Whether it be A or B: -든지 -든지

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TL;DR 🦄
  • 🔀 -든지 -든지 means whether A or B / either A or B / whichever option.
  • 🧭 Advanced Korean uses it not only for two choices, but also for indifference, free choice, equal treatment, and “no matter which” meanings.
  • ⚠️ Choice 든지 is not recollection 던지; use 가든지 말든지 [ga-deun-ji mal-deun-ji] = “whether going or not,” not 가던지 말던지.
🔊
🎧 Iru Helper Note — Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets to hear the rhythm of 가든지 말든지 [ga-deun-ji mal-deun-ji] (“whether going or not”), 누구든지 [nu-gu-deun-ji] (“whoever / anyone”), and 무엇이든지 [mu-eo-si-deun-ji] (“whatever / anything”). The repeated 든지 sounds like a little choice engine. 🚗
 

🌈 The Big Picture

-든지 -든지 is the Korean “choice does not change the result” pattern. It can mean whether A or B, either A or B, whichever, or no matter which.
 
At an intermediate level, it often looks like two neat choices:
  • 커피든지 차든지 괜찮아요.
      • [keo-pi-deun-ji cha-deun-ji gwaen-chan-a-yo]
      Either coffee or tea is fine. ☕🍵
 
At an advanced level, you should also recognize these bigger moves:
  • 누구든지 질문할 수 있어요.
      • [nu-gu-deun-ji jil-mun-hal su i-sseo-yo]
      Anyone can ask a question. 🙋
  • 비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 회의는 진행돼요.
      • [bi-ga o-deun-ji nu-ni o-deun-ji hoe-ui-neun jin-haeng-dwae-yo]
      Whether it rains or snows, the meeting proceeds. 🌧️❄️
  • 온라인이든지 오프라인이든지 자료를 제출하세요.
      • [on-ra-in-i-deun-ji o-peu-ra-in-i-deun-ji ja-ryo-reul je-chul-ha-se-yo]
      Whether online or offline, please submit the materials. 💻📄
 
The core feeling is: many possible doors, same hallway afterward. 🚪

🎨 The Core -든지 Family

1. Verb/adjective stem + 든지

Attach 든지 directly to the stem. No tense marker is needed for the choice meaning.
  • 가다 → 가든지 [ga-da → ga-deun-ji] — to go → whether going
  • 오다 → 오든지 [o-da → o-deun-ji] — to come → whether coming
  • 먹다 → 먹든지 [meok-da → meok-deun-ji] — to eat → whether eating
  • 마시다 → 마시든지 [ma-si-da → ma-si-deun-ji] — to drink → whether drinking
  • 읽다 → 읽든지 [ik-da → ik-deun-ji] — to read → whether reading
  • 쓰다 → 쓰든지 [sseu-da → sseu-deun-ji] — to write → whether writing
  • 비싸다 → 비싸든지 [bi-ssa-da → bi-ssa-deun-ji] — to be expensive → whether expensive
  • 싸다 → 싸든지 [ssa-da → ssa-deun-ji] — to be cheap → whether cheap
  • 어렵다 → 어렵든지 [eo-ryeop-da → eo-ryeop-deun-ji] — to be difficult → whether difficult
  • 쉽다 → 쉽든지 [swip-da → swip-deun-ji] — to be easy → whether easy
 

2. Noun + (이)든지

Use 이든지 after a consonant-ending noun, and 든지 after a vowel-ending noun.
  • 학생 → 학생이든지 [hak-saeng → hak-saeng-i-deun-ji] — student → whether a student
  • 선생님 → 선생님이든지 [seon-saeng-nim → seon-saeng-nim-i-deun-ji] — teacher → whether a teacher
  • 회의 → 회의든지 [hoe-ui → hoe-ui-deun-ji] — meeting → whether a meeting
  • 수업 → 수업이든지 [su-eop → su-eop-i-deun-ji] — class → whether a class
 

3. Question word + 든지 = open choice

This is where the pattern becomes especially useful.
  • 누구든지 [nu-gu-deun-ji] — whoever / anyone
  • 무엇이든지 [mu-eo-si-deun-ji] — whatever / anything
  • 어디든지 [eo-di-deun-ji] — wherever / anywhere
  • 언제든지 [eon-je-deun-ji] — whenever / anytime
 

4. -든지 말든지 = whether someone does it or not

말든지 comes from 말다 [mal-da] (“to not do / to stop”). It can sound neutral, blunt, or dismissive depending on the sentence.
  • 가든지 말든지 네가 결정하세요.
      • [ga-deun-ji mal-deun-ji ne-ga gyeol-jeong-ha-se-yo]
      Whether you go or not, please decide. 🧭
  • 먹든지 말든지 저는 기다릴게요.
      • [meok-deun-ji mal-deun-ji jeo-neun gi-da-ril-ge-yo]
      Whether you eat or not, I will wait. 🍽️
 

5. Common companions: 간에, 상관없이, 마음대로

These words often make the “no matter which” meaning clearer.
  • 어떤 선택이든지 간에 책임이 따라요.
      • [eo-tteon seon-tae-gi-deun-ji ga-ne chae-gi-mi tta-ra-yo]
      Whatever the choice, responsibility follows. ⚖️
  • 비싸든지 싸든지 상관없이 품질을 보세요.
      • [bi-ssa-deun-ji ssa-deun-ji sang-gwan-eop-si pum-ji-reul bo-se-yo]
      Regardless of whether it is expensive or cheap, look at the quality. 🧪
  • 읽든지 쓰든지 마음대로 하세요.
      • [ik-deun-ji sseu-deun-ji ma-eum-dae-ro ha-se-yo]
      Read or write, do as you like. 📖🖊️

🛠️ How It Works in a Sentence

Equal treatment ⚖️

학생이든지 선생님이든지 모두 등록해야 해요.
[hak-saeng-i-deun-ji seon-saeng-nim-i-deun-ji mo-du deung-rok-hae-ya hae-yo]
Whether student or teacher, everyone must register.
  • 학생 = student, 선생님 = teacher, 모두 = everyone, 등록하다 = to register.
 

Same result despite conditions 🌦️

덥든지 춥든지 수업은 계속돼요.
[deop-deun-ji chup-deun-ji su-eo-beun gye-sok-dwae-yo]
Whether it is hot or cold, class continues.
  • 덥다 = to be hot, 춥다 = to be cold, 수업 = class, 계속되다 = to continue.
 

Open invitation 💬

언제든지 질문하세요.
[eon-je-deun-ji jil-mun-ha-se-yo]
Ask questions anytime.
  • 언제든지 = anytime, 질문하다 = to ask a question.

🧩 General Formation Rule

  • Verb/adjective stem + 든지: 가다 → 가든지 [ga-da → ga-deun-ji] (“to go → whether going”)
  • Consonant-ending noun + 이든지: 수업 → 수업이든지 [su-eop → su-eop-i-deun-ji] (“class → whether a class”)
  • Vowel-ending noun + 든지: 회의 → 회의든지 [hoe-ui → hoe-ui-deun-ji] (“meeting → whether a meeting”)
  • Question word + 든지: 누구든지 [nu-gu-deun-ji] (“anyone”), 어디든지 [eo-di-deun-ji] (“anywhere”)
  • Short form: 든지 can shorten to 든, as in 가든 말든 [ga-deun mal-deun] (“whether going or not”).
 

📚 Cross-check note

The choice meaning of -든지, the shortened -든, and the contrast with recollection -던지 were cross-checked against National Institute of Korean Language guidance at korean.go.kr. ✅
 

🪞 Synonym Alert

  • -든지 / -든 — choice, “whether / whichever”; -든 is the shorter form.
  • -든가 — close sibling of -든지; can sound a little more conversational or alternative-list-like.
  • 거나 — simple “or” between actions; less “whichever/no matter which.”
  • 아니면 — “or / otherwise,” often between clauses or separate questions.
  • 상관없이 — “regardless of”; often pairs naturally with 든지.
 

⚠️ Pitfalls to Dodge

  • ❌ 가던지 말던지 → ✅ 가든지 말든지 (choice uses 든지, not recollection 던지).
  • ❌ 학생든지 선생님든지 → ✅ 학생이든지 선생님이든지 (consonant-ending nouns need 이든지).
  • ❌ 먹은든지 마신든지 → ✅ 먹든지 마시든지 (attach 든지 directly to the stem).
  • ❌ 비싼든지 싼든지 → ✅ 비싸든지 싸든지 (do not add noun-modifying ㄴ before choice 든지).
  • ⚠️ 가든지 말든지 상관없어요 can sound dismissive; use gentler wording like 가도 되고 안 가도 돼요 [ga-do doe-go an ga-do dwae-yo] (“it is okay to go or not go”) when kindness matters. 🌷
 
Choice grammar leveled up: you can now handle neat pairs, open-ended “anyone/anything/anywhere,” and the classic 든지 vs 던지 trap without slipping on the banana peel. 🍌✨
 

Try this exercise

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the best 든지 form. Say the sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle to check the grammar and nuance.
1. 커피＿＿＿＿ 차＿＿＿＿ 괜찮아요.
[keo-pi ＿＿＿＿ cha ＿＿＿＿ gwaen-chan-a-yo]
Either coffee or tea is fine. ☕🍵
Answer
커피든지 차든지 — 커피 and 차 end in vowels, so use 든지.
2. 학생＿＿＿＿ 선생님＿＿＿＿ 모두 등록해야 해요.
[hak-saeng ＿＿＿＿ seon-saeng-nim ＿＿＿＿ mo-du deung-rok-hae-ya hae-yo]
Whether student or teacher, everyone must register. 🧑‍🎓👩‍🏫
Answer
학생이든지 선생님이든지 — consonant-ending nouns take 이든지.
3. 가＿＿＿＿ 말＿＿＿＿ 네가 결정하세요.
[ga ＿＿＿＿ mal ＿＿＿＿ ne-ga gyeol-jeong-ha-se-yo]
Whether you go or not, please decide. 🧭
Answer
가든지 말든지 — 말든지 marks the “or not” option.
4. 비싸＿＿＿＿ 싸＿＿＿＿ 품질을 보세요.
[bi-ssa ＿＿＿＿ ssa ＿＿＿＿ pum-ji-reul bo-se-yo]
Whether it is expensive or cheap, look at the quality. 🧪
Answer
비싸든지 싸든지 — attach 든지 directly to descriptive stems.
5. ＿＿＿＿ 질문할 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ jil-mun-hal su i-sseo-yo]
Anyone can ask a question. 🙋
Answer
누구든지 — question word + 든지 creates open choice: “whoever / anyone.”
6. ＿＿＿＿ 제출하세요.
[＿＿＿＿ je-chul-ha-se-yo]
Submit anything. 📄
Answer
무엇이든지 — 무엇 ends in a consonant sound, so the full form is 무엇이든지.
7. 온라인＿＿＿＿ 오프라인＿＿＿＿ 자료를 제출하세요.
[on-ra-in ＿＿＿＿ o-peu-ra-in ＿＿＿＿ ja-ryo-reul je-chul-ha-se-yo]
Whether online or offline, please submit the materials. 💻📄
Answer
온라인이든지 오프라인이든지 — both nouns end in consonant sounds in Korean-style pronunciation, so use 이든지.
8. 덥＿＿＿＿ 춥＿＿＿＿ 수업은 계속돼요.
[deop ＿＿＿＿ chup ＿＿＿＿ su-eo-beun gye-sok-dwae-yo]
Whether it is hot or cold, class continues. 🥵🥶
Answer
덥든지 춥든지 — no irregular change here; add 든지 to the written stems.
9. 읽＿＿＿＿ 쓰＿＿＿＿ 마음대로 하세요.
[ik ＿＿＿＿ sseu ＿＿＿＿ ma-eum-dae-ro ha-se-yo]
Read or write; do as you like. 📖🖊️
Answer
읽든지 쓰든지 — both are verb stems + 든지.
10. 어디＿＿＿＿ 괜찮아요.
[eo-di ＿＿＿＿ gwaen-chan-a-yo]
Anywhere is fine. 📍
Answer
어디든지 — question word + 든지 = “wherever / anywhere.”
📚
Vocabulary Box
  • 커피 → coffee
  • 차 → tea
  • 학생 → student
  • 선생님 → teacher
  • 등록하다 → to register
  • 가다 → to go
  • 말다 → to not do / to stop
  • 결정하다 → to decide
  • 비싸다 → to be expensive
  • 싸다 → to be cheap
  • 품질 → quality
  • 보다 → to look at
  • 누구든지 → anyone
  • 무엇이든지 → anything
  • 온라인 → online
  • 오프라인 → offline
  • 자료 → materials
  • 제출하다 → to submit
  • 덥다 → to be hot
  • 춥다 → to be cold
  • 수업 → class
  • 계속되다 → to continue
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 쓰다 → to write
  • 마음대로 → as one likes
  • 어디든지 → anywhere
Tip 💡 If the meaning is “whichever option,” think 든지 with ㄷ, not 던지 with ㄴ.
🚀
Want more reps? The Practice Hub below trains choice pairs, open-choice words, companion phrases, and pitfall fixes. Tiny grammar gym, big payoff. 💪
 
📦
🎯 Practice Hub — Whether it be A or B: -든지 -든지
 
Welcome to the advanced choice lab. 🔬 This Practice Hub helps you move beyond simple “coffee or tea” sentences and use 든지 for open invitations, equal-treatment rules, and “no matter which” conditions. By the end, 든지 and 던지 should no longer look like mischievous twins wearing the same hat. 🎩
 
🔊 Audio reminder: Use
Korean Helper Widgets
Korean Helper Widgets whenever you want to hear a completed sentence aloud.
 
📝 Instructions: Complete each blank with the best choice form, read the Korean sentence aloud, then open the Answer toggle. Watch for noun endings, verb/adjective stems, question-word combinations, and the 든지 vs 던지 spelling trap.
 
🧭
Reference Hub
  • verb/adjective stem + 든지 → 가든지 (“whether going”), 춥든지 (“whether cold”)
  • consonant-ending noun + 이든지 → 학생이든지 (“whether a student”)
  • vowel-ending noun + 든지 → 회의든지 (“whether a meeting”)
  • question word + 든지 → 누구든지 (“anyone”), 어디든지 (“anywhere”)
  • choice spelling → 든지; recollection/intensity spelling → 던지
 

Exercise 1 — Form Builder 🔧

A. 가다 → ＿＿＿＿
[ga-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to go” into “whether going.” 🚶
Answer
가든지 — verb stem 가 + 든지.
B. 오다 → ＿＿＿＿
[o-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to come” into “whether coming.” 🚪
Answer
오든지 — attach 든지 directly to the stem.
C. 먹다 → ＿＿＿＿
[meok-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to eat” into “whether eating.” 🍽️
Answer
먹든지 — no past marker; just stem + 든지.
D. 마시다 → ＿＿＿＿
[ma-si-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to drink” into “whether drinking.” 🥤
Answer
마시든지 — stem 마시 + 든지.
E. 읽다 → ＿＿＿＿
[ik-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to read” into “whether reading.” 📖
Answer
읽든지 — keep the written stem 읽.
F. 쓰다 → ＿＿＿＿
[sseu-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to write” into “whether writing.” 🖊️
Answer
쓰든지 — stem 쓰 + 든지.
G. 비싸다 → ＿＿＿＿
[bi-ssa-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to be expensive” into “whether expensive.” 💸
Answer
비싸든지 — descriptive stem + 든지.
H. 어렵다 → ＿＿＿＿
[eo-ryeop-da → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “to be difficult” into “whether difficult.” 🧩
Answer
어렵든지 — no 어려운 here; use the stem.
I. 수업 → ＿＿＿＿
[su-eop → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “class” into “whether a class.” 🏫
Answer
수업이든지 — consonant-ending noun + 이든지.
J. 회의 → ＿＿＿＿
[hoe-ui → ＿＿＿＿]
Change “meeting” into “whether a meeting.” 🗓️
Answer
회의든지 — vowel-ending noun + 든지.
🔧
Vocabulary Box
  • 가다 → to go
  • 오다 → to come
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 마시다 → to drink
  • 읽다 → to read
  • 쓰다 → to write
  • 비싸다 → to be expensive
  • 어렵다 → to be difficult
  • 수업 → class
  • 회의 → meeting
Tip 💡 Stem + 든지 is the default; nouns choose 이든지 or 든지 by final sound.
 

Exercise 2 — Choice Pairs in Sentences 🔀

A. 오늘 하＿＿＿＿ 내일 하＿＿＿＿ 괜찮아요.
[o-neul ha ＿＿＿＿ nae-il ha ＿＿＿＿ gwaen-chan-a-yo]
Whether you do it today or tomorrow, it is fine. 📅
Answer
오늘 하든지 내일 하든지 괜찮아요. — repeated verb stems create the choice pair.
B. 집에서 먹＿＿＿＿ 카페에서 먹＿＿＿＿ 편하게 하세요.
[ji-be-seo meok ＿＿＿＿ ka-pe-e-seo meok ＿＿＿＿ pyeon-ha-ge ha-se-yo]
Whether you eat at home or at a cafe, do what is comfortable. 🏠☕
Answer
집에서 먹든지 카페에서 먹든지 편하게 하세요. — 먹다 becomes 먹든지.
C. 자료를 읽＿＿＿＿ 보고서를 쓰＿＿＿＿ 먼저 시작하세요.
[ja-ryo-reul ik ＿＿＿＿ bo-go-seo-reul sseu ＿＿＿＿ meon-jeo si-jak-ha-se-yo]
Whether you read the materials or write the report, start first. 📄🖊️
Answer
자료를 읽든지 보고서를 쓰든지 먼저 시작하세요. — both options use stem + 든지.
D. 커피를 마시＿＿＿＿ 차를 마시＿＿＿＿ 괜찮아요.
[keo-pi-reul ma-si ＿＿＿＿ cha-reul ma-si ＿＿＿＿ gwaen-chan-a-yo]
Whether you drink coffee or tea, it is fine. ☕🍵
Answer
커피를 마시든지 차를 마시든지 괜찮아요. — this emphasizes that either drink choice is acceptable.
E. 서울에 가＿＿＿＿ 부산에 가＿＿＿＿ 네가 결정하세요.
[seo-u-re ga ＿＿＿＿ bu-sa-ne ga ＿＿＿＿ ne-ga gyeol-jeong-ha-se-yo]
Whether you go to Seoul or Busan, please decide. 🚆
Answer
서울에 가든지 부산에 가든지 네가 결정하세요. — same verb, two destinations.
F. 회의＿＿＿＿ 수업＿＿＿＿ 시간을 확인하세요.
[hoe-ui ＿＿＿＿ su-eop ＿＿＿＿ si-ga-neul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo]
Whether it is a meeting or a class, check the time. 🗓️🏫
Answer
회의든지 수업이든지 시간을 확인하세요. — 회의 takes 든지; 수업 takes 이든지.
G. 비싸＿＿＿＿ 싸＿＿＿＿ 품질이 중요해요.
[bi-ssa ＿＿＿＿ ssa ＿＿＿＿ pum-ji-ri jung-yo-hae-yo]
Whether it is expensive or cheap, quality is important. 🧪
Answer
비싸든지 싸든지 품질이 중요해요. — stem + 든지, not noun-modifying forms.
H. 어렵＿＿＿＿ 쉽＿＿＿＿ 한번 해 보세요.
[eo-ryeop ＿＿＿＿ swip ＿＿＿＿ han-beon hae bo-se-yo]
Whether it is difficult or easy, try it once. 🧩
Answer
어렵든지 쉽든지 한번 해 보세요. — two condition-like options, same advice.
I. 좋＿＿＿＿ 싫＿＿＿＿ 의견을 말하세요.
[jot ＿＿＿＿ sil ＿＿＿＿ ui-gyeo-neul mal-ha-se-yo]
Whether you like it or dislike it, say your opinion. 💬
Answer
좋든지 싫든지 의견을 말하세요. — this can sound firm: “either way, speak up.”
J. 아침에 오＿＿＿＿ 저녁에 오＿＿＿＿ 미리 알려 주세요.
[a-chi-me o ＿＿＿＿ jeo-nyeo-ge o ＿＿＿＿ mi-ri al-lyeo ju-se-yo]
Whether you come in the morning or evening, please let me know in advance. 🌅🌙
Answer
아침에 오든지 저녁에 오든지 미리 알려 주세요. — 오다 becomes 오든지.
🔀
Vocabulary Box
  • 오늘 → today
  • 내일 → tomorrow
  • 하다 → to do
  • 괜찮다 → to be fine
  • 집 → home
  • 카페 → cafe
  • 편하게 → comfortably
  • 자료 → materials
  • 보고서 → report
  • 먼저 → first
  • 시작하다 → to start
  • 커피 → coffee
  • 차 → tea
  • 서울 → Seoul
  • 부산 → Busan
  • 결정하다 → to decide
  • 시간 → time
  • 확인하다 → to check
  • 품질 → quality
  • 중요하다 → to be important
  • 한번 → once
  • 의견 → opinion
  • 말하다 → to say
  • 아침 → morning
  • 저녁 → evening
  • 미리 → in advance
  • 알려 주다 → to let someone know
Tip 💡 Pair A and B with the same grammar shape, then put the shared result after both choices.
 

Exercise 3 — Open Choice Words 🌍

A. ＿＿＿＿ 질문할 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ jil-mun-hal su i-sseo-yo]
Anyone can ask a question. 🙋
Answer
누구든지 질문할 수 있어요. — 누구든지 = anyone / whoever.
B. ＿＿＿＿ 제출해도 돼요.
[＿＿＿＿ je-chul-hae-do dwae-yo]
You may submit anything. 📄
Answer
무엇이든지 제출해도 돼요. — 무엇이든지 = anything / whatever.
C. ＿＿＿＿ 괜찮아요.
[＿＿＿＿ gwaen-chan-a-yo]
Anywhere is fine. 📍
Answer
어디든지 괜찮아요. — 어디든지 = anywhere / wherever.
D. ＿＿＿＿ 연락해 주세요.
[＿＿＿＿ yeol-lak-hae ju-se-yo]
Please contact me anytime. 📱
Answer
언제든지 연락해 주세요. — 언제든지 = anytime / whenever.
E. ＿＿＿＿ 선택할 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ seon-taek-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can choose anything. 🎯
Answer
무엇이든지 선택할 수 있어요. — open choice with objects.
F. ＿＿＿＿ 회의에 올 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-e ol su i-sseo-yo]
Anyone can come to the meeting. 🗓️
Answer
누구든지 회의에 올 수 있어요. — open choice with people.
G. ＿＿＿＿ 수업을 들을 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ su-eo-beul deu-reul su i-sseo-yo]
You can take the class anywhere. 🏫
Answer
어디든지 수업을 들을 수 있어요. — in this practice sentence, 어디든지 points to location freedom.
H. ＿＿＿＿ 다시 시작할 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ da-si si-jak-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can start again anytime. 🔁
Answer
언제든지 다시 시작할 수 있어요. — time is open.
I. ＿＿＿＿ 자료를 볼 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ ja-ryo-reul bol su i-sseo-yo]
Anyone can view the materials. 📄
Answer
누구든지 자료를 볼 수 있어요. — person choice is unrestricted.
J. ＿＿＿＿ 말해도 돼요.
[＿＿＿＿ mal-hae-do dwae-yo]
You may say anything. 💬
Answer
무엇이든지 말해도 돼요. — object/content choice is unrestricted.
🌍
Vocabulary Box
  • 누구든지 → anyone / whoever
  • 무엇이든지 → anything / whatever
  • 어디든지 → anywhere / wherever
  • 언제든지 → anytime / whenever
  • 질문하다 → to ask a question
  • 제출하다 → to submit
  • 괜찮다 → to be fine
  • 연락하다 → to contact
  • 선택하다 → to choose
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 오다 → to come
  • 수업 → class
  • 듣다 → to listen / take a class
  • 다시 → again
  • 시작하다 → to start
  • 자료 → materials
  • 보다 → to see / view
  • 말하다 → to say
Tip 💡 Question word + 든지 opens the choice from “A or B” to “any A.”
 

Exercise 4 — Companions: 간에, 상관없이, 마음대로 🧲

A. 어떤 선택＿＿＿＿ 간에 책임이 따라요.
[eo-tteon seon-taek ＿＿＿＿ ga-ne chae-gi-mi tta-ra-yo]
Whatever the choice, responsibility follows. ⚖️
Answer
어떤 선택이든지 간에 책임이 따라요. — consonant-ending noun 선택 takes 이든지.
B. 비싸＿＿＿＿ 싸＿＿＿＿ 상관없이 품질을 보세요.
[bi-ssa ＿＿＿＿ ssa ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-si pum-ji-reul bo-se-yo]
Regardless of whether it is expensive or cheap, look at the quality. 🧪
Answer
비싸든지 싸든지 상관없이 품질을 보세요. — 상관없이 strengthens “regardless of.”
C. 읽＿＿＿＿ 쓰＿＿＿＿ 마음대로 하세요.
[ik ＿＿＿＿ sseu ＿＿＿＿ ma-eum-dae-ro ha-se-yo]
Read or write, do as you like. 📖🖊️
Answer
읽든지 쓰든지 마음대로 하세요. — 마음대로 makes the free-choice tone clear.
D. 온라인＿＿＿＿ 오프라인＿＿＿＿ 상관없이 자료를 제출하세요.
[on-ra-in ＿＿＿＿ o-peu-ra-in ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-si ja-ryo-reul je-chul-ha-se-yo]
Regardless of whether online or offline, please submit the materials. 💻📄
Answer
온라인이든지 오프라인이든지 상관없이 자료를 제출하세요. — noun + 이든지 plus 상관없이.
E. 학생＿＿＿＿ 선생님＿＿＿＿ 간에 모두 등록하세요.
[hak-saeng ＿＿＿＿ seon-saeng-nim ＿＿＿＿ ga-ne mo-du deung-rok-ha-se-yo]
Whether student or teacher, everyone should register. 🧑‍🎓👩‍🏫
Answer
학생이든지 선생님이든지 간에 모두 등록하세요. — 간에 highlights “whichever side.”
F. 덥＿＿＿＿ 춥＿＿＿＿ 상관없이 수업은 계속돼요.
[deop ＿＿＿＿ chup ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-si su-eo-beun gye-sok-dwae-yo]
Regardless of whether it is hot or cold, class continues. 🥵🥶
Answer
덥든지 춥든지 상관없이 수업은 계속돼요. — same result despite conditions.
G. 어디＿＿＿＿ 마음대로 앉으세요.
[eo-di ＿＿＿＿ ma-eum-dae-ro an-jeu-se-yo]
Sit anywhere you like. 🪑
Answer
어디든지 마음대로 앉으세요. — 어디든지 + 마음대로 = free location choice.
H. 언제＿＿＿＿ 상관없이 연락해 주세요.
[eon-je ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-si yeol-lak-hae ju-se-yo]
Please contact me regardless of when. 📱
Answer
언제든지 상관없이 연락해 주세요. — understandable, though 언제든지 연락해 주세요 is usually smoother.
I. 좋＿＿＿＿ 싫＿＿＿＿ 간에 의견을 말하세요.
[jot ＿＿＿＿ sil ＿＿＿＿ ga-ne ui-gyeo-neul mal-ha-se-yo]
Whether you like it or dislike it, say your opinion. 💬
Answer
좋든지 싫든지 간에 의견을 말하세요. — firm, useful in debate-style contexts.
J. 회의＿＿＿＿ 수업＿＿＿＿ 상관없이 시간을 확인하세요.
[hoe-ui ＿＿＿＿ su-eop ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-si si-ga-neul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo]
Regardless of whether it is a meeting or class, check the time. ⏰
Answer
회의든지 수업이든지 상관없이 시간을 확인하세요. — mixed noun endings: 회의든지, 수업이든지.
🧲
Vocabulary Box
  • 어떤 → what kind of / which
  • 선택 → choice
  • 간에 → between / among; in this grammar, “regardless of which”
  • 책임 → responsibility
  • 따르다 → to follow
  • 상관없이 → regardless of
  • 마음대로 → as one likes
  • 온라인 → online
  • 오프라인 → offline
  • 모두 → everyone / all
  • 앉다 → to sit
  • 좋다 → to be good / to like
  • 싫다 → to dislike
  • 회의 → meeting
  • 수업 → class
  • 시간 → time
  • 확인하다 → to check
Tip 💡 간에 and 상관없이 make the “result does not depend on the choice” meaning very explicit.
 

Exercise 5 — Mixed Mastery + Pitfall Patrol 🛡️

A. 가＿＿＿＿ 말＿＿＿＿ 상관없어요.
[ga ＿＿＿＿ mal ＿＿＿＿ sang-gwan-eop-seo-yo]
It does not matter whether you go or not. 🚶
Answer
가든지 말든지 상관없어요. — ❌ 가던지 말던지 → ✅ 가든지 말든지. Choice uses 든지.
B. 학생＿＿＿＿ 선생님＿＿＿＿ 모두 질문할 수 있어요.
[hak-saeng ＿＿＿＿ seon-saeng-nim ＿＿＿＿ mo-du jil-mun-hal su i-sseo-yo]
Whether student or teacher, everyone can ask questions. 🙋
Answer
학생이든지 선생님이든지 모두 질문할 수 있어요. — ❌ 학생든지 → ✅ 학생이든지.
C. 먹＿＿＿＿ 마시＿＿＿＿ 편하게 하세요.
[meok ＿＿＿＿ ma-si ＿＿＿＿ pyeon-ha-ge ha-se-yo]
Eat or drink; do what is comfortable. 🍽️🥤
Answer
먹든지 마시든지 편하게 하세요. — ❌ 먹은든지 마신든지 → ✅ stem + 든지.
D. 비싸＿＿＿＿ 싸＿＿＿＿ 결정하세요.
[bi-ssa ＿＿＿＿ ssa ＿＿＿＿ gyeol-jeong-ha-se-yo]
Whether it is expensive or cheap, please decide. 💸
Answer
비싸든지 싸든지 결정하세요. — ❌ 비싼든지 싼든지 → ✅ 비싸든지 싸든지.
E. ＿＿＿＿ 다시 시작할 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ da-si si-jak-hal su i-sseo-yo]
You can start again anytime. 🔁
Answer
언제든지 다시 시작할 수 있어요. — open-choice time word.
F. 비가 오＿＿＿＿ 눈이 오＿＿＿＿ 회의는 진행돼요.
[bi-ga o ＿＿＿＿ nu-ni o ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui-neun jin-haeng-dwae-yo]
Whether it rains or snows, the meeting proceeds. 🌧️❄️
Answer
비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 회의는 진행돼요. — conditions differ; result stays the same.
G. ＿＿＿＿ 자료를 볼 수 있어요.
[＿＿＿＿ ja-ryo-reul bol su i-sseo-yo]
Anyone can view the materials. 📄
Answer
누구든지 자료를 볼 수 있어요. — 누구든지 = anyone.
H. 수업＿＿＿＿ 회의＿＿＿＿ 시간을 확인하세요.
[su-eop ＿＿＿＿ hoe-ui ＿＿＿＿ si-ga-neul hwa-gin-ha-se-yo]
Whether class or meeting, check the time. ⏰
Answer
수업이든지 회의든지 시간을 확인하세요. — 수업 ends in a consonant; 회의 ends in a vowel.
I. 얼마나 춥＿＿＿＿ 손이 얼었어요.
[eol-ma-na chup ＿＿＿＿ so-ni eo-reo-sseo-yo]
It was so cold that my hands froze. 🧊
Answer
얼마나 춥던지 손이 얼었어요. — pitfall alert: this one is recollection/intensity, so use 던지, not choice 든지.
J. 어떤 선택＿＿＿＿ 간에 책임이 따라요.
[eo-tteon seon-taek ＿＿＿＿ ga-ne chae-gi-mi tta-ra-yo]
Whatever the choice, responsibility follows. ⚖️
Answer
어떤 선택이든지 간에 책임이 따라요. — final boss rule: noun 선택 + 이든지, then 간에.
🛡️
Vocabulary Box
  • 상관없다 → to not matter
  • 질문하다 → to ask a question
  • 먹다 → to eat
  • 마시다 → to drink
  • 편하게 → comfortably
  • 결정하다 → to decide
  • 언제든지 → anytime
  • 비 → rain
  • 눈 → snow
  • 오다 → to come; for rain/snow, “to fall”
  • 진행되다 → to proceed
  • 누구든지 → anyone
  • 자료 → materials
  • 손 → hand
  • 얼다 → to freeze
  • 책임 → responsibility
  • 따르다 → to follow
Tip 💡 Choice/no-matter-which = 든지. Past recollection/intensity, like “it was so cold that...” = 던지.
 
🎉 Excellent work — you can now use 든지 for tidy either/or choices, open-ended “anyone/anything/anywhere” meanings, and firm “regardless of which option” statements. Whichever sentence appears next, you’ve got choices. 🔀✨