문장
munjang[muɲd͡ʑa̠ŋ]
The English word 'sentences' is translated into Korean as 문장 (munjang).
문장 refers to a set of words that is complete in meaning, typically containing a subject and a predicate. In a linguistic context, it refers to sentences, but in certain literary contexts, it can also mean a 'composition' or 'paragraph'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'sentences', you can add the suffix 들 to create 문장들. If the sentence is acting as a direct object, you add the object marker 을 to the word, resulting in 문장을. Korean follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, such as in the phrase '나는 사과를 먹어요' (I eat an apple). For everyday polite conversation, sentences often end with the suffix '-요', such as in '밥을 먹어요' (I eat rice).
How do you pronounce it?
munjang
Did you know?
- The word 문장 can refer to two completely different things depending on the Hanja used: it can mean 'sentences' in a linguistic sense, or it can mean 'coat of arms' or 'emblem' in a heraldic sense.
- When discussing the quality of writing, a Korean speaker might praise someone's 문장력 (sentence power), which refers to the specific talent or skill of constructing elegant and impactful sentences.
- Korean has a unique system of sentence endings that change based on the social hierarchy between the speaker and the listener. Using the wrong ending in a 문장 can be perceived as an insult or a serious social blunder.
Examples in context
- 현재 다토에바에는 몽골어 문장이 여섯 개다.There are six sentences in Mongolian in Tatoeba as of now.This sentence uses 문장 to state the number of Mongolian sentences available in Tatoeba.Tatoeba #4717732 by rainbow4us, translation #531476 by Miktsoanit
- 양질의 문장을 써줘.Write high-quality sentences.This sentence uses 문장 to give an instruction regarding writing quality.Tatoeba #8437732 by Eunhee, translation #8395065 by AlanF_US
- 쉬운 문장부터 시작해.Start with the easy sentences.This sentence uses 문장 to suggest a starting point for practice.Tatoeba #13756431 by qlTmalffk, translation #13064290 by sundown
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about a Korean textbook.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이 문장은 너무 길어요.i munjang-eun neomu gireoyo.This sentence is too long.
- 지은 Ji-eun그럼 짧은 문장으로 바꿔볼까요?geureom jjalbeun munjang-euro bakkwo bolkka-yo?Then shall we try changing it to a short sentence?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아요. 그렇게 하면 더 쉬울 거예요.joayo. geureoke hamyeon deo swiul geoyeyo.Good. It will be easier that way.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨는 문장을 참 잘 만드네요.hyunwoo ssi-neun munjang-eul cham jal manduneyo.Hyunwoo, you make sentences really well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 문장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 문장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
