묻다
mutda[ˈmu(ː)t̚t͈a̠]
The general Korean verb for ask is 묻다 (mutda). 질문하다 means to ask a question, and 여쭈다 is the humble form. If unsure, use 묻다.
Meaning: request an answer (verb)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 묻다 | mutda | [ˈmu(ː)t̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [mut̚t͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 질문하다 | jilmunhada | [t͡ɕiɭmunɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 여쭈다 | yeojjuda | [ˈjɘ(ː)t͡ɕ͈uda̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | humble |
묻다 is the general verb for asking someone for an answer or information, such as asking about the future.
Which one should you use?
질문하다 (jilmunhada) is more formal and refers specifically to posing a question. 여쭈다 (yeojjuda) is humble and is used instead of 묻다 when asking someone of higher social status or someone you must show respect to.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
여쭈다 is a humble form, used to show respect to the person you are asking.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural spoken Korean, the compound 물어보다 is used much more often than the dictionary form 묻다 when asking a person a question.
How do you pronounce it?
묻다 is pronounced mutda.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The same spelling 묻다 can also mean to bury or to be stained, depending on context and pronunciation. Let the surrounding words guide you, and use 물어보다 in speech to make the meaning of asking clear.
Did you know?
- The common spoken form 물어보다 literally means 'to ask and see', reflecting a cultural preference for indirectness and softening a request.
- The verb 묻다 meaning 'to ask' appeared in the 1447 text 용비어천가, one of the earliest works written in the Hangeul script.
- Using 질문하다 in a casual setting can make a speaker sound like they are conducting a formal interrogation or an academic interview.
Examples in context
- 자세한 것은 도서관원에게 물어주시오.For further information, please ask the librarian.Here 물어주시오 is a polite request to ask the librarian.
- 여쭤봐도 될까요?Can I ask you something?여쭤봐도 될까요? uses the humble verb to ask permission to ask something.
- 미래에 대해서 묻다To ask about one's futureThis dictionary style phrase uses 묻다 for asking about one's future.
- 저에게 무슨 질문을 하고 싶으신가요?What would you like to ask me?
- 제가 할 질문이 있습니다.I have a question to ask.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ask” translations and entries 묻다, 질문하다, 여쭈다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 묻다, 여쭈다, 질문하다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
