How to Say “Or” in Korean: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express alternatives is crucial for effective communication in any language. In Korean, the word “or” can be expressed in several ways, each with its own nuance and context.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the various ways to say “or” in Korean, covering their definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, common mistakes, and practical examples. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you master the art of expressing alternatives in Korean, enhancing your fluency and accuracy.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “Or” in Korean
• Structural Breakdown
• Types of “Or” in Korean
  • -(이)거나
  • -(이)든지
  • 또는
  • ~하고 (~하고)
• Examples
  • Examples with -(이)거나
  • Examples with -(이)든지
  • Examples with 또는
  • Examples with ~하고 (~하고)
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Expressing alternatives is a fundamental aspect of communication. Just as in English, where “or” allows us to present choices, Korean offers several ways to convey the same concept.

Mastering these different forms of “or” is essential for constructing complex sentences, offering options, and expressing uncertainty. This article aims to demystify the various ways to say “or” in Korean, providing a detailed exploration of their nuances and usage.

This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from those just beginning their Korean journey to advanced speakers looking to refine their grammar skills. Understanding the subtleties of “or” in Korean will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and accurately.

Definition of “Or” in Korean

In Korean, the concept of “or” is not expressed by a single word but rather through a variety of grammatical structures and particles. Each of these structures carries slightly different nuances and is used in specific contexts. The most common ways to express “or” include -(이)거나, -(이)든지, 또는, and even sometimes ~하고 (~하고). These forms can be used to present alternatives, offer choices, or indicate uncertainty between options. Understanding the subtle differences between these forms is crucial for accurate and natural Korean communication.

These particles and conjunctions function to connect words, phrases, or clauses, presenting them as alternatives. The choice between them depends on factors such as the formality of the situation, the certainty of the speaker, and the specific grammatical constructions involved. For example, -(이)거나 and -(이)든지 are often used when the speaker is less concerned about which option is chosen, while 또는 is generally used in more formal contexts or when presenting distinct alternatives. The subtle differences in meaning and usage make it important to study each form individually to understand when and how to use them correctly.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of “or” in Korean varies depending on the specific form being used. Here’s a breakdown of the structural elements for each of the common ways to say “or”:

• -(이)거나: This form is attached directly to the noun or verb stem. If the noun or verb stem ends in a consonant, use -이거나; if it ends in a vowel, use -거나.
• -(이)든지: Similar to -(이)거나, this form is attached directly to the noun or verb stem. If the noun or verb stem ends in a consonant, use -이든지; if it ends in a vowel, use -든지.
• 또는: This is a standalone conjunction placed between the alternatives being presented.
• ~하고 (~하고): In some contexts, ~하고 can be repeated to suggest alternatives, although this usage is less common and often implies “and” in addition to “or.”

Understanding these structural differences is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. For instance, knowing when to use -이거나 versus -거나 or -이든지 versus -든지 is essential for avoiding common errors.

Similarly, recognizing that 또는 is a standalone conjunction helps to ensure that it is used correctly in sentences. By paying attention to these structural details, learners can significantly improve their accuracy and fluency in Korean.

Types of “Or” in Korean

Korean offers several ways to express “or,” each with its own specific nuances and usage patterns. Here’s a detailed look at the most common forms:

-(이)거나

-(이)거나 is used to list alternatives when the speaker is relatively indifferent about which option is chosen. It’s often used in informal settings. The choice between -이거나 and -거나 depends on whether the preceding word ends in a consonant or a vowel, respectively. This form is versatile and can be attached to nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

For example, “사과나 배나 먹을래요” (sagwana baena meogeullaeyo) means “I want to eat an apple or a pear.” Here, the speaker is expressing a preference for either fruit without a strong inclination towards one over the other. The use of -나 indicates a casual and indifferent attitude towards the choice.

-(이)든지

-(이)든지 is similar to -(이)거나, but it often carries a sense of “any” or “whichever.” It implies a wider range of possibilities and can suggest that the speaker is open to any of the listed options. Like -(이)거나, the choice between -이든지 and -든지 depends on the preceding word’s ending.

For instance, “영화를 보든지, 책을 읽든지 할 거예요” (yeonghwareul bodeunji, chaegeul ilkdeunji hal geoyeyo) means “I will watch a movie or read a book.” This sentence conveys that the speaker is open to either activity and doesn’t have a strong preference. The use of -든지 suggests a more open-ended choice compared to -거나.

또는

또는 is a more formal way to say “or” and is often used in written language or formal speech. It presents distinct alternatives and is typically used when the speaker wants to emphasize the separation between the options. Unlike -(이)거나 and -(이)든지, 또는 is a standalone conjunction and does not attach to the preceding word.

For example, “합격또는 불합격” (hapgyeok ttoneun bulhapgyeok) means “pass or fail.” This phrase is often used in official announcements or documents, emphasizing the binary nature of the outcome. The formality of 또는 makes it suitable for situations where clarity and precision are important.

~하고 (~하고)

While ~하고 primarily means “and,” it can sometimes be used to suggest “or” in certain contexts, especially when repeated. However, this usage is less common and can be ambiguous, as it often implies a combination of the options rather than a choice between them. It’s important to use this form carefully to avoid confusion.

For instance, “커피하고 차하고 마실래요?” (keopihago chahago masillaeyo?) can be interpreted as “Do you want to drink coffee or tea?” However, it could also be understood as “Do you want to drink coffee and tea?” The ambiguity of this usage makes it less reliable for expressing alternatives compared to the other forms discussed above.

Examples

To further illustrate the usage of “or” in Korean, here are several examples organized by the specific form used:

Examples with -(이)거나

The following table provides examples of sentences using -(이)거나 to express “or.” Notice how the particle attaches directly to the noun or verb stem, and how the choice between -이거나 and -거나 depends on the final sound of the preceding word.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
사과거나 배거나 먹을래요.	Sagwa geona bae geona meogeullaeyo.	I want to eat an apple or a pear.
책을 읽거나 영화를 볼 거예요.	Chaegeul ilkgeona yeonghwareul bol geoyeyo.	I will read a book or watch a movie.
커피거나 주스를 마실까요?	Keopi geona juseureul masil까요?	Shall we drink coffee or juice?
집에 있거나 공원에 갈 거예요.	Jibe itgeona gongwone gal geoyeyo.	I will stay home or go to the park.
피자거나 햄버거를 먹고 싶어요.	Pijageona haembeogeoreul meokgo sipeoyo.	I want to eat pizza or a hamburger.
한국 음식이거나 일본 음식을 먹을 거예요.	Hanguk eumsigeul geona ilbon eumsigeul meogeul geoyeyo.	I will eat Korean food or Japanese food.
영어를 배우거나 프랑스어를 배울 거예요.	Yeongeoreul baeugeona peurangseueoreul baeul geoyeyo.	I will learn English or French.
텔레비전을 보거나 음악을 들을 거예요.	Tellebijeoneul bogeona eumageul deureul geoyeyo.	I will watch television or listen to music.
수영하거나 자전거를 탈 거예요.	Suyeonghageona jajeongeoreul tal geoyeyo.	I will swim or ride a bicycle.
빵을 먹거나 밥을 먹을 거예요.	Ppangeul meokgeona babeul meogeul geoyeyo.	I will eat bread or rice.
산을 오르거나 바다에 갈 거예요.	Saneul oreugeona badae gal geoyeyo.	I will climb a mountain or go to the sea.
편지를 쓰거나 전화를 할 거예요.	Pyeonjireul sseugeona jeonhwareul hal geoyeyo.	I will write a letter or make a phone call.
케이크를 만들거나 쿠키를 구울 거예요.	Keikeureul mandeulgeona kukireul guul geoyeyo.	I will make a cake or bake cookies.
청소하거나 빨래를 할 거예요.	Cheongsohageona ppallaereul hal geoyeyo.	I will clean or do laundry.
숙제를 하거나 게임을 할 거예요.	Sukjereul hageona geimeul hal geoyeyo.	I will do homework or play games.
친구를 만나거나 혼자 있을 거예요.	Chingureul mannageona honja isseul geoyeyo.	I will meet a friend or be alone.
영화를 보거나 콘서트에 갈 거예요.	Yeonghwareul bogeona konseoteue gal geoyeyo.	I will watch a movie or go to a concert.
책을 읽거나 잡지를 읽을 거예요.	Chaegeul ilkgeona japjireul ilgeul geoyeyo.	I will read a book or read a magazine.
아침을 먹거나 안 먹을 거예요.	Achimeul meokgeona an meogeul geoyeyo.	I will eat breakfast or not eat it.
강아지를 키우거나 고양이를 키울 거예요.	Gangajireul kiugeona goyangireul kiul geoyeyo.	I will raise a dog or raise a cat.

Examples with -(이)든지

This table provides examples of sentences using -(이)든지 to express “or.” This form often implies a sense of “whichever” or “any,” suggesting a broader range of possibilities.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
사과든지 배든지 주세요.	Sagwa deunji bae deunji juseyo.	Give me an apple or a pear (whichever).
영화를 보든지 책을 읽든지 할 거예요.	Yeonghwareul bodeunji chaegeul ilkdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will watch a movie or read a book (either one).
커피든지 차든지 마실래요?	Keopi deunji cha deunji masillaeyo?	Do you want to drink coffee or tea (either one)?
집에 있든지 밖에 나가든지 마음대로 하세요.	Jibe itdeunji bakke nagadeunji maeumdaero haseyo.	Stay home or go out (whichever you like).
피자든지 햄버거든지 아무거나 먹고 싶어요.	Pijadeunji haembeogeodeunji amugeona meokgo sipeoyo.	I want to eat pizza or a hamburger (anything).
한국 음식이든지 일본 음식이든지 먹을 거예요.	Hanguk eumsigideunji ilbon eumsigideunji meogeul geoyeyo.	I will eat Korean food or Japanese food (either one).
영어를 배우든지 프랑스어를 배우든지 할 거예요.	Yeongeoreul baeudeunji peurangseueoreul baeudeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will learn English or French (either one).
텔레비전을 보든지 음악을 듣든지 할 거예요.	Tellebijeoneul bodeunji eumageul deutdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will watch television or listen to music (either one).
수영하든지 자전거를 타든지 할 거예요.	Suyeonghadeunji jajeongeoreul tadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will swim or ride a bicycle (either one).
빵을 먹든지 밥을 먹든지 할 거예요.	Ppangeul meokdeunji babeul meokdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will eat bread or rice (either one).
산을 오르든지 바다에 가든지 할 거예요.	Saneul oreudeunji badae gadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will climb a mountain or go to the sea (either one).
편지를 쓰든지 전화를 하든지 할 거예요.	Pyeonjireul sseudeunji jeonhwareul hadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will write a letter or make a phone call (either one).
케이크를 만들든지 쿠키를 굽든지 할 거예요.	Keikeureul mandeuldeunji kukireul gupdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will make a cake or bake cookies (either one).
청소하든지 빨래를 하든지 할 거예요.	Cheongsohadeunji ppallaereul hadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will clean or do laundry (either one).
숙제를 하든지 게임을 하든지 할 거예요.	Sukjereul hadeunji geimeul hadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will do homework or play games (either one).
친구를 만나든지 혼자 있든지 할 거예요.	Chingureul mannadeunji honja itdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will meet a friend or be alone (either one).
영화를 보든지 콘서트에 가든지 할 거예요.	Yeonghwareul bodeunji konseoteue gadeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will watch a movie or go to a concert (either one).
책을 읽든지 잡지를 읽든지 할 거예요.	Chaegeul ilkdeunji japjireul ilkdeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will read a book or read a magazine (either one).
아침을 먹든지 안 먹든지 상관없어요.	Achimeul meokdeunji an meokdeunji sanggwaneopseoyo.	I don’t care whether I eat breakfast or not.
강아지를 키우든지 고양이를 키우든지 할 거예요.	Gangajireul kiudeunji goyangireul kiudeunji hal geoyeyo.	I will raise a dog or raise a cat (either one).

Examples with 또는

The following table demonstrates the use of 또는 in sentences. Note that 또는 is a standalone conjunction and is typically used in more formal contexts.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
합격 또는 불합격.	Hapgyeok ttoneun bulhapgyeok.	Pass or fail.
성공 또는 실패.	Seonggong ttoneun silpae.	Success or failure.
진실 또는 거짓.	Jinsil ttoneun geojit.	Truth or lie.
정답 또는 오답.	Jeongdap ttoneun odap.	Correct answer or wrong answer.
긍정 또는 부정.	Geungjeong ttoneun bujeong.	Positive or negative.
찬성 또는 반대.	Chanseong ttoneun bandae.	Approval or opposition.
시작 또는 끝.	Sijak ttoneun kkeut.	Beginning or end.
이익 또는 손해.	Iik ttoneun sonhae.	Profit or loss.
장점 또는 단점.	Jangjeom ttoneun danjeom.	Advantage or disadvantage.
가능 또는 불가능.	Ganeung ttoneun bulganeung.	Possible or impossible.
유효 또는 무효.	Yuhyo ttoneun muhyo.	Valid or invalid.
승리 또는 패배.	Seungni ttoneun paebae.	Victory or defeat.
정상 또는 비정상.	Jeongsang ttoneun bijeongsang.	Normal or abnormal.
안전 또는 위험.	Anjeon ttoneun wiheom.	Safe or dangerous.
개선 또는 악화.	Gaeiseon ttoneun akwha.	Improvement or deterioration.
증가 또는 감소.	Jeungga ttoneun gamso.	Increase or decrease.
확대 또는 축소.	Hwandae ttoneun chukso.	Expansion or reduction.
성장 또는 쇠퇴.	Seongjang ttoneun soetoe.	Growth or decline.
개방 또는 폐쇄.	Gaebang ttoneun pyeswae.	Open or closed.
존재 또는 부재.	Jonjae ttoneun bujae.	Presence or absence.

Examples with ~하고 (~하고)

This table illustrates the use of ~하고 (~하고) to suggest “or,” although this usage is less common and can be ambiguous. It’s important to be cautious when using this form to avoid confusion.

Korean Sentence	Romanization	English Translation
커피하고 차하고 마실래요?	Keopi hago cha hago masillaeyo?	Do you want to drink coffee or tea? (Potentially ambiguous)
밥하고 국하고 먹을까요?	Bap hago guk hago meogeulkkayo?	Shall we eat rice or soup? (Potentially ambiguous)
책하고 잡지하고 읽을래요?	Chaek hago japji hago ilgeullaeyo?	Do you want to read a book or a magazine? (Potentially ambiguous)
영화하고 드라마하고 볼래요?	Yeonghwa hago deurama hago bollaeyo?	Do you want to watch a movie or a drama? (Potentially ambiguous)
사과하고 배하고 먹을래요?	Sagwa hago bae hago meogeullaeyo?	Do you want to eat an apple or a pear? (Potentially ambiguous)
빵하고 케이크하고 먹을래요?	Ppanghago keikeuhago meogeullaeyo?	Do you want to eat bread or cake? (Potentially ambiguous)
커피하고 주스하고 마실래요?	Keopihago juseuhago masillaeyo?	Do you want to drink coffee or juice? (Potentially ambiguous)
고기하고 생선하고 먹을래요?	Gogihago saengseonhago meogeullaeyo?	Do you want to eat meat or fish? (Potentially ambiguous)
집하고 학교하고 갈래요?	Jiphago hakgyohago gallaeyo?	Do you want to go home or to school? (Potentially ambiguous)
공원하고 바다하고 갈래요?	Gongwonhago badahago gallaeyo?	Do you want to go to the park or to the sea? (Potentially ambiguous)
산하고 강하고 갈래요?	Sanhago ganghago gallaeyo?	Do you want to go to the mountain or to the river? (Potentially ambiguous)
바지하고 치마하고 입을래요?	Bajihago chimahago ibeullaeyo?	Do you want to wear pants or a skirt? (Potentially ambiguous)
셔츠하고 티셔츠하고 입을래요?	Syeocheuhago tisyeocheuhago ibeullaeyo?	Do you want to wear a shirt or a t-shirt? (Potentially ambiguous)
모자하고 장갑하고 살래요?	Mojahago janggaphago sallaeyo?	Do you want to buy a hat or gloves? (Potentially ambiguous)
신발하고 양말하고 살래요?	Sinbalhago yangmalhago sallaeyo?	Do you want to buy shoes or socks? (Potentially ambiguous)
컴퓨터하고 스마트폰하고 쓸래요?	Keompyuteohago seumateuponhago sseullaeyo?	Do you want to use a computer or a smartphone? (Potentially ambiguous)
텔레비전하고 라디오하고 들을래요?	Tellebijeonhago radiohago deureullaeyo?	Do you want to listen to television or radio? (Potentially ambiguous)
책하고 신문하고 읽을래요?	Chaekhago sinmunhago ilgeullaeyo?	Do you want to read a book or a newspaper? (Potentially ambiguous)
펜하고 연필하고 쓸래요?	Penhago yeonpilhago sseullaeyo?	Do you want to use a pen or a pencil? (Potentially ambiguous)
가방하고 지갑하고 가져갈래요?	Gabanghago jigaphago gajeogallaeyo?	Do you want to take a bag or a wallet? (Potentially ambiguous)

Usage Rules

To use “or” correctly in Korean, it’s important to follow specific usage rules for each form:

• -(이)거나: Attach to nouns, verbs, or adjectives. Use -이거나 after a consonant and -거나 after a vowel. This form is suitable for informal settings and when the speaker is indifferent about the choice.
• -(이)든지: Similar to -(이)거나, attach to nouns, verbs, or adjectives. Use -이든지 after a consonant and -든지 after a vowel. This form implies a wider range of possibilities and a sense of “whichever.”
• 또는: Use as a standalone conjunction between alternatives. This form is more formal and is often used in written language or formal speech.
• ~하고 (~하고): Use with caution, as it can be ambiguous. It’s generally better to use other forms of “or” to avoid confusion, especially in situations where clarity is important.

Understanding these rules will help you choose the appropriate form of “or” for different situations and ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and clear. Additionally, it’s important to consider the context and the level of formality when selecting the appropriate form.

Practice and exposure to authentic Korean content will further refine your understanding and usage of “or” in Korean.

Common Mistakes

Learners often make several common mistakes when using “or” in Korean. Here are some frequent errors and how to correct them:

• Incorrectly attaching -(이)거나 or -(이)든지: Forgetting to use -이거나/-이든지 after a consonant or using it incorrectly after a vowel.
• Using 또는 in informal settings: Using 또는 in casual conversation can sound overly formal.
• Overusing ~하고 (~하고): Relying too heavily on ~하고 to express “or” can lead to ambiguity.
• Misunderstanding the nuances: Not recognizing the subtle differences in meaning between -(이)거나 and -(이)든지.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
사과거나 배이거나 먹을래요.	사과거나 배거나 먹을래요.	“배” ends in a vowel, so use -거나.
나는 또는 영화를 볼 거예요.	나는 영화를 보거나 책을 읽을 거예요.	“또는” is a standalone conjunction, not attached to a verb.
커피하고 차하고 주세요. (Intended as “or”)	커피나 차나 주세요.	“~하고” implies “and,” not “or” in this context.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “or” in Korean with these practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Choose the correct form of “or” to complete each sentence.

Question	Options	Answer
커피 ____ 차 ____ 마실래요?	(가) 거나, 거나 (나) 든지, 든지 (다) 또는, 또는	(가)
합격 ____ 불합격.	(가) 거나 (나) 든지 (다) 또는	(다)
영화를 보____ 책을 읽____ 할 거예요.	(가) 거나, 거나 (나) 든지, 든지 (다) 또는, 또는	(나)
집에 있____ 공원에 갈 거예요.	(가) 거나 (나) 든지 (다) 또는	(가)
성공 ____ 실패.	(가) 거나 (나) 든지 (다) 또는	(다)
한국 음식 ____ 일본 음식 ____ 먹을 거예요.	(가) 거나, 거나 (나) 든지, 든지 (다) 또는, 또는	(나)
영어를 배우____ 프랑스어를 배우____ 할 거예요.	(가) 거나, 거나 (나) 든지, 든지 (다) 또는, 또는	(가)
텔레비전을 보____ 음악을 들을 거예요.	(가) 거나 (나) 든지 (다) 또는	(가)
빵 ____ 밥 ____ 먹을 거예요.	(가) 거나, 거나 (나) 든지, 든지 (다) 또는, 또는	(나)
산을 오르 ____ 바다에 갈 거예요.	(가) 거나 (나) 든지 (다) 또는	(가)

Exercise 2: Translate the following English sentences into Korean using the appropriate form of “or.”

1. I will eat an apple or a banana.
2. Do you want coffee or tea?
3. Success or failure.
4. I will watch a movie or read a book.
5. You can stay home or go out.

Answers to Exercise 2:

1. 사과나 바나나나 먹을 거예요.
2. 커피나 차나 마실래요?
3. 성공 또는 실패.
4. 영화를 보든지 책을 읽든지 할 거예요.
5. 집에 있든지 밖에 나가든지 할 수 있어요.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, it’s important to understand more nuanced aspects of “or” in Korean. This includes recognizing regional variations in usage, understanding how “or” interacts with other grammatical structures, and mastering the art of using “or” in complex sentence constructions.

Additionally, exploring the

interplay between “or” and other conjunctions can provide a deeper understanding of Korean sentence structure.

• Regional Variations: Just like any language, Korean has regional dialects that may influence how “or” is expressed. Some dialects might favor one form over another, or use entirely different expressions.
• Interaction with Grammatical Structures: Understanding how “or” interacts with other grammatical elements, such as tense, aspect, and mood, is crucial for constructing complex sentences.
• Complex Sentence Constructions: Mastering the art of using “or” in complex sentences involves understanding how to connect multiple clauses and ideas in a coherent and grammatically correct manner.

FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between -(이)거나 and -(이)든지?

A: Both express “or,” but -(이)거나 is more general and used when the speaker is indifferent to the choice. -(이)든지 implies “whichever” or “any,” suggesting a broader range of possibilities.

Q: When should I use 또는?

A: Use 또는 in formal settings or written language when presenting distinct alternatives.

Q: Is it okay to use ~하고 (~하고) to mean “or”?

A: It can be used, but it’s less common and can be ambiguous. It’s generally better to use other forms of “or” to avoid confusion.

Q: How do I know whether to use -이거나/-든지 or -거나/-든지?

A: Use -이거나 and -이든지 after a consonant, and -거나 and -든지 after a vowel.

Q: Can I use more than two options with -(이)거나 or -(이)든지?

A: Yes, you can list multiple options using these forms.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of saying “or” in Korean involves understanding the nuances of -(이)거나, -(이)든지, 또는, and the cautious use of ~하고 (~하고). Each form has its own specific context and usage rules, and choosing the appropriate form is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

By studying the structural breakdowns, usage rules, and examples provided in this article, learners can significantly enhance their ability to express alternatives in Korean, improving their overall fluency and comprehension. Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the context in which these forms are used to further refine your skills.

With dedication and consistent effort, you can confidently navigate the intricacies of “or” in Korean and communicate effectively in a variety of situations.