Regardless of: -든지 간에

This pattern is a combination of two parts. First, we have -든지, which indicates a choice between alternatives. Then we have 간에, which literally means "between" or "among." When you put them together, you are saying "between these choices, it doesn't matter." You can use it with a single verb to mean "no matter if [action] happens." Or you can list two opposing actions like 가든지 오든지 (whether you go or come). Often, you'll see it paired with question words like 누구 (who), 어디 (where), or 언제 (when). This turns them into "whoever," "wherever," and "whenever." It's like a magic wand that turns specific questions into universal statements. Yes, even native speakers mess up the spelling sometimes, but the logic is quite consistent.

1. 1For Verbs and Adjectives: Take the stem and add -든지 간에.
2. 2먹다 (to eat) becomes 먹든지 간에.
3. 3싸다 (to be cheap) becomes 싸든지 간에.
4. 4For Nouns: Add 이든지 간에 if the noun ends in a consonant. Add 든지 간에 if it ends in a vowel.
5. 5학생 (student) becomes 학생이든지 간에.
6. 6의사 (doctor) becomes 의사든지 간에.
7. 7For Negative/Opposite Pairs: You often use the pattern [Verb]든지 [Opposite Verb]든지 간에.
8. 8하든지 말든지 간에 (whether you do it or not).
9. 9With Question Words: 누구든지 간에 (whoever it is), 어디든지 간에 (wherever it is).

Use this when the outcome is fixed regardless of the conditions. Imagine you are at a job interview. You want to say, "Regardless of the salary, I want to work here." You would use -든지 간에. Or imagine you are ordering food. "Whether it's spicy or not, I'll eat it." It’s perfect for expressing strong determination or total indifference. Use it when you want to emphasize that the specific choice doesn't change your main point. It's great for giving advice, too. "Whether you are tired or not, you must finish your homework." It adds a layer of "no excuses" to your speech. It’s also very common in formal writing to show that a rule applies to everyone equally.

Don't use this for things that happened in the past where a specific choice was already made. If you already ate pizza, you can't say "Whether I ate pizza or not, it was delicious" using this specific nuance in a way that implies the choice is still open. Also, avoid using it when there is a clear preference. If you actually care about the outcome, this grammar will make you sound confused. Don't use it in very simple sentences where -거나 would suffice unless you want that extra emphasis of "regardless." It’s a bit too heavy for a casual "Do you want tea or coffee?" if you actually want the person to pick one for you.

The biggest trap is the spelling! Many people write -던지 instead of -든지. Remember: -던지 is for past memories that cause a reaction (like "It was so cold!"). -든지 is for choices. Think of the 'ㅡ' in -든지 as a flat line representing the equal options. Another mistake is forgetting the space before 간에. It is a separate word! Also, some people forget the 이 when attaching it to a noun ending in a consonant. It’s 선생님이든지, not 선생님든지. Lastly, don't forget that 간에 can sometimes be omitted in casual speech, but for B2 level, keeping it shows you know the full structure.

You might know -거나. That also means "or." But -거나 is just a simple link. -든지 간에 adds the feeling of "it doesn't matter either way." It’s much stronger. Then there is -아/어도, which means "even if." While similar, -아/어도 focuses on a single condition. -든지 간에 focuses on the choice between multiple possibilities or the irrelevance of the choice itself. For example, 비가 와도 가요 (I'm going even if it rains) vs 비가 오든지 눈이 오든지 간에 가요 (Whether it rains or snows, I'm going). The latter covers more ground and sounds more resolute.