문제 (mun-je, munje) · 해결 (hae-gyeol, haegyeol) · 예방 (ye-bang, yebang)
'문제' refers to a difficulty or obstacle, '해결' is the action of solving that problem, and '예방' means preventing the problem before it happens.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to a difficulty, obstacle, or situation that needs to be solved.
When to use
Expressing difficulty, Referring to a concern, Describing problem situations
The nuance
'문제' is used to indicate an existing difficulty or concern, usually referring to the negative aspect of a situation or object.
Refers to the act of solving a problem or removing difficulties.
When to use
Act of solving problem, Presenting solutions, Result-focused expression
The nuance
'해결' is used for the action of addressing an existing problem or finding a solution.
Means preventing a problem from occurring in advance.
When to use
Preventing problem occurrence, Emphasizing prior action, Minimizing risks
The nuance
'예방' is used when taking measures before a problem occurs to stop it from happening.
컴퓨터에 문제가 생겼어요.
keom-pyu-teo-e mun-je-ga saeng-gyeoss-eo-yo., keom pyu teo e mun je ga saeng gyeoss eo yo.
'문제' appropriately describes a difficulty or malfunction.
컴퓨터를 해결했어요.
keom-pyu-teo-reul hae-gyeol-haess-eo-yo., keom pyu teo reul hae gyeol haess eo yo.
'해결' describes an action, so '컴퓨터를 해결하다' is unnatural. Correct: '컴퓨터 문제를 해결했어요'.
문제를 예방하는 방법을 배웠어요.
mun-je-reul ye-bang-ha-neun bang-beop-eul bae-woss-eo-yo., mun je reul ye bang ha neun bang beop eul bae woss eo yo.
'예방' means preventing problems before they occur, so this expression fits well.
문제를 해결하는 방법을 배웠어요.
mun-je-reul hae-gyeol-ha-neun bang-beop-eul bae-woss-eo-yo., mun je reul hae gyeol ha neun bang beop eul bae woss eo yo.
'해결' refers to solving problems, making this sentence appropriate.
예방이 필요해요.
ye-bang-i pil-yo-hae-yo., ye bang i pil yo hae yo.
'예방' usually pairs with specific nouns like '예방 조치' (preventive measures), so standalone use is unnatural.
질병 예방에 힘쓰고 있어요.
jil-byeong ye-bang-e him-sseu-go iss-eo-yo., jil byeong ye bang e him sseu go iss eo yo.
'예방' fits well when referring to preventing disease or similar issues.
그 문제를 빨리 해결해야 해요.
geu mun-je-reul ppal-ri hae-gyeol-hae-ya hae-yo., geu mun je reul ppal ri hae gyeol hae ya hae yo.
'해결' naturally describes the action of handling a problem.
문제를 예방했어요.
mun-je-reul ye-bang-haess-eo-yo., mun je reul ye bang haess eo yo.
'예방' applies to preemptive actions, so it is incorrect to say 'prevented a problem' after it occurred.
Which sentence best uses '해결'?
When is '예방' appropriate?
Which sentence correctly uses '문제'?
