어쨌든
eojjaetdeun[ʌ̹t͡ɕ͈ɛt̚t͈ɯn]
The Korean word for "whatever" is 어쨌든 (eojjaetdeun).
어쨌든 is used to mean "anyway" or "in any case," often when a speaker wants to change the subject or move past a discussion. It should not be used to express the dismissive, rude English slang version of "whatever" used to shut down a conversation.
Meaning: indicating the speaker does not care what someone says (intj)
Which one should you use?
If you wish to express a dismissive or annoyed "whatever" to mean "I don't care, stop talking," you should use 됐어 instead of 어쨌든. Additionally, while 어쨌든 means "anyway," the term 뭐든지 is used to imply "whatever you want" or "anything".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can add 간에 to the end of the word to create 어쨌든 간에. This makes the phrase more emphatic and is often used when a speaker is transitioning to a final point despite previous arguments, meaning "regardless" or "in any case".
How do you pronounce it?
eojjaetdeun
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 어쨌든 if you are trying to be dismissive or rude to someone. In that context, use 됐어 instead.
Did you know?
- The word 어쨌든 likely evolved from the longer phrase 어찌하였든, which literally translates to 'howsoever it has been done'.
- The root of the phrase, 어찌하다, carries the meaning of 'how' or 'in what way', which is hidden inside the modern shortened version.
- In Korean conversation, the phrase 어쨌든 functions more like a strategic tool for moving a discussion forward rather than a simple filler word.
Examples in context
- 당신이 아무렇게나 해도 괜찮아요It's okay if you do whatever you want.
- 그냥 아무렇게나 하세요Just do whatever.
- 뭐든지 좋아Whatever is fine.
- 어쨌든 상관없어.eojjeotdeun sanggwaneopseo.Whatever, it doesn't matter.
- 어쨌든 네 마음대로 해.eojjeotdeun ne maeumdaero hae.Whatever, do whatever you want.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are arguing about where to eat.
- 민지 Min-ji거기는 너무 비싸잖아.geogineun neomu bissajan'a.That place is too expensive.
- 민준 Min-jun어쨌든 난 거기 가고 싶어.eojjeotdeun nan geogi gago sipeo.Whatever, I want to go there anyway.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 고집불통이구나.jeongmal gojipbultong-iguna.You are so stubborn.
- 민준 Min-jun그냥 가자.geunyang gaja.Let's just go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 어쨌든, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어쨌든, CC BY-SA 4.0.
