문의 (mun-ui, munui) · 불만 (bul-man, bulman)
문의 is used to request information or help, while 불만 expresses negative feelings about a service or situation.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The act or expression of requesting information or assistance
When to use
requesting information, asking for help, making inquiries
The nuance
Use 문의 when asking questions or seeking information; it is not suitable for expressing emotional complaints.
Expression of negative feelings about a service or situation
When to use
service dissatisfaction, situation complaint, expressing negative feelings
The nuance
Use 불만 to express dissatisfaction or displeasure; it is inappropriate for simple questions or information requests.
고객센터에 제품 관련 문의를 했어요.
go-gaek-sen-teo-e je-pum gwan-ryeon mun-ui-reul haess-eo-yo., go gaek sen teo e je pum gwan ryeon mun ui reul haess eo yo.
Appropriate because it involves requesting information about a product.
고객센터에 제품 관련 불만을 했어요.
go-gaek-sen-teo-e je-pum gwan-ryeon bul-man-eul haess-eo-yo., go gaek sen teo e je pum gwan ryeon bul man eul haess eo yo.
Appropriate because it involves expressing dissatisfaction about a product.
서비스가 마음에 안 들어서 문의를 했어요.
seo-bi-seu-ga ma-eum-e an deul-eo-seo mun-ui-reul haess-eo-yo., seo bi seu ga ma eum e an deul eo seo mun ui reul haess eo yo.
Incorrect because expressing dissatisfaction requires 불만, not 문의.
서비스가 마음에 안 들어서 불만을 했어요.
seo-bi-seu-ga ma-eum-e an deul-eo-seo bul-man-eul haess-eo-yo., seo bi seu ga ma eum e an deul eo seo bul man eul haess eo yo.
Correct sentence expressing dissatisfaction with a service.
배송 지연에 대해 문의드립니다.
bae-song ji-yeon-e dae-hae mun-ui-deu-rip-ni-da., bae song ji yeon e dae hae mun ui deu rip ni da.
Appropriate for requesting information about delayed delivery.
배송 지연에 대해 불만드립니다.
bae-song ji-yeon-e dae-hae bul-man-deu-rip-ni-da., bae song ji yeon e dae hae bul man deu rip ni da.
‘불만드립니다’ is awkward; better to say ‘불만을 제기합니다’ for complaints.
직원 태도에 불만이 있습니다.
jik-won tae-do-e bul-man-i iss-seup-ni-da., jik won tae do e bul man i iss seup ni da.
Correct for expressing dissatisfaction with staff attitude.
직원 태도에 문의가 있습니다.
jik-won tae-do-e mun-ui-ga iss-seup-ni-da., jik won tae do e mun ui ga iss seup ni da.
Incorrect because this expresses dissatisfaction, not a question about staff attitude.
Which word is appropriate to express dissatisfaction about a service issue?
Which expression do you use when you want product information?
Fill in the blank: 'I raise a ___ about delayed delivery.'
