Using '어쨌든' to Move Conversation Forward
Wrap up tangents, redirect topics, and keep conversations flowing naturally.
Iru Helper Note
어쨌든 lets you say "anyway" or "regardless" — closing a side point and steering back to what matters.
어쨌든, 중요한 건 우리가 같이 간다는 거예요.
(Anyway, the important thing is that we're going together.)
🎯 What You'll Learn Today
어쨌든 (and its variants 어쨌든 간에 and 아무튼) are essential tools for managing conversation flow. They help you close off a digression, signal a conclusion, redirect to the main point, or move past disagreement. Knowing when and how to use these will make you sound far more fluent and conversationally in control.
📌 어쨌든 and Related Expressions
Expression | Meaning / Function | Formality |
어쨌든 | Anyway / regardless | Neutral |
어쨌든 간에 | Regardless / either way (slightly emphatic) | Neutral |
아무튼 | Anyway / anyhow (casual variant) | Casual |
아무튼 간에 | Anyway, regardless (casual + emphatic) | Casual |
그건 그렇고 | Anyway, setting that aside | Neutral |
그래도 어쨌든 | Even so, anyway | Neutral |
뭐, 어쨌든 | Well, anyway (with a shrug feel) | Casual |
어쨌든 간에, 결론은 | Regardless, the conclusion is | Neutral |
그건 나중에 얘기하고 | Let's talk about that later | Casual |
본론으로 돌아가서 | Getting back to the main point | Semi-formal |
💡 Key pattern: Use 어쨌든 / 아무튼 + main point you want to land: 어쨌든 빨리 결정해야 해요. (Anyway, we need to decide quickly.) 그건 그렇고, 오늘 뭐 먹을 거예요? (Anyway, what are we eating today?)
💬 Conversations in Action
Conversation 1 — Wrapping up a tangent
A: 그 영화 감독이 누구였더라… 이름이 기억이 안 나요.
(What was the director of that movie… I can't remember the name.)
B: 저도 모르겠어요. 아무튼, 영화 자체는 정말 좋았어요.
(I don't know either. Anyway, the movie itself was really good.)
A: 맞아요. 어쨌든 한번 꼭 봐야 해요.
(Right. Anyway, you definitely have to watch it.)
Conversation 2 — Moving past disagreement
A: 저는 그 방법이 맞는 것 같지 않아요.
(I don't think that method is right.)
B: 음… 저는 좀 다르게 생각하는데요. 그건 그렇고, 일단 시작해 볼까요?
(Hmm… I think a bit differently. Anyway, shall we just get started?)
A: 어쨌든 간에, 결과가 좋으면 되는 거잖아요.
(Regardless, as long as the result is good, right?)
🌏 Cultural Note — Moving On Without Dismissing
In Korean conversation, 어쨌든 and 아무튼 are socially gentle tools. They don't abruptly cut off the other person — they acknowledge the prior point while signaling a shift. 그건 그렇고 is especially useful because it literally means "about that, well…" — showing you registered what was said before pivoting. Use these instead of silence or awkward pauses when you want to redirect without seeming rude.
<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise
Use 어쨌든, 아무튼, or a related expression to move each conversation forward.
A. You've been discussing something complicated. Wrap it up and move on.
<summary>Answer
어쨌든, 결론은 우리가 내일 만나는 거예요.
(Anyway, the conclusion is we're meeting tomorrow.)
</summary>
B. Someone went off topic. Bring the conversation back to the plan.
<summary>Answer
아무튼, 오늘 계획 얘기로 돌아가요.
(Anyway, let's get back to talking about today's plan.)
</summary>
C. You and a friend have different opinions but want to move forward.
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 간에, 각자 하고 싶은 대로 하면 되지 않을까요?
(Regardless, couldn't we each just do what we want?)
</summary>
D. You forgot a detail and want to move past it without dwelling.
<summary>Answer
뭐, 아무튼, 중요한 건 아니에요. 다음으로 넘어가요.
(Well, anyway, it's not important. Let's move on.)
</summary>
E. You want to pivot to asking about lunch plans after a long topic.
<summary>Answer
그건 그렇고, 오늘 점심 어디서 먹을 거예요?
(Anyway, where are we eating lunch today?)
</summary>
F. Wrap up a discussion about plans and state the key point.
<summary>Answer
어쨌든, 빨리 결정해야 해요. 시간이 없어요.
(Anyway, we need to decide quickly. There's no time.)
</summary>
G. Someone brought up something you want to address later.
<summary>Answer
그건 나중에 얘기하고, 일단 지금 할 일 먼저 해요.
(Let's talk about that later, and for now let's do what needs to be done first.)
</summary>
H. You're summarizing a long explanation.
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 간에, 결론은 같이 하면 더 좋다는 거예요.
(Regardless, the conclusion is it's better if we do it together.)
</summary>
I. Your conversation went off track and you want to refocus naturally.
<summary>Answer
본론으로 돌아가서, 제가 하고 싶었던 말은 이거예요.
(Getting back to the main point, this is what I wanted to say.)
</summary>
J. Close a complex topic with a casual "anyway."
<summary>Answer
뭐, 어쨌든. 잘 될 거예요.
(Well, anyway. It'll work out.)
</summary>
Expression Reference
Expression | Nuance/Key |
어쨌든 | Neutral "anyway" |
아무튼 | Casual "anyway/anyhow" |
그건 그렇고 | "Anyway, setting that aside" |
어쨌든 간에 | Emphatic "regardless" |
그건 나중에 얘기하고 | "Let's table that" |
본론으로 돌아가서 | "Back to the main point" |
뭐, 어쨌든 | Casual shrug + move on |
Flow Tip
어쨌든 + [action/conclusion] is the most versatile pattern. 그건 그렇고 is perfect when you genuinely want to acknowledge the previous topic before pivoting. Pick whichever fits the formality of your conversation.
</summary>
Want more reps?
In your next Korean conversation, deliberately use 어쨌든 or 그건 그렇고 at least once to redirect or wrap up. These are incredibly common in natural speech and will make you sound fluent fast.
📦 Practice Hub — Using '어쨌든' to Move Forward
Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression
Pick the most natural expression for each situation.
A. You want to wrap up a long explanation and state the bottom line.
a) 그건 나중에 얘기하고
b) 어쨌든 간에, 결론은
c) 본론으로 돌아가서
<summary>Answer
b) 어쨌든 간에, 결론은 — Emphatic "regardless, the conclusion is."
B. In casual conversation with a friend, you want to say "anyway."
a) 본론으로 돌아가서
b) 아무튼
c) 어쨌든 간에
<summary>Answer
b) 아무튼 — Most casual variant; natural with friends.
C. You want to pivot to a new topic while acknowledging the current one.
a) 어쨌든
b) 그건 그렇고
c) 뭐, 어쨌든
<summary>Answer
b) 그건 그렇고 — "Anyway, setting that aside" — acknowledges before pivoting.
D. You want to table a side topic for later without dropping it.
a) 뭐, 어쨌든
b) 그건 나중에 얘기하고
c) 아무튼 간에
<summary>Answer
b) 그건 나중에 얘기하고 — "Let's talk about that later" — explicitly defers.
E. You want to get back to the main point in a slightly more formal way.
a) 본론으로 돌아가서
b) 뭐, 아무튼
c) 그건 그렇고
<summary>Answer
a) 본론으로 돌아가서 — "Getting back to the main point" — more structured/formal feel.
F. After a disagreement, you want to move forward without resolving it.
a) 어쨌든 간에, 일단 해봐요
b) 그건 나중에 얘기하고, 그렇죠
c) 뭐, 본론으로
<summary>Answer
a) 어쨌든 간에, 일단 해봐요 — "Regardless, let's just try it."
G. Casual close to a random tangent with a shrug feel.
a) 어쨌든 간에
b) 뭐, 어쨌든
c) 본론으로 돌아가서
<summary>Answer
b) 뭐, 어쨌든 — Casual, relaxed "well, anyway" with a shrug tone.
H. You want to emphasize "regardless of what either of us thinks."
a) 아무튼
b) 어쨌든 간에
c) 그건 그렇고
<summary>Answer
b) 어쨌든 간에 — The 간에 adds "regardless of either option."
I. You realized the conversation went off topic and want to refocus gently.
a) 어쨌든, 본래 얘기로 돌아가면
b) 뭐, 어쨌든 간에
c) 아무튼, 결론은
<summary>Answer
a) 어쨌든, 본래 얘기로 돌아가면 — "Anyway, getting back to what we were originally talking about."
J. Close a minor detail discussion and move to the key point.
a) 그건 그렇고, 중요한 건
b) 뭐, 본론으로 돌아가서
c) 아무튼 간에, 그렇죠
<summary>Answer
a) 그건 그렇고, 중요한 건 — "Anyway, the important thing is."
Quick Reference
Expression | Feel |
어쨌든 | Neutral wrap-up |
아무튼 | Casual "anyway" |
그건 그렇고 | Acknowledge + pivot |
어쨌든 간에 | Emphatic regardless |
그건 나중에 얘기하고 | Table for later |
본론으로 돌아가서 | Formal refocus |
뭐, 어쨌든 | Casual shrug + move on |
Nuance Warning
아무튼 is fine with friends but can sound too casual with seniors or in professional settings. In those contexts, use 어쨌든 or 그건 그렇고 instead. The meaning is the same — the formality level differs.
Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation
Translate each sentence capturing the conversational pivot naturally.
A. 어쨌든, 오늘 안에 끝내야 해요.
<summary>Answer
Anyway, it needs to be finished by today.
B. 그건 그렇고, 저녁은 뭐 먹을 거예요?
<summary>Answer
Anyway, what are you eating for dinner?
C. 아무튼, 잘 될 거예요. 너무 걱정하지 마요.
<summary>Answer
Anyway, it'll work out. Don't worry too much.
D. 어쨌든 간에, 결론은 같이 해야 한다는 거예요.
<summary>Answer
Regardless, the conclusion is we need to do it together.
E. 그건 나중에 얘기하고, 일단 지금 할 일 먼저 해요.
<summary>Answer
Let's talk about that later — for now let's do what needs to be done first.
F. 본론으로 돌아가서, 제가 하고 싶었던 말은 이거예요.
<summary>Answer
Getting back to the main point, this is what I wanted to say.
G. 뭐, 어쨌든. 다 끝났으니까 이제 쉬어요.
<summary>Answer
Well, anyway. It's all done now so let's rest.
H. 어쨌든, 중요한 건 우리가 같이 간다는 거잖아요.
<summary>Answer
Anyway, the important thing is that we're going together, right.
I. 아무튼 간에, 결과가 어떻게 나오든 최선을 다했어요.
<summary>Answer
Regardless, we did our best no matter how the result turns out.
J. 그건 그렇고, 요즘 어떻게 지내요?
<summary>Answer
Anyway, how have you been lately?
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Korean | English |
오늘 안에 | By today / within today |
잘 되다 | To work out / go well |
결론 | Conclusion |
일단 | For now / first |
최선을 다하다 | To do one's best |
어떻게 나오든 | Regardless of how it turns out |
Translation Tip
어쨌든 and 아무튼 both translate as "anyway" — but 어쨌든 간에 is closer to "regardless" or "either way." 그건 그렇고 is more naturally "anyway" when pivoting topics, similar to "speaking of which" in some contexts.
Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence
Fill in the blank with the right pivot expression.
A. , 중요한 건 결과예요. (neutral "anyway")
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 — 어쨌든, 중요한 건 결과예요.
B. 간에, 우리가 결정해야 해요. (emphatic "regardless")
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 — 어쨌든 간에, 우리가 결정해야 해요.
C. , 오늘 날씨 좋네요. (casual pivot to new topic)
<summary>Answer
그건 그렇고 — 그건 그렇고, 오늘 날씨 좋네요.
D. 얘기하고, 지금은 이것만 해요. (table for later)
<summary>Answer
그건 나중에 — 그건 나중에 얘기하고, 지금은 이것만 해요.
E. , 빨리 시작해요. (casual "anyhow")
<summary>Answer
아무튼 — 아무튼, 빨리 시작해요.
F. 돌아가서, 처음 했던 얘기로요. (formal refocus)
<summary>Answer
본론으로 — 본론으로 돌아가서, 처음 했던 얘기로요.
G. 뭐, . 어렵긴 한데 해볼게요. (casual shrug + move on)
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 — 뭐, 어쨌든. 어렵긴 한데 해볼게요.
H. 간에, 결과가 좋으면 됐어요. (emphasize regardless)
<summary>Answer
아무튼 — 아무튼 간에, 결과가 좋으면 됐어요.
I. , 오늘 만나는 거 맞죠? (wrap up uncertainty)
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 / 아무튼 — 어쨌든, 오늘 만나는 거 맞죠?
J. 그래도 , 한번 해보는 게 낫지 않아요? (even so, anyway)
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 — 그래도 어쨌든, 한번 해보는 게 낫지 않아요?
Sentence Starters
Starter | Continues With |
어쨌든, | 중요한 건 / 결론은 |
아무튼, | [action / conclusion] |
그건 그렇고, | [new topic] |
그건 나중에 얘기하고, | [current priority] |
어쨌든 간에, | 결론은 / 우리가 |
본론으로 돌아가서, | [main point restatement] |
Production Tip
Try the pattern [어쨌든/아무튼] + [one clear action or conclusion]. Don't overthink it — these expressions exist precisely so you can move forward quickly. The shorter your sentence after 어쨌든, the more natural it sounds.
Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion
Complete B's response with a natural pivot expression.
A. A: 그 얘기가 맞는지 모르겠어요. B: (move forward anyway)
<summary>Answer
어쨌든, 일단 해봐요. 결과 보면 알 거예요.
(Anyway, let's just try. We'll know from the results.)
B. A: 요즘 날씨 얘기를 너무 많이 했네요. B: (pivot to something else)
<summary>Answer
그건 그렇고, 오늘 저녁 계획 있어요?
(Anyway, do you have plans this evening?)
C. A: 아직도 그 문제 해결이 안 됐어요. B: (table and focus on now)
<summary>Answer
그건 나중에 얘기하고, 오늘은 다른 것부터 해요.
(Let's talk about that later, and today let's start with something else.)
D. A: 제 생각은 좀 달라요. B: (acknowledge and move forward)
<summary>Answer
그건 그렇고, 어쨌든 간에 둘 다 해보면 되지 않을까요?
(Well, anyway, regardless couldn't we just try both?)
E. A: 설명이 너무 길었나요? B: (casual "anyhow")
<summary>Answer
아무튼, 이해했어요. 걱정하지 마세요.
(Anyway, I understood. Don't worry.)
F. A: 여러 방법이 있는데 다 얘기하면 복잡해요. B: (get back to the point)
<summary>Answer
본론으로 돌아가서, 제일 좋은 방법만 알려주세요.
(Getting back to the main point, just tell me the best method.)
G. A: 이게 맞는 건지 아닌지 모르겠어요. B: (move past the doubt)
<summary>Answer
뭐, 어쨌든. 해보는 거예요. 걱정 너무 하지 마요.
(Well, anyway. We're doing it. Don't worry too much.)
H. A: 처음에 계획이랑 많이 달라졌어요. B: (wrap up and conclude)
<summary>Answer
어쨌든 간에, 결과가 좋으면 됐어요. 잘 됐네요.
(Regardless, as long as the result is good it's fine. It worked out well.)
I. A: 왜 그렇게 됐는지 모르겠어요. B: (close the mystery and move on)
<summary>Answer
아무튼, 지금은 이게 중요해요. 이것부터 해요.
(Anyway, this is what matters now. Let's start with this.)
J. A: 이야기가 많이 옆으로 샜네요. B: (refocus with a smile)
<summary>Answer
그러게요. 어쨌든, 원래 얘기로 돌아가면 뭐였더라…
(Right. Anyway, getting back to what we were originally talking about — what was it…)
Useful Phrases
Phrase | Meaning |
일단 해봐요 | Let's just try for now |
결과 보면 알다 | We'll know from the results |
옆으로 새다 | To go off track / digress |
원래 얘기 | The original topic |
이것부터 해요 | Let's start with this |
걱정하지 마세요 | Don't worry |
Conversation Tip
Use 그건 그렇고 when you want to show you heard the previous point before changing topics — it's the most socially smooth pivot. If you're in a hurry or being casual, 아무튼 is fine. 어쨌든 is the safe middle ground for all contexts.
Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice
Use 어쨌든, 아무튼, or a related pivot to steer conversations.
A. Your conversation with a friend went off track. Bring it back to the dinner plan.
<summary>Sample Answer
아무튼, 오늘 저녁 어디서 먹을 거예요? 빨리 결정해요.
(Anyway, where are we eating tonight? Let's decide quickly.)
B. You and a colleague disagree on an approach. Move past it to get started.
<summary>Sample Answer
어쨌든 간에, 일단 시작해봐요. 진행하면서 조정할 수 있어요.
(Regardless, let's just start. We can adjust as we go.)
C. A long explanation went into unnecessary detail. Wrap it up and give the takeaway.
<summary>Sample Answer
어쨌든, 결론은 이게 제일 좋은 방법이라는 거예요.
(Anyway, the conclusion is this is the best method.)
D. Someone brings up a separate issue in the middle of a plan. Table it.
<summary>Sample Answer
그건 나중에 얘기하고, 지금은 오늘 계획부터 끝내요.
(Let's talk about that later; for now let's finish today's plan first.)
E. A side conversation went too long. Pivot to asking how a friend's week was.
<summary>Sample Answer
그건 그렇고, 이번 주 어땠어요?
(Anyway, how was this week?)
F. You're not sure if a decision was right but want to move forward positively.
<summary>Sample Answer
뭐, 어쨌든. 잘 될 거예요. 너무 생각하지 마요.
(Well, anyway. It'll work out. Don't overthink it.)
G. You've been explaining something long. Signal you're getting to the main point.
<summary>Sample Answer
본론으로 돌아가서, 제가 하고 싶었던 말은 딱 하나예요.
(Getting back to the main point, there's just one thing I wanted to say.)
H. After debating two options with no clear winner, you want to close it.
<summary>Sample Answer
어쨌든 간에, 둘 다 괜찮으니까 그냥 아무거나 해요.
(Regardless, both are fine so let's just do either one.)
I. Someone asked you a side question you can't answer right now. Defer it.
<summary>Sample Answer
그건 나중에 생각해 볼게요. 아무튼, 지금은 이거 먼저요.
(I'll think about that later. Anyway, this first for now.)
J. Casually close a topic that got more complicated than expected.
<summary>Sample Answer
뭐, 어쨌든. 복잡한데 잘 될 거라고 생각해요.
(Well, anyway. It's complicated but I think it'll work out.)
Sentence Starters
Starter | Follow With |
어쨌든, | [action / conclusion / question] |
아무튼, | [next priority] |
그건 그렇고, | [new topic] |
그건 나중에 얘기하고, | [current focus] |
어쨌든 간에, | [regardless statement] |
뭐, 어쨌든. | [relaxed close / reassurance] |
Speaking Challenge
In your next Korean conversation, consciously notice every time a tangent comes up. Use 그건 그렇고 or 어쨌든 to redirect it. You'll find these moments come up constantly — and using the right pivot will make you feel genuinely fluent.
어쨌든, 대화를 자연스럽게 이어갈 수 있어요! ✨
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