묻다 (mut-da, mutda) · 여쭈다 (yeo-jju-da, yeojjuda)
‘묻다’ means to ask generally, while ‘여쭈다’ is a polite, honorific form used to ask respectfully.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Asking a question or seeking information in a general sense
When to use
Asking friends, Casual conversation, Interview questions
The nuance
Used in everyday, informal contexts; appropriate when addressing peers or people of equal or lower status without special honorifics.
Polite, honorific form used to ask questions or seek opinions respectfully from someone of higher status or older age
When to use
Asking superiors, Formal occasions, Polite conversation
The nuance
Used in contexts requiring honorifics, such as when speaking to superiors or in formal settings.
친구에게 길을 묻다.
chin-gu-e-ge gil-eul mut-da., chin gu e ge gil eul mut da.
Asking a friend a casual question, so ‘묻다’ is appropriate.
친구에게 길을 여쭈다.
chin-gu-e-ge gil-eul yeo-jju-da., chin gu e ge gil eul yeo jju da.
Too formal for a friend; should use ‘묻다’.
선생님께 수업에 대해 여쭈다.
seon-saeng-nim-kke su-eop-e dae-hae yeo-jju-da., seon saeng nim kke su eop e dae hae yeo jju da.
Polite question to a superior (teacher), so ‘여쭈다’ is correct.
선생님께 수업에 대해 묻다.
seon-saeng-nim-kke su-eop-e dae-hae mut-da., seon saeng nim kke su eop e dae hae mut da.
Using ‘묻다’ in a polite context may sound rude.
인터뷰에서 기자가 후보자에게 묻다.
in-teo-byu-e-seo gi-ja-ga hu-bo-ja-e-ge mut-da., in teo byu e seo gi ja ga hu bo ja e ge mut da.
Interviewers ask candidates as equals; ‘묻다’ fits.
인터뷰에서 기자가 후보자에게 여쭈다.
in-teo-byu-e-seo gi-ja-ga hu-bo-ja-e-ge yeo-jju-da., in teo byu e seo gi ja ga hu bo ja e ge yeo jju da.
Though polite, ‘여쭈다’ is uncommon in interview contexts.
부장님께 업무에 대해 여쭈다.
bu-jang-nim-kke eop-mu-e dae-hae yeo-jju-da., bu jang nim kke eop mu e dae hae yeo jju da.
Polite question to a superior, so ‘여쭈다’ is correct.
부장님께 업무에 대해 묻다.
bu-jang-nim-kke eop-mu-e dae-hae mut-da., bu jang nim kke eop mu e dae hae mut da.
Using ‘묻다’ toward a superior may sound rude.
Which is appropriate for politely asking a superior?
What is natural when asking a friend?
Which is appropriate in a formal setting?
What is commonly used when an interviewer asks a candidate?
