V+(ㄴ/는)다거나, (이)라거나

Overview

V+(ㄴ/는)다거나, (이)라거나 is a versatile connective ending used to list multiple possibilities, choices, or examples. It often carries a nuance of "or something like that," "whether... or..." or "such as," implying that the list provided is not exhaustive or that the speaker is being somewhat vague or casual. It's a useful expression for giving a general idea rather than a precise, definitive statement.

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Usage

This grammar pattern is primarily used to:

1. List multiple actions, states, or items as examples or possibilities: It connects two or more clauses or nouns, suggesting that any of them could be the case, or that these are just a few examples among many. The list is often not meant to be comprehensive.

   • Example: 주말에 영화를 본다거나, 친구를 만난다거나 하면서 시간을 보냈어요. (I spent the weekend watching movies or meeting friends, or something like that.)

2. Express uncertainty or vagueness: By using 다거나, the speaker can convey that they are not entirely sure, or they are deliberately being imprecise. It softens the statement.

   • Example: 그 사람이 아프다거나, 바쁘다거나 해서 못 왔을 거예요. (He probably couldn't come because he was sick or busy, or something.)

3. Indicate that something doesn't matter regardless of the possibility: When followed by expressions like 상관없다 (it doesn't matter) or 괜찮다 (it's okay), it means that the outcome is the same no matter which of the listed possibilities occurs.

   • Example: 비가 온다거나 눈이 온다거나 해도 우리는 갈 거예요. (Whether it rains or snows, we're still going.)

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Conjugation Rules

This ending attaches to the plain form (해라체) of verbs, adjectives, and the copula (이다).

1. Verbs (동사):

   • Present Tense: V + (ㄴ/는)다거나
     • If the verb stem ends in a vowel: V + ㄴ다거나 (e.g., 가다 -> 간다거나)
     • If the verb stem ends in a consonant: V + 는다거나 (e.g., 먹다 -> 먹는다거나)
   • Past Tense: V + 았/었/였다거나 (e.g., 가다 -> 갔다거나, 먹다 -> 먹었다거나, 하다 -> 했다거나)
   • Future Tense: V + (으)ㄹ 거라거나 (e.g., 가다 -> 갈 거라거나, 먹다 -> 먹을 거라거나)

2. Adjectives (형용사):

   • Present Tense: Adj + 다거나 (e.g., 예쁘다 -> 예쁘다거나, 좋다 -> 좋다거나)
   • Past Tense: Adj + 았/었/였다거나 (e.g., 예쁘다 -> 예뻤다거나, 좋다 -> 좋았다거나)
   • Future Tense: Adj + (으)ㄹ 거라거나 (e.g., 예쁘다 -> 예쁠 거라거나, 좋다 -> 좋을 거라거나)

3. Nouns (명사) + 이다 (copula):

   • Present Tense: N + (이)라거나
     • If the noun ends in a consonant: N + 이라거나 (e.g., 학생 -> 학생이라거나)
     • If the noun ends in a vowel: N + 라거나 (e.g., 의사 -> 의사라거나)
   • Past Tense: N + 이었/였다거나 (e.g., 학생 -> 학생이었다거나, 의사 -> 의사였다거나)
   • Future Tense: N + 일 거라거나 (e.g., 학생 -> 학생일 거라거나, 의사 -> 의사일 거라거나)

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Knowledge Plus

• Nuance Comparison with 거나 and 든지: While 거나 simply means "or" and 든지 means "no matter which/what/who," 다거나 adds a specific nuance of listing examples or possibilities with a hint of uncertainty, vagueness, or non-exhaustiveness. It often implies "or something like that" or "among other things."
• Common Contexts: This pattern is frequently used when speculating about reasons, giving examples of activities, or describing general situations. It's less about making a definitive choice and more about presenting a range of possibilities.
• Repetition: It can be used with just one item (e.g., "비가 온다거나...") but is more commonly seen listing two or more items (e.g., "A다거나 B다거나...").