Core Pattern Rule: -든지 말든지
This pattern expresses that the choice between two or more options is irrelevant or doesn't affect the main outcome. It's used to show indifference or to emphasize that a result is certain regardless of the circumstances.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: "Whether... or...", "...or not, it doesn't matter."
When to use: Use it when you want to say that any of the presented options are acceptable, or that you don't care which one is chosen. It's often followed by phrases indicating indifference or a fixed decision.
Formation
It attaches directly to the stem of a verb or adjective, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant.
Verb/Adjective Stem + -든지 말든지: This is the most common form, presenting a choice between doing an action and not doing it. 말든지 comes from the verb 말다 (to stop, to not do).
가다 → 가든지 말든지 (Whether you go or not)
먹다 → 먹든지 말든지 (Whether you eat or not)
[A]-든지 [B]-든지: This form presents a choice between two different, often contrasting, options.
비싸다 / 싸다 → 비싸든지 싸든지 (Whether it's expensive or cheap)
오다 / 눈이 오다 → 비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 (Whether it rains or snows)
믿든지 말든지 마음대로 해. / 좋든지 싫든지 해야 해. / 비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 갈 거야.
Pattern Variations: 'A or Not A' vs. 'A or B'
The -든지 pattern has two main structures that create slightly different nuances.
[Verb]-든지 말든지 (A or Not A)
This is the most frequent usage. It presents a simple binary choice: to do something or not to do it. It strongly conveys a sense of indifference from the speaker. The listener is free to choose either path, and it won't affect the speaker or the situation.
Nuance: "Do it or don't, I don't care."
[A]-든지 [B]-든지 (A or B)
This structure presents two distinct, often opposite, alternatives. It's used to say that regardless of which of these two conditions is true, the main clause remains unaffected. It emphasizes the certainty of the outcome.