Dictionary
English - Korean

Whether

ˈ(h)wɛðər
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

인지 아닌지 (whether), 어떤지 (whether or not), …인지, …인지 (whether... or), …인지 아닌지 (whether it is true or not)

Whether meanings in Korean

인지 아닌지 (whether)

Example:
I don't know whether it will rain tomorrow.
내일 비가 올지 아닐지 모르겠어요.
Can you tell me whether she is coming to the party?
그녀가 파티에 오는지 알려줄 수 있어요?
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to introduce alternatives or choices.
Note: Used when discussing options or uncertainty about a situation.

어떤지 (whether or not)

Example:
Whether or not you agree, we need to make a decision.
당신이 동의하든 아니든, 우리는 결정을 내려야 해요.
I’m not sure whether or not to go to the event.
그 이벤트에 갈지 말지 확실하지 않아요.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to express uncertainty regarding a decision or action.
Note: Often used to emphasize that the choice exists.

…인지, …인지 (whether... or)

Example:
I need to know whether you prefer coffee or tea.
커피를 원하시는지 차를 원하시는지 알아야 해요.
Tell me whether you want to go out or stay in.
밖에 나가고 싶은지 아니면 집에 있고 싶은지 말해 주세요.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to present two or more options.
Note: Useful for making comparisons or choices clear.

…인지 아닌지 (whether it is true or not)

Example:
She asked whether it was true that he left the company.
그녀는 그가 회사를 떠났다는 것이 사실인지 물어봤어요.
I wonder whether he really meant what he said.
그가 한 말을 정말로 의미했는지 궁금해요.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used when questioning the truth of a statement.
Note: Commonly used in discussions involving rumors or gossip.

Whether's synonyms

if

Used to introduce a condition or possibility.
Example: I will go for a walk if the weather is nice.
Note: Similar in meaning to 'whether' but more commonly used in conditional sentences.

either

Indicates a choice between two alternatives.
Example: You can either stay here or come with me.
Note: More specific in indicating a choice between two options.

whichever

Indicates a free choice among several alternatives.
Example: You can choose whichever book you like.
Note: Emphasizes the freedom of choice among multiple options.

Whether expressions, common phrases

whether or not

This phrase is used to indicate that something will happen or be done regardless of the circumstances.
Example: I will go to the party whether or not it rains.
Note: The addition of 'or not' emphasizes the idea of regardless of the outcome.

whether or no

Similar to 'whether or not', this phrase expresses determination or resolve in the face of uncertainty or difficulty.
Example: He is determined to succeed, whether or no.
Note: This is a more formal or literary variation of 'whether or not'.

come rain or shine

This idiom means that someone will be present or committed no matter what happens.
Example: I will be there for you, come rain or shine.
Note: This idiom emphasizes unwavering commitment in the face of any circumstances.

on the fence

This expression means to be undecided or unsure about a decision.
Example: I'm on the fence about whether to study abroad next semester.
Note: It conveys the idea of being stuck between two options or opinions.

in two minds

To be in two minds means to be undecided or uncertain about a choice.
Example: She's in two minds about accepting the job offer.
Note: This phrase suggests being conflicted between two options.

flip a coin

This phrase refers to making a decision based on the outcome of a coin toss, often used when choices are equally appealing.
Example: Let's flip a coin to decide whether we should watch a movie or go for a hike.
Note: It symbolizes leaving a decision to chance or luck.

play it by ear

To play it by ear means to decide or act spontaneously based on the situation rather than planning ahead.
Example: I'm not sure if I'll have time tomorrow, so let's play it by ear.
Note: It suggests being flexible and adaptable in making decisions.

Whether everyday (slang) expressions

or else

Indicates a consequence if a decision is not made.
Example: You need to decide now, or else we'll miss our reservation.
Note: Places emphasis on the potential negative outcome.

otherwise

Indicates what will happen if a particular condition is not met.
Example: Make up your mind, otherwise, we'll be late.
Note: Similar to 'or else,' but may imply a broader range of outcomes.

if not

Used to introduce a possible consequence if a specific condition is not met.
Example: Decide quickly, if not, we'll lose the opportunity.
Note: Implies a condition that, if not fulfilled, will result in a particular outcome.

otherwise than

Means 'except for' or 'different from'
Example: You must choose, otherwise than we'll proceed without you.
Note: Emphasizes an alternative or different course of action.

Whether - Examples

I don't know whether it will rain tomorrow.
내일 비가 올지 모르겠어요.
She asked me whether I wanted coffee or tea.
그녀는 내가 커피를 원하는지 차를 원하는지 물어봤어요.
I can't decide whether to go on vacation or stay at home.
휴가를 갈지 집에 있을지 결정할 수 없어요.
He is still unsure whether he should accept the job offer.
그는 아직 그 일 제안을 수락해야 할지 확신이 없어요.

Whether grammar

Whether - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Preposition or subordinating conjunction (Preposition or subordinating conjunction)
Lemma: whether
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
whether Contains 2 syllables: wheth • er
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)we-t͟hər
wheth er , ˈ(h)we t͟hər (The red syllable is stressed)

Whether - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
whether: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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