V+(이)거니

Overview

V+(이)거니 is a connective ending primarily used to describe two or more actions or states that occur simultaneously, alternately, or in a repetitive pattern. It often implies a sense of "not only this, but also that" or "sometimes this, sometimes that." While most commonly seen in paired structures (e.g., V1+(이)거니 V2+(이)거니), it can also appear in a single clause to reflect on a past state or action.

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Usage

1. Expressing Conjunction, Alternation, or Repetition: This is the most common usage, where V+(이)거니 connects two clauses to show that the actions or states described are happening together, in turns, or repeatedly. It highlights that both aspects are true or occurring. It is frequently used with verbs of movement or action that can be performed reciprocally or alternately.

• Example: 그들은 서로 오거니 가거니 하며 이야기를 나누었다. (They talked, coming and going between each other.)
• Nuance: Often implies a continuous or ongoing process of back-and-forth, or a situation where multiple things are true at once.

2. Recalling or Acknowledging a Past State/Action: While less common with verbs than with adjectives or nouns, V+(이)거니 can sometimes be used to reflect on or acknowledge a past action or state, often implying a continuous or repeated nature of that past event. This usage often carries a nuance of recollection or assumption rather than a direct statement of fact. It can suggest a situation that was observed or believed to be true in the past.

• Example: 비가 오거니 말거니 하는 날씨에 우리는 산책을 나섰다. (We went for a walk in the weather where it was raining on and off.)
• Nuance: Here, it acknowledges the fluctuating weather condition, implying a past observation or experience.

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Conjugation Rules

This ending attaches directly to the verb stem without any changes based on whether the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant. The (이) component often seen in other particles (like (으)면 or (이)나) does not apply here for verbs; it is simply -거니.

• Verb stem ending in a vowel: V + 거니
  • 가다 (to go) → 가거니
  • 하다 (to do) → 하거니
• Verb stem ending in a consonant: V + 거니
  • 먹다 (to eat) → 먹거니
  • 읽다 (to read) → 읽거니

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Knowledge Plus

• Paired Usage: V+(이)거니 is very frequently used in a paired structure, such as V1-거니 V2-거니, to emphasize the back-and-forth or alternating nature of actions. Common examples include 오거니 가거니 (coming and going), 있거니 없거니 (sometimes there, sometimes not), 살거니 죽거니 (living and dying).
• Tone and Formality: This expression tends to have a slightly more literary or formal tone compared to more casual alternatives. It's not typically used in very informal, everyday conversation.
• Implied Continuity: Regardless of whether it expresses conjunction or recollection, V+(이)거니 often implies a continuous, repeated, or fluctuating state or action over a period.
• Distinction from Noun/Adjective Usage: While the form (이)거니 can also attach to nouns (N+(이)거니) or adjectives (A+(으)거니) to express similar ideas of alternation or assumption, its conjugation and specific nuances can differ. This entry focuses specifically on its usage with verbs.