하든지 (ha-deun-ji, hadeunji) · 든지 (deun-ji, deunji) · 거나 (geo-na, geona)
하든지 (ha-deun-ji), 든지 (deun-ji), and 거나 (geo-na) all express choices or listing, but 하든지 is mainly for verbs with an imperative or suggestive nuance, 든지 can connect nouns or verbs neutrally, and 거나 connects verbs in a simple or factual way, differing in nuance and grammar.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Attached mainly to verbs, it presents two or more actions or choices, often leaving the decision to the listener or suggesting options.
When to use
Presenting choices, Expressing suggestions, Verb-focused
The nuance
Attaches to verb stems as ‘~하든지 ~하든지’, expressing choice or suggestion to the listener; not used with nouns.
Attaches to nouns or verbs to indicate an indefinite choice among several options, expressing a neutral, inclusive listing or selection.
When to use
Noun selection, Neutral listing, Indefinite choice
The nuance
Attaches to nouns or verbs to indicate unspecified choice or listing; unlike 하든지, it lacks a suggestion or imperative nuance.
Mainly attaches to verbs to connect two or more actions or states, expressing a simple or factual choice or listing.
When to use
Factual choice, Verb/adjective connection, Simple listing
The nuance
Attaches to verbs or adjectives as ‘거나’, used for simple factual choices or listings without suggestion or imperative nuance.
커피를 마시든지 차를 마시든지 골라.
keo-pi-reul ma-si-deun-ji cha-reul ma-si-deun-ji gol-ra., keo pi reul ma si deun ji cha reul ma si deun ji gol ra.
하든지 attaches to verbs and clearly conveys choice and suggestion.
책을 읽거나 음악을 듣거나 좋아요.
chaek-eul ik-geo-na eum-ak-eul deut-geo-na joh-a-yo., chaek eul ik geo na eum ak eul deut geo na joh a yo.
거나 suits connecting verbs for simple listing or choice.
사과든지 바나나든지 먹고 싶어요.
sa-gwa-deun-ji ba-na-na-deun-ji meok-go sip-eo-yo., sa gwa deun ji ba na na deun ji meok go sip eo yo.
하든지 only attaches to verbs; use 든지 for nouns.
사과든지 바나나든지 맛있어요.
sa-gwa-deun-ji ba-na-na-deun-ji mas-iss-eo-yo., sa gwa deun ji ba na na deun ji mas iss eo yo.
하든지 implies suggestion; not suitable for simple statements.
우산을 가져가든지 안 가져가든지 상관없어요.
u-san-eul ga-jyeo-ga-deun-ji an ga-jyeo-ga-deun-ji sang-gwan-eop-eo-yo., u san eul ga jyeo ga deun ji an ga jyeo ga deun ji sang gwan eop eo yo.
하든지 attaches to verbs and expresses choice or indifference.
책이든지 영화든지 재미있어요.
chaek-i-deun-ji yeong-hwa-deun-ji jae-mi-iss-eo-yo., chaek i deun ji yeong hwa deun ji jae mi iss eo yo.
든지 attaches to nouns for neutral listing.
밥을 먹든지 텔레비전을 보든지 하자.
bap-eul meok-deun-ji tel-re-bi-jeon-eul bo-deun-ji ha-ja., bap eul meok deun ji tel re bi jeon eul bo deun ji ha ja.
하든지 attaches to verbs to express suggestion or choice.
밥을 먹거나 텔레비전을 보거나 하자.
bap-eul meok-geo-na tel-re-bi-jeon-eul bo-geo-na ha-ja., bap eul meok geo na tel re bi jeon eul bo geo na ha ja.
거나 also connects verbs for simple choice or listing.
Which attaches to nouns to indicate an indefinite choice?
Which is used to suggest or propose one of two verbs?
Which is used to simply list two verbs or adjectives?
