-건 -건
Used to indicate that the choice between two or more options in the preceding clause doesn't affect the following clause.
Summary
Equivalent
Whether... or..., Regardless of whether...
Also: -거나 -거나 · -든(지) -든(지)
Example
Whether the result is good or bad, it's enough if you did your best.
결과가 좋건 나쁘건 최선을 다했다면 충분해요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'Whether it's A or B, the result [Y] is the same.' Often uses antonym pairs like '좋건 나쁘건' (good or bad), '비가 오건 눈이 오건' (rain or snow).
- Shortened from '-거나 -거나'.
- Can also be used as '-건 -건 간에' to add slightly more emphasis to the 'regardless' part.
이유가 무엇이건 간에 약속을 어긴 건 잘못이에요. (Regardless of the reason, breaking the promise was wrong.)
Patterns
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -건 -건
N (Nouns)
현재 (Present) · (이)건 (이)건
Example sentences
Whether the result is good or bad, it's enough if you did your best.
결과가 좋건 나쁘건 최선을 다했다면 충분해요.
Whether it rains or snows, he goes out to exercise every day.
그는 비가 오건 눈이 오건 매일 운동을 하러 나가요.
Whether it's expensive or cheap, I plan to buy it if I like it.
비싸건 싸건 마음에 들면 살 생각이에요.
Conversation
A: I'm worried because the kids won't eat vegetables.
아이들이 채소를 너무 안 먹어서 고민이에요.
B: Whether they like it or not, you have to feed them at least a little for their health.
좋아하건 싫어하건 건강을 위해서 조금씩이라도 먹여야 해요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'whether A or B' phrase.
Regardless of others watching.
Distance doesn't matter.