문어 (mun-eo, muneo) · 글 (geul) · 책말 (chaek-mal, chaekmal)
문어(mun-eo) refers to formal, stiff writing style; 글 (geul) means general writing or text; 책말 (chaek-mal) is formal written language used in books or documents.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to formal, stiff writing style or written language (literary style).
When to use
formal documents, academic papers, newspaper articles
The nuance
문어 is used mainly in formal documents, academic papers, newspapers; inappropriate for casual speech or friendly writing.
A general term for writing, text, or letters, covering all types of written content.
When to use
diaries, letters, blogs, casual writing
The nuance
글 is the broadest term, referring to any kind of writing including casual notes, diaries, letters, blogs.
Refers to formal, literary expressions used specifically in books or official documents.
When to use
books, academic papers, reports
The nuance
책말 is used mainly in books, papers, reports with literary style to give a formal tone; unsuitable for everyday writing.
문어체는 신문 기사에 적합하다.
mun-eo-che-neun sin-mun gi-sa-e jeok-hap-ha-da., mun eo che neun sin mun gi sa e jeok hap ha da.
Newspaper articles require formal, stiff literary style, so 문어 is correct.
친구에게 문어로 편지를 썼다.
chin-gu-e-ge mun-eo-ro pyeon-ji-reul sseoss-da., chin gu e ge mun eo ro pyeon ji reul sseoss da.
For friends, casual writing is used; 문어 is inappropriate. Use 글 instead.
이 책말은 고전 문학에 자주 등장한다.
i chaek-mal-eun go-jeon mun-hak-e ja-ju deung-jang-han-da., i chaek mal eun go jeon mun hak e ja ju deung jang han da.
책말 is formal language used in books, fitting classical literature.
일기에는 책말을 사용한다.
il-gi-e-neun chaek-mal-eul sa-yong-han-da., il gi e neun chaek mal eul sa yong han da.
Diaries are personal writings; formal 책말 is unsuitable.
글을 써서 블로그에 올렸다.
geul-eul sseo-seo beul-ro-geu-e ol-ryeoss-da., geul eul sseo seo beul ro geu e ol ryeoss da.
글 covers all writing types, suitable for blog posts.
논문에는 글을 사용한다.
non-mun-e-neun geul-eul sa-yong-han-da., non mun e neun geul eul sa yong han da.
Theses require formal 문어 or 책말; 글 is too broad.
책말은 보고서 작성에 적합하다.
chaek-mal-eun bo-go-seo jak-seong-e jeok-hap-ha-da., chaek mal eun bo go seo jak seong e jeok hap ha da.
Reports are formal documents; 책말 style is appropriate.
친근한 편지에 문어체를 쓰면 어색하다.
chin-geun-han pyeon-ji-e mun-eo-che-reul sseu-myeon eo-saek-ha-da., chin geun han pyeon ji e mun eo che reul sseu myeon eo saek ha da.
Casual letters need soft writing; literary style feels stiff.
Which word fits best for a letter to a friend?
Which word is mainly used in theses or official documents?
Which word refers to literary style mainly used in books or reports?
