-는다거나
-neundageona
like...or; whether...or
Attaches to a verb stem to list actions as illustrative examples ('like doing X or Y'), or, repeated, to show a choice between two or more actions.
Form
- Attaches to
- Verb, Adjective, Auxiliary
- Other shapes
- -ㄴ다거나 · -다거나 · -라거나
Meanings
- 1
An expression used to explain something by listing some behaviors as examples.
여러 가지 행위를 예로 들어 나열하면서 설명할 때 쓰는 표현.
- 2
An expression used to choose one of two or more confronting behaviors.
둘 이상의 동작이나 상태, 대상 중 하나를 선택함을 나타내는 표현.
※ ‘-는다고 하거나’가 줄어든 말이다.
Examples
주말에는 책을 읽는다거나 드라마를 보면서 시간을 보낸다.
On weekends, I spend time reading or watching dramas, that sort of thing.
기숙사에서는 음악을 크게 듣는다거나 큰 소리를 내면 안 된다.
In the dormitory, you're not allowed to play music loudly or make loud noises.
공원에서 꽃을 꺾는다거나 풀을 밟는다거나 하면 안 되는 거야.
You're not supposed to pick flowers or step on the grass in the park, that kind of thing.
어떻게 하면 목돈을 마련할 수 있을까? 적금을 넣는다거나 투자를 하면 되지.
How can I save up a lump sum of money? You could put money into savings or make investments.
택시를 잡는다거나 버스를 기다리거나 해야지.
You should either hail a taxi or wait for the bus.
손님이 많을 때에는 주방 일을 돕는다거나 배달이라도 좀 하거라.
When there are a lot of customers, help out in the kitchen or at least do some deliveries.
Examples: 한국어기초사전, CC BY-SA 2.0 KR.
Don’t confuse with
Forms with a close meaning — a favourite source of wrong answers on TOPIK.
Quick check
1. What does ‘-는다거나’ mean?
2. Which form means “like...or; whether...or”?