또는
ttoneun[t͈o̞nɯn]
The English phrase "or" is translated into Korean as 또는 (ttoneun).
또는 is a conjunction used to connect two or more possibilities or alternatives.
Which one should you use?
While 또는 is a conjunction used between clauses or phrases, 이/나 is a particle attached directly to nouns. When connecting nouns in spoken Korean, the particles 이/나 are used instead of 또는.
How does it change in a sentence?
또는 is primarily used in written language, formal speeches or logical contexts to connect alternatives.
How do you pronounce it?
ttoneun
Did you know?
- The particle 이/나 can function as 'or', but when used alone after a noun, it can also mean 'approximately' or 'as many as'.
- While 또는 is for alternatives, Koreans often use the word 아니면 in speech to mean 'or', which literally translates to 'if not'.
- Korean grammar allows you to express 'or' by changing the verb ending itself, rather than adding a conjunction between sentences.
Examples in context
- 지금 여행할 수 있는 도시는 서울, 부산, 또는 대구입니다.The cities you can visit right now are Seoul, Busan, or Daegu.
- 저는 중국, 일본, 혹은 태국에서 유명한 관광지를 방문하고 싶어요.I want to visit famous tourist attractions in China, Japan, or Thailand.
- 저는 이번 주말에 영화를 보거나 책을 읽을 거예요. 아니면 친구들과 약속을 할지도 몰라요.I will either watch a movie or read a book this weekend. Or maybe I'll make plans with friends.
- 점심에 떡볶이 먹거나 햄버거 먹을래?Do you want to have tteokbokki or a hamburger for lunch?
- 사과 또는 배An apple or a pear
- 커피 또는 차를 주세요.keopi ttoneun chareul juseyo.Please give me coffee or tea.
- 주말 또는 공휴일에 만나요.jumal ttoneun gonghyuil-e mannayo.Let's meet on the weekend or a public holiday.
- 이메일 또는 전화로 연락해 주세요.imeil ttoneun jeonhwaro yeonrakhae juseyo.Please contact me via email or phone.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 비빔밥 또는 김치찌개 먹을까요?Subin ssi, bibimbap ttoneun gimchijjigae meogeulkkayo?Subin, shall we eat bibimbap or kimchi stew?
- 수빈 Su-bin저는 김치찌개가 더 좋아요.jeoneun gimchijjigae-ga deo joayo.I prefer kimchi stew.
- 민준 Min-jun좋아요. 그럼 식당으로 가요.joayo. geureom sikdang-euro gayo.Great. Let's go to the restaurant then.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 같이 가요.ne, gachi gayo.Yes, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 또는, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
