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Korean grammar - Or and Either - (이)나

Or and Either - (이)나

Nouns can be linked using the particle () meaning 'or'.

This particle connects nouns to form a clause with the relevant marker attached only to the final noun in the clause.

-- For example if the clause is the object then the object marker / is attached to only the final noun in the clause. All the other nouns end with ().

Examples:
사과나 오렌지를 먹을 거예요.
(I) will eat either an apple or an orange.
서울대나 연세대가 좋아요.
(I) like Seoul University or Yonsei University.
의사나 간호사하고 이야기할 거예요.
(I) will talk with a doctor or a nurse.
저는 소방관이나 경찰관이 될 거예요.
I will become a fireman or a policeman.
피아노나 바이올린을 공부할 거예요.
(I) will study piano or violin.
운동화나 테니스화가 필요해요.
(I) need sneakers or tennis shoes.

필요하다 means 'to need'

친구에게 차나 커피를 만들어 줬어요?
Did (you) make tea or coffee for (your) friend?
펜이나 연필을 빌릴 수 있어요?
Can (I) borrow a pen or pencil?
술이나 담배는 못 해요.
(I) can’t drink or smoke.

Literally: I can't do either alcohol or tobacco.

우리는 역사나 철학을 공부하고 싶어요.
We want to study history or philosophy.
저는 건축가나 디자이너가 되고 싶어요.
I want to become an architect or designer.
저희는 영화관이나 미술관에 갈 거예요.
We will go to the cinema or art gallery.
형이나 누나한테 말하고 싶어요.
(I) want to tell (my) (male's) older brother or (male's) older sister.
아이에게 우유나 물을 주었어요?
Did (you) give the child (some) milk or water?
미국이나 영국으로 공부하러 갈 거예요.
(I) will go to America or England to study.
파스타나 피자 어때요?
How about pasta or pizza?