-(으)나 마나
1. Title : - (으)나 마나
2. Grammar Explanation
The expression -(으)나 마나 is used to indicate that performing the preceding action is futile or will not change the outcome. It suggests that the result would be the same regardless of whether the action is done. The strong supposition implied by this expression is often based on general knowledge or someone's habitual actions. This construction is only used with verbs.
Formation:
For verbs ending in a consonant :
Attach -으나 마나 to the verb stem.
Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으나 마나 (whether you eat or not)
For verbs ending in a vowel or the consonant :
Attach -나 마나 to the verb stem.
Example: 가다 (to go) → 가나 마나 (whether you go or not)
For verbs ending ㄹ consonant
Drop ㄹ and attach -나 마나 to the verb stem.
Example: 팔다 (to sell) → 파나 마나 (whether you sell or not)
3. Example Sentences
지금 출발하나 마나 늦을 거예요.
Even if you leave now, you will be late.
그 영화를 보나 마나 뻔한 내용일 거예요.
Whether you watch that movie or not, the plot will be obvious.
이 시험은 준비하나 마나 어려울 거예요.
Whether you prepare for this exam or not, it will be difficult.
그 사람에게 말하나 마나 안 들을 거예요.
Whether you tell him or not, he won’t listen.
이 음식은 먹으나 마나 맛없을 거예요.
Whether you eat this food or not, it will taste bad.
4. Sample Dialogues
Dialogue 1:
A: 요즘 운동을 시작하려고 하는데 효과가 있을까요?
B: 매일 하나 마나 큰 효과는 없을 거예요. 꾸준히 해야 해요.
(A: I’m thinking of starting to exercise these days. Will it be effective?
B: Whether you do it daily or not, it won’t have a big effect. You need to do it consistently.)
Dialogue 2:
A: 지금 서두르면 도착할 수 있을까요?
B: 서두르나 마나 이미 늦었어요. 천천히 가세요.
(A: If I hurry now, can I make it?
B: Whether you hurry or not, it's already late. Take your time.)
5. Make Korean Sentences from English!
Even if you start now, you won't finish on time.
Whether you read that book or not, the ending will be obvious.
Whether you do this work or not, there won't be any reward.
Whether you ask him or not, he won't help you.
Whether you take this medicine or not, it won't be effective.
Whether you exercise today or not, you won't lose weight.
Whether you study for the exam or not, your grades won't change.
Whether you make a reservation in advance or not, there won't be any seats.
Whether you warn him or not, he won't stop.
Whether you stay here or not, there won't be any important tasks.