메시지
mesiji[me̞ɕʰid͡ʑi]
The English word 'message' can be translated into Korean as 메시지 (mesiji) or 전언.
Meaning: communication, concept or information conveyed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 메시지 | mesiji | [me̞ɕʰid͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 전언 | jeoneon | [t͡ɕʌ̹nʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The word 'message' refers to communication, a concept or information being conveyed. While 메시지 is a common way to refer to digital messages, texts or abstract concepts, the specific phrase 문자 메시지 is used to refer to SMS or text messages sent via mobile phones. To say 'to send a message', you use the verb combination 메시지를 보내다.
Which one should you use?
메시지 is a loanword from English and is commonly used for digital messages, texts or abstract concepts. In contrast, 전언 is a more formal or literary term often used to refer to a message being passed from one person to another or a verbal report.
How do you pronounce it?
mesiji
Did you know?
- Koreans frequently use the English loanword 카톡 as a verb-like noun to mean 'send a message'. This comes from KakaoTalk, the dominant messaging app that has replaced the generic word for 'messaging' in daily life.
- The honorific system in Korean affects how a 'message' is described. When a message is sent to a superior, the verb 보내다 may be replaced by the more respectful 올리다, which means 'to lift up' or 'to offer'.
- In digital contexts, the phrase 쪽지 refers to a 'short message' or 'note'. While 메시지 is general, 쪽지 specifically evokes the feeling of a small scrap of paper, even when sent electronically.
Examples in context
- 메시지를 해독할 수 없어.I can't decode the message.This sentence shows how to use the word 메시지 in the context of decoding.Tatoeba #8396642 by Eunhee, translation #1977834 by CK
- 나는 톰에게 전할 긴급한 메시지가 있다.I have an urgent message for Tom.This sentence demonstrates using 메시지 to describe an urgent communication.Tatoeba #11107544 by intertime, translation #2359003 by CK
- 제가 어제 보낸 문자 메시지를 받으셨나요?Did you receive the message I sent you yesterday?This sentence uses the word 메시지 to refer to a message sent via text.Tatoeba #6295767 by okja, translation #1415908 by Eldad
- 메시지를 받았어요I received a message
- 나한테 문자 보냈어?Did you send me a message?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking in a cafe about a notification.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 메시지 받았어요?Subin-ssi, mesiji badass-eoyo?Subin, did you receive the message?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 아직 못 봤어요.aniyo, ajik mot bwasseoyo.No, I haven't seen it yet.
- 민준 Min-jun지금 바로 확인해 보세요.jigeum baro hwaginhae boseyo.Please check it right now.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 민준 씨. 지금 볼게요.ne, Minjun-ssi. jigeum bolgeyo.Okay, Minjun. I will look at it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “message” translations and entries 메시지, 전언, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
