읽기 (ik-gi, ikgi) · 쓰기 (sseu-gi, sseugi) · 말하기 (mal-ha-gi, malhagi)
읽기, 쓰기, 말하기 represent distinct language skills, each used appropriately depending on context and purpose.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The act of seeing and understanding letters or sentences with the eyes
When to use
reading books, reading news articles, reading text messages
The nuance
읽기 is used mainly when visually interpreting written materials like books, articles, or messages.
The act of expressing one's thoughts or information in written form
When to use
writing letters, writing diaries, writing reports
The nuance
쓰기 is used when conveying content in writing, such as letters, diaries, or reports.
The act of expressing one's thoughts or information aloud
When to use
having conversations, giving presentations, making phone calls
The nuance
말하기 is used in communication by voice, such as conversations, presentations, or phone calls.
나는 매일 책을 읽어요.
na-neun mae-il chaek-eul ik-eo-yo., na neun mae il chaek eul ik eo yo.
This sentence appropriately describes the act of reading, making it natural.
나는 매일 책을 써요.
na-neun mae-il chaek-eul sseo-yo., na neun mae il chaek eul sseo yo.
Books are objects to be read, not written daily by oneself, so this is unnatural.
회의에서 발표를 말하기.
hoe-ui-e-seo bal-pyo-reul mal-ha-gi., hoe ui e seo bal pyo reul mal ha gi.
The correct expression is ‘발표하다’; ‘발표를 말하기’ is awkward.
전화로 친구와 말하기.
jeon-hwa-ro chin-gu-wa mal-ha-gi., jeon hwa ro chin gu wa mal ha gi.
Speaking is the appropriate communication method during a phone call.
일기를 매일 읽어요.
il-gi-reul mae-il ik-eo-yo., il gi reul mae il ik eo yo.
Diaries are meant to be written, not read daily by the writer.
일기를 매일 써요.
il-gi-reul mae-il sseo-yo., il gi reul mae il sseo yo.
This sentence correctly expresses the act of writing a diary.
뉴스를 말해요.
nyu-seu-reul mal-hae-yo., nyu seu reul mal hae yo.
News is something to read or listen to, not something to ‘speak’.
친구에게 편지를 써요.
chin-gu-e-ge pyeon-ji-reul sseo-yo., chin gu e ge pyeon ji reul sseo yo.
This sentence appropriately describes the act of writing a letter.
Which situation best fits ‘읽기’?
Which sentence correctly uses ‘쓰기’?
When do you use ‘말하기’?
