어쨌든
eojjaetdeun[ʌ̹t͡ɕ͈ɛt̚t͈ɯn]
The English phrase "anyway" can be translated into Korean as 어쨌든 (eojjaetdeun).
어쨌든 is an adverb used to mean "regardless".
Meaning: regardless (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
어쨌든 is a contraction of 어찌하였든, which literally means "no matter how it was done".
Which one should you use?
While 어쨌든 often conveys the sense of being "regardless of the circumstances," the term 아무튼 is a common synonym that can be used interchangeably in most contexts. Additionally, 어쨌든 is more common in spoken conversation than the more formal 어떠하든.
How do you pronounce it?
eojjaetdeun
Did you know?
- In casual speech, 어쨌든 is frequently shortened to just 쨌든 by dropping the first syllable.
- In Korean text messaging, you might see the much shorter 암튼 used instead of 아무튼 to save time.
- The word 어쨌든 can sound dismissive if used too early in a response, as it suggests the speaker is ignoring the previous point to move on.
Examples in context
- 어쨌든 고마워.Thanks anyway.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks regardless of the situation using 어쨌든.Tatoeba #8368166 by Eunhee, translation #485099 by Scott
- 어쨌든, 그 문제는 계속 해결해야 합니다.Anyway, we need to keep resolving that issue.
- 어쨌든, 노력해 볼 필요가 있습니다.Anyway, we need to make an effort.
- 아무튼, 내일 고민하지 말고 놀러 가자!Anyway, let's not worry about tomorrow and go have fun!
- 어쨌든 저는 갈게요.eojet-deun jeoneun galgeyo.Anyway, I will go.
- 어쨌든 그건 중요한 게 아니에요.eojet-deun geugeon jung-yohan ge anieyo.Anyway, that is not the important thing.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Subin are discussing a difficult decision at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그 일이 너무 힘들었어.geu iri neomu himdeureosseo.That work was very hard.
- 수빈 Su-bin어쨌든 다 끝났잖아.eojet-deun da kkeunnatjana.Anyway, it is all finished now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo맞아, 이제 쉬고 싶어.maja, ije swigo sipeo.True, I want to rest now.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 고생 많았어요.hyunwoo ssi, gosaeng manasseoyo.Hyunwoo, you worked really hard.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 어쨌든, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
