긍정 (geung-jeong, geungjeong) · 부정 (bu-jeong, bujeong) · 의문 (ui-mun, uimun)
긍정 (geungjeong) expresses affirmation, 부정 (bujeong) expresses denial, and 의문 (uimun) expresses questioning or doubt.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Acknowledging or accepting a fact or opinion as true
When to use
Expressing certainty, Agreeing answer, Positive attitude
The nuance
Use 긍정 when you clearly accept or agree that something is true or correct. It appears in answers, attitudes, or thoughts expressing affirmation.
Rejecting or opposing a fact or opinion as false or incorrect
When to use
Expressing refusal, Denying answer, Negative attitude
The nuance
Use 부정 when you clearly deny or oppose a statement or fact as false. It fits negative answers or attitudes.
A state of questioning or doubting about a fact or content
When to use
Expressing questions, Uncertain state, Expressing doubt
The nuance
Use 의문 when you are unsure or doubtful about something and want to ask or express suspicion. Unlike 긍정 or 부정, it shows uncertainty.
이 제안에 동의하나요?
i je-an-e dong-ui-ha-na-yo?, i je an e dong ui ha na yo?
Positive answer to a question fits '긍정'.
이 계획은 실패할 거야.
i gye-hoek-eun sil-pae-hal geo-ya., i gye hoek eun sil pae hal geo ya.
Negative opinion fits '부정'.
이게 사실일까?
i-ge sa-sil-il-kka?, i ge sa sil il kka?
Expressing uncertainty fits '의문'.
나는 그 의견에 부정해요.
na-neun geu ui-gyeon-e bu-jeong-hae-yo., na neun geu ui gyeon e bu jeong hae yo.
'부정하다' is transitive; '부정해요' alone is correct, not with '의견에'.
그는 긍정적으로 대답했다.
geu-neun geung-jeong-jeok-eu-ro dae-dap-haess-da., geu neun geung jeong jeok eu ro dae dap haess da.
Naturally expresses a positive attitude or answer.
나는 그 사실을 의문한다.
na-neun geu sa-sil-eul ui-mun-han-da., na neun geu sa sil eul ui mun han da.
'의문하다' is unnatural; use '의문을 갖다' instead.
그녀는 그 제안을 부정했다.
geu-nyeo-neun geu je-an-eul bu-jeong-haess-da., geu nyeo neun geu je an eul bu jeong haess da.
Correct expression for denial.
나는 그 결과에 긍정해요.
na-neun geu gyeol-gwa-e geung-jeong-hae-yo., na neun geu gyeol gwa e geung jeong hae yo.
'긍정하다' is mostly noun-based; '긍정합니다' is correct formal form.
Which word is used to firmly acknowledge a fact as true?
Which word is appropriate to deny or oppose a claim as false?
Which word is used when questioning or doubting uncertain information?
