문자하기
munjahagi
The English phrase "texting" is translated into Korean as 문자하기 (munjahagi).
The term refers to the act of sending and receiving written messages using a mobile phone.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 문자하기 is composed of 문자, meaning "text message" and the verb-forming suffix -하기, which signifies "the act of doing".
Which one should you use?
While 문자하기 or its related verb form refers to traditional SMS/texting, the term 카톡하다 is a much more common way for younger generations to say "to text," as it refers specifically to using the KakaoTalk messaging app.
How do you pronounce it?
munjahagi
Did you know?
- To express a friendly or cute tone while texting, Koreans often add the consonant ㅇ to the end of words, transforming a standard sentence into 'aegyo' or baby talk.
- The dominance of KakaoTalk is so absolute that the app features a specific 'read receipt' function that has led to the social phenomenon of 읽씹, which means reading a message and intentionally ignoring it.
- Korean texts frequently use 'consonant-only' shorthand, such as ㅂㅂ for 'bye bye', which creates a visual language that is nearly impossible for a non-native to decode from a textbook.
Examples in context
- 친구에게 오늘 일정을 문자로 보냈어요.I texted my friend today's schedule.
- 친구랑 문자하기가 너무 즐거워요.chingurang munjahagiga neomu jeulgeowoyo.Texting with my friend is so much fun.
- 운전 중에 문자하기는 위험해요.unjeon junge munjahagineun wiheomhaeyo.Texting while driving is dangerous.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are discussing how to communicate.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 문자하기 괜찮아요?Minji ssi, munjahagi gwaenchannayo?Minji, is texting okay with you?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 저는 문자하기가 더 편해요.ne, jeoneun munjahagiga deo pyeonhaeyo.Yes, texting is more comfortable for me.
- 민준 Min-jun그럼 나중에 문자로 연락할게요.geureom najunge munjaro yeonrakhalgeyo.Then I will contact you by text later.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 알겠어요. 민준 씨.ne, algesseoyo. Minjun ssi.Okay, I understand, Minjun.
