-(으)ㄹ까 말까 vs -(으)ㄹ지 말지

Should I do it or not?

Let's study the Korean grammar pattern "-(으)ㄹ까 말까” and “-(으)ㄹ지 말지 today.

Definition:

"-(으)ㄹ까 말까" is an expression used when someone is uncertain or indecisive about whether to do something or not. It roughly translates to "Should I do it or not?" in English. This structure is used when the speaker is considering two options: to do something or not to do it.

Usage:

• "-(으)ㄹ까 말까" is attached to the verb stem and expresses hesitation or indecision.

• It’s used when the speaker is weighing options and thinking about whether to proceed with an action or refrain from doing it.

Structure:

• Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ까 말까
  (If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use -을까; if it ends in a vowel, use -ㄹ까.)

Example Sentences:

1. "이 옷을 살까 말까 고민 중이에요."
   (I’m debating whether to buy this clothes or not.)

2. "내일 여행을 갈까 말까 생각하고 있어요."
   (I’m thinking about whether to go on the trip tomorrow or not.)

3. "영화를 볼까 말까 해요."
   (I’m wondering whether to watch the movie or not.)

Similar Grammar Structures:

1. "-(으)ㄹ지 말지": This is another way of expressing indecision about whether or not to do something.
   Structure:

   • Verb stem + -(으)ㄹ지 말지
     (If the verb stem ends in a consonant, use -을지; if it ends in a vowel, use -ㄹ지.)

   • Example: "갈지 말지 결정 못 했어요." (I haven’t decided whether to go or not.)

2. "-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다": This form is also used to express indecision.

   • Example: "갈까 말까 해요." (I’m thinking about whether or not to go.)

Differences between them

"-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다" vs. "-(으)ㄹ지 말지"

"-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다":

• This expression is used to indicate indecision or hesitation between doing something or not doing it.

• The structure "-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다" inherently expresses the process of contemplating whether or not to do something.

• It is natural to say things like:

  • "지금부터 공부할까 말까 해요."
    (I’m wondering whether to study from now or not.)

  • "그날 출발할까 말까 했어요."
    (I was thinking about whether to leave that day or not.)

"-(으)ㄹ지 말지":

• While "-(으)ㄹ지 말지" also expresses indecision, it's typically used with verbs like 결정하다 (to decide), 고민하다 (to worry/consider), or 생각하다 (to think). These verbs specify that someone is deciding or thinking about the two possibilities.

• For example:

  • "지금부터 공부할지 말지 고민 중이에요."
    (I am thinking about whether or not to study from now.)

  • "그날 출발할지 말지 결정해야 해요."
    (We have to decide whether to leave that day or not.)

Why "-(으)ㄹ지 말지 하다" is ungrammatical:

1. "-(으)ㄹ지 말지" by itself expresses the possibility of doing or not doing something, but it needs to be followed by a verb like 결정하다 (to decide), 고민하다 (to worry), or 생각하다 (to think). These verbs give context to the indecision.

   • "하다" (to do) is too general and doesn’t clarify the nature of the decision or action. The verb "하다" doesn’t convey the sense of thinking or deciding, which is necessary with "-(으)ㄹ지 말지".

2. "-(으)ㄹ까 말까 하다", on the other hand, is a self-contained phrase that already expresses indecision, so adding "하다" at the end is natural because it acts like a verb phrase on its own. You don't need an additional verb to clarify the meaning.

Example Comparisons:

• Grammatical:

  • "지금부터 공부할까 말까 해요."
    (I’m wondering whether to study from now or not.)

  • "지금부터 공부할지 말지 고민 중이에요."
    (I am considering whether to study from now or not.)

• Ungrammatical:

  • "지금부터 공부할지 말지 해요."
    (Incorrect because "하다" doesn’t specify deciding or thinking.)