N+(이)나
Table of content
1.
Listing choice
or
Can be used to list two or more choices and one of them will be chosen. V+거나 is the same but with verbs.
Example
- When I have free time, I either read books or watch movies.한가할 때는 책
이나 영화를 봅니다. - When going to school, I take the bus or subway.학교 갈 때는 버스
나 전철을 타고 갑니다.
Related to
2.
Much more than expected
no less than
It expresses that the amount of something is much more than expected or higher than the standard.
Example
- I have as many as five younger brothers.저는 남동생 다섯 명
이나 있어요.
3.
Not the best choice
at least
It expresses that the choice is not really one's first choice but it is fine as the second best option.
Example
- If you have time this afternoon, let's, at least, go to a cafe.오늘 오후에 시간 있으면 카페에
나 갑시다.
Usage
이나 is added before a counter ending in a consonant나 is added before a counter that ends in a vowel
N+(이)나 vs N+(이)라도
(이)나 (Not the best choice)
When the best option is not available, any other options are basically the same, any of them is fine.
(이)라도 (Sufficient choice)
When choosing the next best option, the second best.
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