질의응답

The term 질의응답 (Jil-ui-eung-dap) is a compound word derived from 질의 (inquiry/question) and 응답 (response/answer). Think of it as the 'Q&A' session you see at the end of a lecture or a press conference.

It is not just a casual chat; it implies a structured format. Whether you are in a classroom or a boardroom, this is the time designated to clear up any confusion or dive deeper into a topic. It is a vital tool for clarity and engagement.

This word is rooted in Sino-Korean characters (Hanja). 질 (質) means to ask or question, 의 (疑) refers to doubt, 응 (應) means to respond, and 답 (答) means to answer.

Historically, this structure reflects the Confucian tradition of scholarly discourse, where students would pose questions to masters to seek enlightenment. Over centuries, it evolved from formal philosophical debates into the standard Q&A format used in modern global business and education.

You will most commonly hear this in phrases like '질의응답 시간을 갖겠습니다' (We will now have a Q&A session). It is used in formal and professional settings.

It is rarely used in casual, one-on-one conversations between friends. If you are at a conference, a seminar, or a meeting, this is the perfect word to describe the interactive portion of the event.

While it is a formal noun, it appears in several fixed expressions. 질의응답을 받다 (to take questions), 질의응답이 오가다 (questions and answers are exchanged), and 질의응답 시간 (Q&A time) are the most frequent.

These expressions help define the flow of a meeting, signaling to the audience that the floor is open for participation.

As a noun, it functions as the subject or object of a sentence. In Korean, it is often paired with the verb '하다' (to do) to create the verbal form 질의응답하다.

Pronunciation tip: The 'ㄹ' sound in 질 flows into the '의' sound, and the '응답' part requires crisp articulation. It is a steady, rhythmic word that sounds professional when spoken clearly.