문제 — meaning in English: Problem

munje · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for matter

왕자

wangja

문제

munje

결혼

gyeolhon

리프트

lipeuteu

벨

bel

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Korean for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 문제 (munje) in academic settings, such as discussing homework or exam problems. It is also common in everyday conversations when expressing difficulties or challenges in life, like a work-related issue or a personal dilemma.

Synonyms & nuances

While 문제 (munje) straightforwardly means 'problem', another similar word, 어려움 (eoryeoum), translates to 'difficulty' and emphasizes a state of struggle rather than a specific issue. You would use 문제 when referring to a distinct challenge needing resolution, while 어려움 might be more appropriate when discussing general hardships.

Culture

The word 문제 (munje) has roots in the Chinese characters 問題, which are used in many East Asian languages. In Korean culture, discussing 문제 is important as it often leads to collective problem-solving, reflecting the societal value placed on harmony and collaboration. This word has evolved from simply denoting a 'problem' to embodying a call for dialogue and support in resolving challenges.

FAQ

Q.What does 문제 mean in English?

문제 translates to 'problem' in English, and it can refer to challenges in various contexts, from academic to personal.

Q.How do you use 문제 in a sentence?

You can use it in a sentence like, '이 문제를 해결해야 해요,' which means 'We need to solve this problem.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 문제?

A common mistake is to confuse 문제 with 질문 (jilmun), which means 'question.' Remember that 문제 refers to a problem or issue, whereas 질문 is what you ask.

Learn korean with Maspeak →

Korean 2000