1. What Does “거나” Mean?
“거나” is attached after verbs or adjectives to show that one of the options is being chosen. It means “or” in English. This structure allows you to present alternatives or different states.
Examples:
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오후에 축구를 하거나 농구를 할 거예요.
I will either play soccer or basketball in the afternoon. -
저녁에 친구를 만나거나 도서관에 갈 거예요.
In the evening, I will meet my friend or go to the library. -
저는 맵거나 짠 음식을 잘 못 먹어요.
I can’t eat spicy or salty food well.
2. When Not to Use “거나”:
“거나” is not used with the future tense or the conjectural form “겠”.
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Correct:
내일 등산을 가거나 농구를 할 거예요.
(I will either go hiking or play basketball tomorrow.) -
Incorrect:
내일 등산을 가겠거나 농구를 하겠어요.
(This is incorrect in Korean, because “거나” should not follow “겠.”)
3. “거나” vs “(이)나”
There is a slight difference between “거나” and “(이)나”. While “거나” is used with verbs and adjectives, “(이)나” is used with nouns.
Example 1: Using “거나” (verbs/adjectives)
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피자를 먹거나 햄버거를 먹을 거예요.
(I will eat pizza or a hamburger.)
Example 2: Using “(이)나” (nouns)
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피자나 햄버거를 먹을 거예요.
(I will eat pizza or a hamburger.)
Summary:
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“거나” connects verbs and adjectives to express “either…or.”
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It cannot be used with future tense or “겠.”
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Use “(이)나” for nouns, and “거나” for verbs or adjectives.
By practicing with these examples and understanding the difference between “거나” and “(이)나,” you can start using choices more naturally in your Korean conversations!
