Futility in Korean || How to Use (으)나 마나

Q: What does 나 마나 mean in Korean?

(으)나 마나 is used to express that doing something is pointless or that the result will be the same whether the action is taken or not.

Q: How do I attach 나 마나 to a verb?

If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use -으나 마나 ; if it ends in a vowel, use -나 마나 . Example : 보다 → 보나 마나 (no final consonant), 읽다 → 읽으나 마나 (final consonant).

Q: Is 나 마나 used in casual or formal speech?

It’s more common in casual or conversational Korean, but it can be adjusted to formal settings by changing the sentence ending.

Q: Can I use 나 마나 for positive situations too?

Not usually. It typically conveys negative or futile feelings , like when something is not worth trying because the outcome is obvious or disappointing.

Q: Is 나 마나 rude to use?

It can sound a little blunt or dismissive depending on the tone and context, so it’s better to use it carefully, especially with people you don’t know well.

Q: Can I study Korean at LTL Language School?

Yes! You can study with us in Seoul , in our Hongdae location , or online if you prefer learn from home. Contact us here if you have any questions.

Home B1 Expressing futility with -(으)나 마나

EXPRESSING FUTILITY IN KOREAN

The Korean structure -(으)나 마나 expresses the futility or pointlessness of an action. It conveys the idea that regardless of whether something is done or not, the outcome will be the same, often negative or undesirable.

This structure is commonly used in everyday conversation to express frustration, resignation, or a sense of hopelessness.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

The structure -(으)나 마나 is attached to verbs and adjectives. It consists of two parts:

-(으)나: This part is used to express whether or not or even if.
- If the verb or adjective stem ends in a consonant, use -으나.
- If the verb or adjective stem ends in a vowel, use -나.
마나: This part emphasizes the futility or pointlessness of the action.

PATTERN

Verb/Adjective stem + -(으)나 마나

MEANING & USAGE

-(으)나 마나 expresses that an action is pointless or futile. It often implies that the speaker has already anticipated a negative outcome or that the situation is beyond their control.

노력하나 마나 결과는 똑같을 거예요.

_{Whether I make an effort or not, the result will be the same.}

View More Examples:

가나 마나 아무도 없을 거예요	Whether I go or not, no one will be there.
말하나 마나 안 들을 거예요.	Whether I say i or not, they won’t listen.
극복하나 마나 상황은 변하지 않아요.	Whether I overcome it or not, the situation won’t change.

NUANCES & CONTEXT

-(으)나 마나 often carries a negative connotation. It can express:

Resignation: Accepting a negative outcome as inevitable.
Frustration: Feeling annoyed or disappointed about a situation.
Skepticism: Doubting the effectiveness of an action.
Hopelessness: Feeling that there is no chance of success.

View Dialogue Example:

Characters:

A: Frustrated student (left side)
B: Supportive friend (right side)

아, 이번 시험 때문에 계속 공부했는데, 너무 의미 없는 것 같아.

_{Ugh, I’ve been studying non-stop for this exam, but it feels so pointless.}

야, 그런 말 하지 마! 너 진짜 열심히 했잖아. 할 수 있어!

_{Hey, don’t say that! You’ve really worked hard. You can do it!}

아니, 진심이야. 공부하나 마나 결과는 똑같을 것 같아. 나 떨어질 거야.

_{No, seriously. Whether I study or not, the result’s going to be the same. I’m going to fail.}

왜 그래, 그렇게 생각하지 마. 포기하면 안 돼. 노력은 절대 배신하지 않아.

_{Come on, don’t think like that. You can’t give up. Effort never betrays you}

근데 진짜 열심히 노력했어! 최선을 다하나 마나 희망이 없는 것 같아.

_{But I’ve really tried hard! Whether I give it my all or not, it just feels hopeless.}

^{eopseo. aljana, noryeogeun seonggongui eomeoniya.}

봐, 그냥 포기하면 안 돼. 정말 노력하면 못 할 건 없어. 알잖아, 노력은 성공의 어머니야.

_{Look, you can’t just give up. There’s nothing you can’t do if you really try. You know, effort is the mother of success.}

^…

그래도…

_{Yeah, but…}

그래도는 안 돼! 자신을 믿어야 해. 노력은 기회를 만들어. 자신감을 가져야 해.

_{No “buts”! You need to believe in yourself. Effort creates opportunities. You have to have confidence.}

알았어, 알았어. 긍정적으로 생각하도록 노력할게. 격려해줘서 고마워.

_{Okay, okay. I’ll try to stay positive. Thanks for the pep talk.}

바로 그거야! 잘할 거야!

_{That’s it! You’ll do great!}

CONCLUSION

The dialogue effectively demonstrates the use of the Korean grammar structure -(으)나 마나, expressing futility or pointlessness.

Through A’s repeated use of this structure, their frustration and perceived hopelessness regarding their exam are vividly portrayed. B, however, counters A’s pessimism by emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and a positive mindset.

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FAQs

What does 나 마나 mean in Korean?

(으)나 마나 is used to express that doing something is pointless or that the result will be the same whether the action is taken or not.

How do I attach 나 마나 to a verb?

If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use -으나 마나; if it ends in a vowel, use -나 마나.

Example: 보다 → 보나 마나 (no final consonant), 읽다 → 읽으나 마나 (final consonant).

Is 나 마나 used in casual or formal speech?

It’s more common in casual or conversational Korean, but it can be adjusted to formal settings by changing the sentence ending.

Can I use 나 마나 for positive situations too?

Not usually.

It typically conveys negative or futile feelings, like when something is not worth trying because the outcome is obvious or disappointing.

Is 나 마나 rude to use?

It can sound a little blunt or dismissive depending on the tone and context, so it’s better to use it carefully, especially with people you don’t know well.

Can I study Korean at LTL Language School?

Yes!

You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.