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What does 문자 mean?

문자 (mun-ja, munja)

문자 is a common Korean word with multiple meanings. This guide explains its meanings and usage clearly.

Korean word 문자 meaning character or text message

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

문자(mun-ja, munja)

문자 primarily means a character or letter, and commonly refers to a text message sent via mobile phone.

Nuances

  • 문자 can mean a character or a text message.
  • Text messages are usually short and simple.
  • 문자 is sometimes more formal than 메시지 for text messages.

When to use

daily conversation, business, text messaging, education

In context

문자 is a noun used mainly in expressions related to mobile text messages, such as 'send a 문자' or 'receive a 문자'. It fits both formal and informal contexts.

Real-world examples

  • 휴대전화로 문자를 보냈어요.

    hyu-dae-jeon-hwa-ro mun-ja-reul bo-naess-eo-yo., hyu dae jeon hwa ro mun ja reul bo naess eo yo.

    문자 correctly means text message here, making the sentence correct.

  • 이 문자는 한글의 기본 단위입니다.

    i mun-ja-neun han-geul-ui gi-bon dan-wi-ip-ni-da., i mun ja neun han geul ui gi bon dan wi ip ni da.

    문자 refers to a character in this context, so the sentence is correct.

  • 문자를 많이 읽어서 눈이 아파요.

    mun-ja-reul man-i ik-eo-seo nun-i a-pa-yo., mun ja reul man i ik eo seo nun i a pa yo.

    문자 means text messages here, so the sentence is natural.

  • 문자를 먹었어요.

    mun-ja-reul meok-eoss-eo-yo., mun ja reul meok eoss eo yo.

    문자 is not something edible, so this sentence is incorrect.

  • 문자를 보내 주세요.

    mun-ja-reul bo-nae ju-se-yo., mun ja reul bo nae ju se yo.

    Sending a 문자 (text message) is a natural expression.

  • 문자를 공부해요.

    mun-ja-reul gong-bu-hae-yo., mun ja reul gong bu hae yo.

    Studying 문자 as characters or writing system is correct.

Quick quiz

  1. Which is NOT a correct meaning of 문자?

    문자의 뜻으로 옳지 않은 것은?(mun-ja-uitteus-eu-rool-jian-eungeos-eun?, munjauitteuseurooljianeungeoseun?)

  2. Is '문자 보내다' a correct expression?

    다음 중 '문자 보내다'가 올바른 문장인가요?(da-eumjung'mun-jabo-nae-da'gaol-ba-reunmun-jang-in-ga-yo?, daeumjung'munjabonaeda'gaolbareunmunjangingayo?)

  3. Which example is NOT a correct use of 문자?

    문자에 해당하지 않는 예는?(mun-ja-ehae-dang-ha-jian-neunye-neun?, munjaehaedanghajianneunyeneun?)

More meaning guides

View all meaning guides →