What does 질문 mean?
질문 (jil-mun) means: Question.
Speakers reach for this noun when seeking information they do not know or wish to understand. It frequently pairs with verbs like 던지다 to pose a question, 받다 to receive one, and 답하다 to answer. It appears in formal contexts such as press conferences and parliamentary sessions, as well as in everyday educational settings where students ask teachers for clarification. It also combines with modifier nouns like 질문 사항 and forms compounds like 질문 공세 when inquiries come in a rapid stream.
Depending on the delivery, it can range from a neutral request for information to a sharp formal inquiry or a heavy barrage of questioning.
◆ The lingering existential loop — In Korean artistic expression, a '질문' is rarely a quest for factual information; it is an open wound. It represents the recursive loop of overthinking past failures where the asker already knows no satisfying resolution is coming.
Depending on the delivery, it can range from a neutral request for information to a sharp formal inquiry or a heavy barrage of questioning.
◆ The lingering existential loop — In Korean artistic expression, a '질문' is rarely a quest for factual information; it is an open wound. It represents the recursive loop of overthinking past failures where the asker already knows no satisfying resolution is coming.
🔊 From part 2’s story
한계 — Han-gye
감옥 — Gam-ok
질문 — jil-mun
부딪혔어요 — budicheosseoyo
벗어날 수 없는 — beoseonal su eomneun, "unable to escape"
속에서 — sok-eseo
더 이상 버티기 힘든 한계에 부딪혔어요 — listen & repeat
우리의 추억은 벗어날 수 없는 감옥 같아 — listen & repeat
Other sides of 질문
◆ interrogation — Speakers use this noun to refer to inquiries directed at someone holding information, ranging from simple questions asked by students to formal questioning by investigators or lawmakers. It frequently combines with action verbs like 던지다 and 받다, as well as intensive modifiers like 공세 to describe a heavy barrage of inquiries. It appears in contexts where individuals face formal panels, press conferences, or official bodies that require structured explanations.
When paired with terms denoting pressure or official investigation, this can carry the weight of an interrogation or a demanding cross-examination rather than a neutral request for help.
When paired with terms denoting pressure or official investigation, this can carry the weight of an interrogation or a demanding cross-examination rather than a neutral request for help.
Read the full story → · More on this word (part 2) →
How it's actually used
- 선생님은 학생들의 질문에 친절하게 대답해 주었다.
seon-saeng-nim-eun hak-saeng-deul-ui jil-mun-e chin-jeol-ha-ge da-dap-hae ju-eot-da.
The teacher kindly answered the students' questions.
💡 A teacher responding to student inquiries in a supportive classroom setting. - 그 배우는 기자 회견장에서 예상하지 못한 질문을 받았지만 재치있게 대답했다.
geu bae-u-neun gi-ja hoe-gyeon-jang-eseo ye-sang-ha-ji mot-han jil-mun-eul bat-at-ji-man jae-chi-it-ge da-dap-haet-da.
The actor received an unexpected question at the press conference but answered it with wit.
💡 A public figure handling an unforeseen inquiry from reporters. - 지금 보고 계신 작품에 대해 질문이 있으면 해 주십시오.
ji-geum bo-go gye-sin jak-pum-e dae-hae jil-mun-i iss-eum-yeon hae ju-sip-sio.
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💡 A speaker inviting inquiries from an audience in formal, polite language.