Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 문제 | munje | [ˈmu(ː)ɲd͡ʑe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 곤란 | gollan | [ˈko̞(ː)ɭɭa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the word for trouble changes based on whether you are discussing a specific problem to be solved, a social predicament or a general difficulty. 문제 is used for a general problem, a question on a test or a specific issue requiring a solution. 곤란 refers to a troublesome situation or a predicament that causes awkwardness or a dilemma. For a more formal way to express general difficulty or trouble, you may also use 어려움. If you are speaking colloquially and want to describe something that is bothersome or annoying, you can use 골치.
Which one should you use?
While 문제 translates to 'problem', 'issue' or 'question', 곤란 is more specific to social or situational trouble, such as a predicament or an embarrassment. Use 문제 when there is a factual problem to solve, and use 곤란 when a situation is awkward or puts you in a tight spot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 곤란 can be used as an adjective in the form 곤란하다, which means 'to be in a difficult position'. This is frequently used to express that a situation is awkward or that one is unable to comply with a request due to current circumstances.
How do you pronounce it?
munje
Did you know?
- The character 困 in 곤란 literally depicts a person being trapped or hemmed in by a physical boundary, much like a cage.
- Using 곤란하다 is a common, polite way to say 'no' in Korea. Instead of a direct refusal, saying a request is 'difficult' signals that the speaker is in a social predicament.
- Unlike English, where 'trouble' can be a verb, Korean uses different structures to express the act of causing trouble. For example, causing trouble for someone else often involves the concept of 'giving' a problem.
Examples in context
- 메리가 너 곤란하게 만든 거지, 그렇지?Mary got you in trouble, didn't she?This sentence uses 곤란 to describe being put in a difficult situation.Tatoeba #13756424 by qlTmalffk, translation #7376831 by CF
- 문제는 제가 지금 돈이 없다는 것이거든요.The trouble is that I have no money on me now.This sentence uses 문제 to identify a specific trouble or problem.Tatoeba #12964994 by Uwe, translation #243450 by CK
- 저에게 문제가 생겼어요.I have encountered a problem.
- 상황이 곤란하네요.The situation is troublesome.
- 저희 회사는 어려움에 처해 있어요.Our company is facing difficulties.
- 오늘 귀찮은 일이 너무 많아.I have so many bothersome things to do today.
- 이 문제 진짜 골치 아파.This problem is a real pain.
- 수학 문제가 너무 어려워요.suhak munje ga neomu eoryeowoyo.The math problem is too difficult.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is asking a friend for help with homework.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 문제 좀 도와줄 수 있어?i munje jom dowajul su isseo?Can you help me with this problem?
- 서연 Seo-yeon미안, 나도 이 문제가 어려워.mian, nado i munje ga eoryeowo.Sorry, this problem is difficult for me too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon선생님께 여쭤볼까?seonsaengnimke yeojjyeobolkka?Should we ask the teacher?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 그게 좋겠어.eung, geuge jokesseo.Yes, that would be better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trouble” translations and entries 문제, 곤란, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 곤란, 문제, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
