Korean Dictionary
How to say "Text" in Korean
“Text” in Korean is 문자하다 (pronounced "munjaahada").
문자하다
munjaahada
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
Sending a text message to someone. Texting is a primary way of communication in modern Korean relationships.
Example Sentence
나는 너에게 문자할 거야.
I will text you.
How to use 문자하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Text” is 문자하다, romanized as munjaahada.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 문자하다.
Pronunciation Guide
'mun' sounds like 'moon'. 'ja' sounds like 'jah' (as in 'jar' but shorter). 'ha' sounds like 'hah', and 'da' sounds like 'dah'. The 'a' in 'ja' is short and crisp.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
문자합니다
munjaahamnida
Deferential formal form of '문자하다'.
Casual (반말)
문자해
munjaahae
Casual form of '문자하다'.
More Example Sentences
Practical communication for arrangements.
친구에게 약속 시간 변경 문자를 보냈어.
I sent a text to my friend about changing the meeting time.
Expressing annoyance about late-night texts.
새벽에 문자하지 마, 자고 있었단 말이야.
Don't text me in the middle of the night, I was sleeping!
Describing communication in a 'some' (pre-relationship) phase.
썸 타는 사람이랑은 주로 문자로 연락해.
I mostly communicate via text with someone I'm 'some' with.
Cultural Context
Texting ('문자하다'), particularly via KakaoTalk (카톡, katok), is the dominant form of casual communication in modern Korea, especially among younger generations. The use of diverse emoticons (이모티콘, imotikon) and stickers is common, adding personality to messages. The speed of response to a text can sometimes be interpreted as a sign of interest or politeness, particularly in dating or close friendships.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 문자하다 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Last reviewed June 4, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
문자 보내다
to send a text
문자 확인하다
to check texts
답장 문자
reply text
Related Expressions
문자
munja
text message (noun)
카톡하다
katokada
to KakaoTalk (to text via KakaoTalk)
전화하다
jeonhwahada
to call (related communication method)
메시지 보내다
mesiji bonaeda
to send a message
More Relationships Words
Related Articles
Asthma in Korean: 천식, Clinics, and Fine Dust Season
천식 is the Korean word for asthma. Two syllables that can make a clinic visit in Seoul much less stressful. This guide covers pronunciation, related vocabulary, and the fine dust season context that makes 천식 a very common word in Korea.
Army in Korean: 군대 (Gundae) vs 육군 (Yukgun) Explained
Korean has two primary words for army and they don't mean the same thing. Here's the vocabulary, the cultural context, and why this word shows up in K-pop fan culture too.
Good Morning in Korean: 9 Ways Koreans Actually Say It
Korean has one textbook 'good morning' and a half-dozen real ones. Here's the lineup, sorted by who says it and where, from a Hongdae cafe to the office Kakao chat at 8 a.m.
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Text and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.