묻다 (mut-da, mutda) · 질문하다 (jil-mun-ha-da, jilmunhada)
'묻다' is used for casual everyday asking, while '질문하다' is mainly for formal and clear questioning.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Verb used for simple or everyday questions
When to use
casual conversation, asking friends, simple info request
The nuance
'묻다' is used when casually asking someone for information or curiosity, fitting informal and natural situations.
Verb used for formal and clear questioning
When to use
formal setting, during meetings, interviews, academic contexts
The nuance
'질문하다' is used in formal contexts or when asking questions with clear intent, suitable for school, meetings, interviews, etc.
친구에게 길을 묻다.
chin-gu-e-ge gil-eul mut-da., chin gu e ge gil eul mut da.
It's a casual and simple question, so '묻다' is appropriate.
회의에서 의견을 질문하다.
hoe-ui-e-seo ui-gyeon-eul jil-mun-ha-da., hoe ui e seo ui gyeon eul jil mun ha da.
In a formal setting with clear questioning, '질문하다' is correct.
선생님께 수업 내용을 묻다.
seon-saeng-nim-kke su-eop nae-yong-eul mut-da., seon saeng nim kke su eop nae yong eul mut da.
Casually asking a teacher about class content is natural with '묻다'.
친구에게 질문하다.
chin-gu-e-ge jil-mun-ha-da., chin gu e ge jil mun ha da.
Too formal and awkward among friends; '묻다' should be used.
인터뷰에서 묻다.
in-teo-byu-e-seo mut-da., in teo byu e seo mut da.
In formal situations like interviews, '질문하다' is natural.
길을 질문하다.
gil-eul jil-mun-ha-da., gil eul jil mun ha da.
For asking directions, casual '묻다' is appropriate.
학생들이 선생님께 질문하다.
hak-saeng-deul-i seon-saeng-nim-kke jil-mun-ha-da., hak saeng deul i seon saeng nim kke jil mun ha da.
Students asking formally fits '질문하다'.
길을 묻다는 너무 딱딱하다.
gil-eul mut-da-neun neo-mu ttak-ttak-ha-da., gil eul mut da neun neo mu ttak ttak ha da.
'묻다' is natural and not stiff when asking directions.
Which word is appropriate for casually asking a friend a simple question?
Which word do you use for formal questioning during a meeting?
When asking for directions, ___ is more natural.
