfortable with the forms.

Learning Strategies

  • Create flashcards with different verb stems and their honorific forms to reinforce memory.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~(으)시든지 is a respectful way to express choices or alternatives.
  • It is crucial to use honorifics appropriately in social contexts.
  • Practice with various verb stems to become proficient.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~(으)시든지 express?
  2. How do you form the honorific variant of the verb "가다"?
  3. Give an example sentence using ~(으)시든지 in a formal context.

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