No use doing

This pattern expresses that an action is futile or pointless because the result will be the same regardless of whether the action is performed or not. It translates to "it's no use doing..." or "whether you do it or not...".

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: The outcome is predictable and won't be affected by the action. It implies a sense of resignation or certainty about the result.

When to use: Use it when you're sure an effort will be wasted. For example, trying to convince someone who won't change their mind, or cleaning a room that will get messy again immediately.

Formation

Attach -(으)나 마나 directly to the stem of a verb or adjective.

Vowel stem + -나 마나:

보다 (to see) → 보나 마나

하다 (to do) → 하나 마나

가다 (to go) → 가나 마나

Consonant stem + -으나 마나:

먹다 (to eat) → 먹으나 마나

듣다 (to hear) → 듣나 마나 (ㄷ irregular)

있다 (to exist) → 있으나 마나

보나 마나 뻔해. / 하나 마나 똑같아. / 약을 먹으나 마나 효과가 없어. / 있으나 마나야.

The -(으)나 마나 pattern is almost always followed by a clause that states the predictable, and often negative, outcome. Learning these common pairings will make your speech sound much more natural.

Common Outcome Phrases

-(으)나 마나 뻔하다 (It's obvious)

Used when the result is completely predictable.

보나 마나 뻔해. (It's obvious without even looking.)

-(으)나 마나 똑같다 (It's the same)

Used when the action makes no difference to the situation.

청소하나 마나 똑같아. (It looks the same whether I clean or not.)

-(으)나 마나 소용없다 / 효과 없다 (It's useless / has no effect)

약을 먹으나 마나 효과가 없어요. (The medicine has no effect.)

-(으)나 마나 + [Negative Prediction]

Often followed by a future tense prediction of failure.