Part 3 of the -(이)나 grammar series will cover the usage of indicating that something or someone includes all of the choices. To return to the series index click here. An understanding of Part 1 of this series is required for this lesson.
When 나 is attached to a word in this usage that word becomes all of the possible things in that context. In this usage 나 is used with the who (구누), what (거), where (어디), when(언제) words. When used together they become 누구나 (anyone/everyone), 아무거나 (anything/everything), 어디서나 (anywhere/everywhere), 언제나 (anytime/all the time)
| example | analytical translation |
|---|---|
| 인간은 누구나 평등하다 | As for humans, anyone/everyone is equal. |
| 누구나 다 알지 | Anyone/everyone knows |
| 이일은 아무나 할 수 있는 일이 아니다 | This work is not something that can be done by (just) anyone |
| 우리 강아지가 길에서 아무거나 주워 먹어서 걱정이다 | We’re worried because our dog picks up and eats (just) anything off the street. |
| 이시간에 어디나 사람이 많다 | At this time there are lots of people everywhere |
| 그 자동차는 어디서나 볼 수 있는 차다 | This is a car that can be seen anywhere/everywhere |
| 어디서나 할 수 있는 게임 좋아요 | A game I can play anywhere/everywhere is good |
| 여기 언제나 맛있다 | Its delicious here anytime/everytime |
| 언제나 놀러와요 | Come anytime |
Recall in Part 1 나 was used to list options with the meaning that whichever the option, it doesn’t matter? We can apply the same interpretation the these examples. Whilst there is only one option listed here, they cover all the possible choices so it is the same as listing two or more options when it doesn’t matter which one it is. The sentences above are altered slightly in the table below to demonstrate.
| example | alternative |
|---|---|
| 인간은 누구나 평등하다 | 인간은 너나 나나 누구나 평등하다 |
| 우리 강아지가 길에서 아무거나 주워 먹어서 걱정이다 | 우리 강아지가 길에서 음식이나 아무거나 주워 먹어서 걱어이다 |
| 이시간에 어디나 사람이 많다 | 이시간에 여기나 저기나 어디나 사람이 많다 |
| 여기 언제나 맛있다 | 여기 월요일이나 화요일이나 언제나 맛있다 |
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