-(으)나 마나
(eu)na mana
Grammar · 1 sense
it's no use, there's no point in, don't bother
Examples
지금 가나 마나 그녀는 없을 거예요.
Even if you go now, she won't be there.
그 영화는 보나 마나 재미없을 거야.
There's no point in watching that movie; it'll be boring.
그 책은 읽으나 마나 시간 낭비예요.
There's no point in reading that book; it's a waste of time.
When you'd hear it
This pattern is common in everyday conversation, dramas, and informal writing. The clause usually comes before a prediction or judgment, while the sentence ending sets the overall politeness level.
What learners get wrong
Unlike -아/어도, which neutrally means “even if” or “although,” -(으)나 마나 presents the outcome as unchanged and the action as pointless or futile.
Ask Ipsae about -(으)나 마나
You looked up -(으)나 마나 — Ipsae makes sure you still know it in three weeks.
No account needed to try.