-거나 in Korean: “or”
-거나
-geona
or
Beginner · Linking ideas
-거나 (-geona) means "or" between two actions or descriptions. You attach it to a verb or adjective stem to give options, like "I watch a movie or rest."
How to form it
| When | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb or adjective stem | + 거나 | 보다 → 보거나, 먹다 → 먹거나 |
| Past tense | + 았/었거나 | 가다 → 갔거나 |
| Listing then ending with 하다 | -거나 -거나 하다 | 쉬다, 자다 → 쉬거나 자거나 해요 |
| Nouns (use (이)나 instead) | + (이)나 | 커피 → 커피나 차 |
How to use it
-거나 connects two actions or states where either one (or both) can be true: 주말에 영화를 보거나 쉬어요 (On weekends I watch movies or rest).
You can list several options with -거나 and finish with 하다: 책을 읽거나 음악을 듣거나 해요 (I read or listen to music, that kind of thing).
-거나 itself is neutral. Politeness comes from the ending at the end of the sentence. To say "or" between two nouns, use the particle (이)나 instead.
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
Talking about weekends
Advice to a coworker
Talking about free time
Asking a friend to get in touch
Don’t mix it up with
(이)나: (이)나 means "or" between nouns (커피나 차). -거나 is for verbs and adjectives (커피를 마시거나 차를 마셔요).
-든지: -든지 also lists options but adds "it doesn't matter which." -거나 is the plain, everyday "or."
Common mistakes
Using -거나 with nouns. Say 커피나 차, not 커피거나 차.
Want the basics first? Read Saying "and" (하고, 와/과, 랑).
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 거나 and 나 in Korean?
-거나 attaches to verb and adjective stems (보거나, 먹거나). (이)나 attaches to nouns (사과나 바나나). Both mean "or."
Can I use -거나 in the past tense?
Yes. Add it after 았/었: 집에 갔거나 자고 있을 거예요 (He probably went home or is sleeping). Often the past is only marked at the end of the sentence, though.