Korean Dictionary
How to say "Question" in Korean
“Question” in Korean is 질문 (pronounced "Jilmun").
질문
Jilmun
Korean usage reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026.
This page checks meaning, pronunciation, politeness level, and common learner mistakes.
Usage & Context
Asking questions (질문) in class is encouraged but can be influenced by cultural dynamics. Traditionally, Korean students were reluctant to ask questions publicly to avoid seeming unaware. However, modern Korean classrooms increasingly promote active inquiry and student participation through questions.
Example Sentence
질문이 있으면 손을 들어요.
If you have a question, raise your hand.
How to use 질문 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Question” is 질문, romanized as Jilmun.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 질문.
Pronunciation Guide
질 (jil) sounds like 'jill' in 'Jill'. 문 (mun) sounds like 'moon' in 'moon'. Combine them as 'Jil-moon'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
질문합니다
jilmun-hamnida
Formal polite verb form of 'to ask a question'.
Casual (반말)
질문해
jilmun-hae
Casual verb form of 'to ask a question'.
More Example Sentences
A teacher encouraging students to participate.
궁금한 점이 있으면 언제든지 질문하세요.
If you have anything you're curious about, please ask questions anytime.
Someone struggling to respond to a challenging inquiry.
그의 질문에 대답하기 어려웠다.
It was difficult to answer his question.
A common phrase used by teachers or presenters at the end of a session.
질문 있어요?
Do you have any questions?
Cultural Context
Traditionally, asking 질문 (jilmun) in Korean classrooms was less common due to a cultural emphasis on respecting authority and avoiding the appearance of ignorance. However, modern education increasingly promotes active inquiry, and teachers often explicitly invite questions. In a formal setting, it's polite to raise your hand and say '질문 있습니다' (I have a question) before speaking.
Editorial note
We review entries like 질문 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
질문하다
To ask a question (verb)
질문 있어요?
Do you have any questions?
질문 시간
Question time, Q&A session
Related Expressions
묻다
mutda
To ask (a question) (general verb)
문의
munui
Inquiry (often formal, business context)
의문
uimun
Doubt, question (more about a point of uncertainty)
대답
daedap
Answer (antonym)
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