Whether or not

This pattern expresses that a certain action or state has no effect on the outcome. It's used to show indifference or to state that a decision is firm, regardless of the circumstances.

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: It translates to "whether... or not..." or "regardless of whether..."

When to use: Use it when you want to emphasize that the main clause of your sentence will happen no matter what. It often carries a nuance of "I don't care if..." or "It doesn't matter if..."

Formation

Attach -건 말건 directly to the stem of a verb or adjective. It doesn't matter if the stem ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Verb:

보다 (to see) → 보건 말건

믿다 (to believe) → 믿건 말건

자다 (to sleep) → 자건 말건

Adjective:

비싸다 (to be expensive) → 비싸건 말건

시끄럽다 (to be noisy) → 시끄럽건 말건

있다/없다:

있다 (to exist) → 있건 말건

믿건 말건 사실이야. / 비싸건 말건 살 거야. / 보건 말건 신경 안 써.

While 말건 (from 말다, to not do) is the standard negative part of the pattern, you can also replace it with a direct antonym for a more specific or emphatic contrast. This is especially common with adjectives.

Standard Form vs. Antonym Form

Standard: 덥건 말건 (Whether it's hot or not)

Antonym: 덥건 춥건 (Whether it's hot or cold)

Standard: 맛이 있건 말건 (Whether it's tasty or not)

Antonym: 맛이 있건 없건 (Whether it's tasty or not tasty)

Common Pairs

Using antonyms can sound more natural in certain contexts. Here are some common pairings:

좋건 싫건: Whether you like it or not

덥건 춥건: Whether it's hot or cold

있건 없건: Whether there is/are or not

좋건 싫건 해야 해. / 덥건 춥건 가자. / 맛이 있건 없건 먹을 거야.