문자 메시지
munja mesiji
In Korean, text message is 문자 메시지 (munja mesiji). Wiktionary also lists 문자 (munja).
Meaning: a brief electronic message (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 문자 메시지 | munja mesiji | |
| 문자 | munja | [muɲt͡ɕ͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to a brief electronic message. To express the action of sending a text, you use the phrase 문자 보내다.
What does it mean word for word?
The shortened form 문자 literally means 'character' or 'letter'.
Which one should you use?
While 문자 메시지 is the full term for 'text message', the shortened form 문자 is much more commonly used in daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
munja mesiji
Did you know?
- While 문자 is the standard term, many Koreans now use the word 톡 (tok), a shortened version of 'KakaoTalk', to mean sending a text message regardless of the app used.
- If you are sending a text to someone much older or of higher status, you might use the more respectful verb form 문자 드리다 instead of 문자 보내다. This shifts the nuance from 'sending' to 'offering' the message.
- The word 문자 is a Sino-Korean term derived from the Chinese characters 文 for 'writing' and 字 for 'letter'.
Examples in context
- 지하철을 갈아타는 중에 문자를 써서 실수한 것 같아요.It seems I made a mistake in the text message because I wrote it while transferring lines in the underground.This sentence shows how to use 문자 in a context about making a mistake while writing one.Tatoeba #1219118 by Sudajaengi, translation #1577763 by rbbrbb
- 문자 보내 주세요.Please text me. / Please send me a text message.This sentence is useful for asking someone to send you a 문자.
- 오늘 했던 대화 내용을 문자 메시지로 보내 드릴게요.I'll send you the contents of our conversation today via text message.
- 본문을 단문 메시지로 작성해 주세요.Please write the main text as a short message.
- 방금 받은 문자 메시지 확인해 봐.bang-geum badeun munja messeji hwaginhae bwa.Check the text message you just received.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are talking about a missed call.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨, 전화 왜 안 받았어요?Dohyun ssi, jeonhwa wae an badasseoyo?Dohyun, why didn't you answer the phone?
- 도현 Do-hyeon미안해요, 회의 중이라 문자 메시지로 남겨 주세요.mianhaeyo, hoeui jungira munja mesijiro namgye juseyo.I'm sorry, I'm in a meeting, so please leave a text message.
- 서연 Seo-yeon알겠어요. 지금 바로 보낼게요.algesseoyo. jigeum baro bonaelgeyo.I understand. I'll send it right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon고마워요. 나중에 읽어 볼게요.gomawoyo. najunge ilgeo bolgeyo.Thank you. I'll read it later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “text message” translations and entries 문자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 메시지, 문자, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
