-는 둥 마는 둥 하다 — Partially doing, Barely doing, Without full effort

This expression is used to indicate that the subject only partially or half-heartedly does some action and thus does not put his or her full effort into the task at hand. It is only used with verbs.

Details

This expression can be used in the form of -(으)ㄹ 둥 말 둥 하다 to express speculation about some future situation.

직접 가서 부탁해도 들어줄 둥 말 둥 한데 전화로 하면 되겠니?

They may not accept your request even if you go there in person, so do you really think you can do it over the phone?

밤을 새워 공부해도 시험에 합격할 둥 말 둥 한데 TV만 보고 있으니 한심하다.

There's no guarantee that you'll pass the test even if you study all night, but it's shameful to just watch TV.

가: 요즘 여양 씨가 이상하지 않아요? 아까도 도서관 앞에서 마주쳤는데 인사를 하는 둥 마는 둥 하고 그냥 가 버리더라고요. 나: 얼마 전에 여자 친구하고 헤어 졌대요. 가: 아, 그랬군요…그래서 요즘 수업도 듣는 둥 마는 둥 했군요. 나: 아마 말은 안 해도 많이 힘들 거예요.

A: Isn’t Yeoyang acting a bit strange recently? I ran into him in front of the library a little while ago, and he kind of half-heartedly greeted me and just walked away. B: He said he broke up with his girlfriend a few days ago. A: Oh, I see... So that’s why he’s only partly paying attention in class as well. B: I think he’s really having a tough time even if he doesn’t say so.

어제 잠을 자는 둥 마는 둥 했더니 하루 종일 피곤해요.

Yesterday, I didn’t sleep soundly, so I’ve been tired all day (today).

남편은 무슨 걱정이 있는지 아침도 먹는 둥 마는 둥 하고 출근했다.

My husband left for work after only half-heartedly eating his breakfast and acted like he was worried about something.