-든지 -든지

Whether this or that

Explanation

This expression is used when expressing that any of the stated choices are fine.

In this case, there need to be at least two choices given.

They can be either a simple listing of two or more choices, or they can be two opposing or contradictory options.

This expression can also be shortened to '-든 -든'.

Details

1. To emphasize the contrast between two choices, the forms 든지 안 -든지, -든지 말든지 and 든지 못 -든지 are also used.

그 사람이 키가 크든지 안 크든지 일단 한번 만나 보세요.
Regardless of whether he is tall or short, just meet him.
네가 가든지 말든지 나는 상관없으니까 마음대로 해.
It doesn't matter to me whether you go or not, so do as you wish.

2. This expression cannot be used with -겠-，which indicates a future event.

내일은 친구를 만나겠든지 영화를 보겠든지 할 거예요. ✕
→내일은 친구를 만나든지 영회를 보든지 할 거예요. ✓

Kimchi Reader

Used when any of the stated choices are fine, express a contrast between the options. Require at least 2 options.

Details

Interrogative words

This grammar 든지 is commonly attached to 누구, 어디, 언제, 뭐 and 어느.

Base word With 든지
누구 (who) 누구든지 (whoever)
어디 (where) 어디든지 (wherever)
언제 (when) 언제든지 (whenever)
뭐 (what) 뭐든지 (whatever)
어느 (which) 어느든지 (whichever)

With nouns

든지 can be indirectly attached to nouns, in those case it goes through 이다 first. Note that 이 might not appear at all.