문제
munje[ˈmu(ː)ɲd͡ʑe̞]
In Korean, 'problem' is 문제 (munje).
문제 refers to a difficulty, an issue or a problem that needs to be solved. It is also the standard word for a 'question', such as those found on an exam or in a riddle.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on its role in a sentence, 문제 uses different particles. Use 문제가 when the problem is the subject of the sentence. Use 문제를 when the problem is the direct object of a verb. To indicate possession or a relationship, such as 'the problem's cause', use 문제의.
How do you pronounce it?
munje
Did you know?
- In Korean, when a problem is 'solved', the verb 풀다 (to untie or untangle) is often used. This frames a 'problem' as something knotted that needs to be loosened rather than a mathematical obstacle.
- The word 문제 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots are actually Chinese characters. Specifically, the 문 part refers to 'text' or 'writing' and the 제 part refers to 'item' or 'subject'.
- If a problem is particularly troublesome or annoying, Koreans might use the word 골칫거리 instead of 문제. This describes a 'headache' or a 'nuisance'.
Examples in context
- 톰은 문제에 대해 솔직했다.Tom was honest about the problem.This sentence shows how to use 문제 to express honesty regarding a difficulty.Tatoeba #3680973 by ssuss32, translation #3953978 by KoreanBeaver
- 그는 그 문제로 난처해졌다.He was stumped by the problem.This sentence illustrates how a person might be stumped by a 문제.Tatoeba #8026875 by yesjustryan, translation #291301 by CK
- 이 문제는 논의해볼 만하다.This problem is worth discussing.This sentence demonstrates using 문제 to describe something worth discussing.Tatoeba #11105887 by intertime, translation #56680 by CK
- 이 회의에 어떤 문제가 있나요?Do we have any problems with this meeting?
- 오늘 뭐 문제 있어?Do you have any problems today?
- 이번 일은 정말 곤란해.This matter is really troublesome.
- 저는 학교에 가는 길에 문제를 겪었어요.I encountered a problem on my way to school.
- 그 회사에서 업무 문제로 인해 해고를 받았어요.I got fired due to work-related problems at that company.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are talking about a project at work.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨, 지금 무슨 문제가 있어요?Minji ssi, jigeum museun munje-ga isseoyo?Minji, is there some problem right now?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 컴퓨터에 문제가 생겼어요.Ne, keompyuteo-e munje-ga saenggyeosseoyo.Yes, a problem occurred with the computer.
- 도현 Do-hyeon제가 그 문제를 도와줄게요.Jega geu munje-reul dowajulgeyo.I will help you with that problem.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 감사합니다, 도현 씨.Jeongmal gamsahamnida, Dohyun ssi.Thank you so much, Dohyun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “problem” translations and entries 문제, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 문제, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
