-느니 -느니 하다
Used when listing various thoughts, opinions, or excuses someone is making. It often implies a nuance of annoying chatter or repetitive complaints.
Summary
Equivalent
Saying this and that about..., Complaining about X and Y...
Also: -(느)ㄴ다느니 -(느)ㄴ다느니 하다 · -(으)네 -(으)네 하다
Example
They oppose moving, saying this and that about the environment being bad for education and the lack of amenities.
애들 교육에 안 좋으니 편의 시설이 없느니 하면서 이사를 반대해요.
Grammar rules
- It implies 'They keep saying [Reason A] and [Reason B] as an excuse/opinion.' Often captures the sense of 'going on and on' about something.
Patterns
V/A (Verbs/Adjectives)
현재 (Present) · -느니 -느니 하다
N (Nouns)
현재 (Present) · (이)니 (이)니 하다
Example sentences
They oppose moving, saying this and that about the environment being bad for education and the lack of amenities.
애들 교육에 안 좋으니 편의 시설이 없느니 하면서 이사를 반대해요.
They avoid eating out, complaining that the food has too much MSG, is expensive, and so on.
음식에 조미료가 많다느니 비싸다느니 하면서 외식을 안 하려고 해요.
Even if people complain that living costs are high and the air is bad, the city center is definitely convenient.
생활비가 많이 든다느니 공기가 나쁘다느니 해도 도심이 편하긴 하죠.
Conversation
A: Why haven't you been able to go on an overseas trip yet?
왜 아직도 해외여행을 못 가셨어요?
B: My husband keeps opposing it, saying this and that about flight tickets being a waste of money and home being the best.
남편이 비행기 값이 아깝다느니 집이 최고라느니 하면서 계속 반대하네요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct 'saying A and B' phrase.
Complaining about a market.
Struggling to decide.