V + -(으)나 마나(이다) (Whether one does it or not, no need to even try)
Meaning: It makes no difference whether one does it or not (either because doing it is futile or because the result is already completely obvious).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb with batchim + -으나 마나
- Verb without batchim or ending in ㄹ + -나 마나
- Sentence-final: V + -(으)나 마나이다
Detailed Usage
Attaches only to verbs: 1) Expresses that an action is pointless because the quantity/effect is negligible; 2) Expresses that the outcome is a foregone conclusion without even checking (보나 마나).
Example Sentences
- 1
저녁에 비가 올 거래요. 비가 오면 세차를 하나 마나니까 나중에 하세요.
Jeonyeoge biga ol georaeyo. biga omyeon sechareul hana mananikka najunge haseyo.
They say it'll rain tonight. If it rains, washing the car will be pointless anyway, so do it later.
- 2
선거 결과를 보나 마나 기호 1번 후보가 당선될 겁니다.
Seongeo gyeolgwareul bona mana giho 1beon huboga dangseondoel geomnida.
Whether we look at the election results or not, Candidate No. 1 will surely win.
- 3
비가 너무 많이 와서 우산을 쓰나 마나입니다.
Biga neomu mani waseo usaneul sseuna manaimnida.
It is raining so heavily that using an umbrella makes no difference at all.
Important Notes
Cannot be used with adjectives or preceded by negation adverbs 안/못.
