Lesson 66 · Choosing Between Options: -거나 & N(이)나
Hyeju’s Beginner Korean · Lesson 66 · Grammar
Choosing Between Options: -거나 & N(이)나
Learn Choosing Between Options: -거나 & N(이)나 with form rules, natural examples, common mistakes, romanization, and six practice questions with answers.
Introduction / Review
Connect alternatives with -거나 for predicates and (이)나 for nouns. The listener should be able to see the choices clearly: walk or rest; tea or coffee.
N = noun; V = action verb; A = descriptive verb. Romanization is a reading aid.
Today’s Grammar / Explanation
- V/A stem + 거나: 가다 → 가거나; 먹다 → 먹거나; 춥다 → 춥거나. Keep stems before ㄱ.
- Consonant-final noun + 이나: 책이나. Vowel-final noun + 나: 커피나. A list can be followed by an appropriate predicate.
- You can repeat -거나 to mark both alternatives, but a single -거나 between two predicates is enough in basic sentences.
Examples
주말에 영화를 보거나 책을 읽어요.
jumare yeonghwareul bogeona chaegeul ilgeoyo
On weekends, I watch a movie or read a book.
커피나 차를 마실래요?
keopina chareul masillaeyo
Would you like coffee or tea?
도서관이나 카페에서 공부해요.
doseogwanina kapeeseo gongbuhaeyo
I study at a library or a café.
집에서 쉬거나 산책해요.
jibeseo swigeona sanchaekaeyo
I rest at home or take a walk.
춥거나 비가 오면 집에 있어요.
chupgeona biga omyeon jibe isseoyo
If it’s cold or rainy, I stay home.
빵이나 과일을 먹어요.
ppangina gwaireul meogeoyo
I eat bread or fruit.
Compare with similar grammar
LESSON 10
Number + (이)나
커피를 다섯 잔이나 마셨어요.After a number, (이)나 means “as many as” — surprise at a large amount.
Review Lesson 10 →RELATED PATTERN
-든지
궁금한 게 있으면 언제든지 물어보세요.“Whatever / whenever”: any choice is fine.
| Pattern | Joins | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| -거나 | verbs, adjectives | or | 책을 읽거나 영화를 봐요 |
| N(이)나 | nouns | or | 커피나 차 |
| 하고 · -고 | nouns · verbs | and (both) | 커피하고 차 |
| Number + (이)나 | numbers | as many as | 세 시간이나 |
Common mistakes
N(이)나 has other meanings, including “as many as” with quantities. This lesson teaches the alternative meaning only. Do not put -거나 directly on a noun when you mean “coffee or tea.”
With verbs, use -거나. (이)나 is for nouns.
After a vowel, use 나: 우유나.
The last noun takes its normal particle: 밥이나 빵을.
-거나 attaches straight to the stem: 놀거나.
Mini practice · six questions
All sentences below are new. Try each one before opening the answer.
- Fill in the blank저녁에는 보통 음악을 ______ 책을 읽어요. (듣다)
Check answer
저녁에는 보통 음악을 듣거나 책을 읽어요.
듣 + 거나 → 듣거나 (no irregular change before a consonant).
- Fill in the blank생일 선물로 꽃___ 케이크를 사고 싶어요.
Check answer
생일 선물로 꽃이나 케이크를 사고 싶어요.
꽃 ends in a consonant → 이나.
- Choose the better form(둘 중 하나) 주말에는 등산을 (하고 / 하거나) 수영을 해요.
Check answer
하거나
One or the other → -거나.
- Choose the correct form어제 커피를 다섯 잔(이나 / 하고) 마셨어요.
Check answer
이나
Surprise at a large amount → (이)나.
- Find and fix the mistake공항까지 버스나 택시나 타세요.
Check answer
공항까지 버스나 택시를 타세요.
The last noun takes 을/를: 택시를.
- Say it in KoreanShall we have pizza or chicken?
Check answer
피자나 치킨 먹을까요?
Noun or noun → N(이)나: 피자나 치킨.
Today’s Key Point
Predicates: -거나; nouns: (이)나; distinguish alternatives from the other meanings of (이)나.
M.A. in Korean Language Education · Certified Korean language teacher
About the educator →