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-는다거나Korean expression · TOPIK 4

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TOPIK 4 4급Expressions 표현choice 선택2 senses

One expression with 2 distinct uses in the dictionary. Each is below with its own usage rule and examples.

형태Forms

-는다거나-ㄴ다거나-다거나-라거나

Which one you use is decided by what comes in front of it — see the usage rule under each meaning below.

An expression used to choose one of two or more confronting behaviors.

둘 이상의 동작이나 상태, 대상 중 하나를 선택함을 나타내는 표현.

쓰임Usage

A contracted form of -는다고 하거나.

‘-는다고 하거나’가 줄어든 말이다.

예문Examples

택시를 잡는다거나 버스를 기다리거나 해야지.

You should either catch a taxi or wait for the bus.

손님이 많을 때에는 주방 일을 돕는다거나 배달이라도 좀 하거라.

When there are many customers, help in the kitchen or do some deliveries.

자리에 앉는다거나 나갈 때에는 차례를 지켜 주세요.

Please take turns when sitting down or leaving.

대화In conversation

이제 곧 방학인데 계획은 세웠니?

It's almost vacation. Have you made any plans?

방학 동안 좋아하는 책을 읽는다거나 수영을 배워 볼까 해요.

I'm thinking of reading books I like or learning to swim during the break.

An expression used to explain something by listing some behaviors as examples.

여러 가지 행위를 예로 들어 나열하면서 설명할 때 쓰는 표현.

쓰임Usage

Attaches after verbs ending in a consonant other than ㄹ.

‘ㄹ’을 제외한 받침 있는 동사 뒤에 붙여 쓴다.

예문Examples

주말에는 책을 읽는다거나 드라마를 보면서 시간을 보낸다.

On weekends, I spend time reading books or watching dramas.

기숙사에서는 음악을 크게 듣는다거나 큰 소리를 내면 안 된다.

In the dormitory, you shouldn't play music loudly or make loud noises.

공원에서 꽃을 꺾는다거나 풀을 밟는다거나 하면 안 되는 거야.

You shouldn't pick flowers or step on grass in the park.

대화In conversation

어떻게 하면 목돈을 마련할 수 있을까?

How can I save up a lump sum?

적금을 넣는다거나 투자를 하면 되지.

You could put money into a savings account or invest.

관련 문법Related grammar

Other expressions you will meet alongside this one.

-고 들다 -go deulda An expression used to press someone to do the preceding act. TOPIK 4 -고 보다 -go boda An expression indicating that the action implied by the preceding word is done first and the subsequent events are thought about later. TOPIK 4 -고 해서 -go haeseo An expression used to state that the content of the preceding statement is one of several reasons for doing the act mentioned in the following… TOPIK 4 -나 싶다 -na sipda An expression used to indicate that the speaker is making a subjective and uncertain guess about the preceding statement. TOPIK 4 -는 김에 -neun gime -ㄴ 김에 · -은 김에 An expression used to indicate that one is doing a certain act, after the act mentioned in the preceding statement or while doing a similar behavior… TOPIK 4 -는 대로 -neun daero -ㄴ 대로 · -은 대로 An expression used to indicate that something is the same as the present act or state mentioned in the preceding statement. TOPIK 4

자주 묻는 질문Common questions

What does -는다거나 mean in Korean?

-는다거나 is a expression introduced at 4급 (TOPIK 4). An expression used to choose one of two or more confronting behaviors. It has 2 distinct senses, all listed on this page.

When do you use -는다거나?

A contracted form of -는다고 하거나. The other shape is -ㄴ다거나, -다거나, -라거나 — same point, different environment.

What is the difference between -는다거나 and -ㄴ다거나?

None in meaning — they are two shapes of the same expression, and which one appears is decided by the sound in front of it, not by what you want to say.

What TOPIK level is -는다거나?

4급 — TOPIK 4, upper intermediate. It is one of 67 grammar points at that level.

Definition, usage note, examples and dialogue from the 국립국어원 한국어기초사전, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.