문자 메시지를 보내다
munja mesijireul bonaeda
To send a text message
Phrase in 30 Seconds
The standard way to say 'send a text message' in Korean, used daily for both SMS and messaging apps.
- Means: To send a written text message via a mobile device.
- Used in: Daily coordination, checking in with friends, or professional updates.
- Don't confuse: Don't use '부치다' (to mail) for digital messages; always use '보내다'.
Explanation at your level:
Signification
To send a written message via mobile phone.
Contexte culturel
The '1' on KakaoTalk is a major source of social anxiety. Sending a '문자' and seeing the '1' stay there for hours is a common theme in K-Dramas. Texting is often preferred over calling for non-urgent matters to avoid interrupting someone's work flow, but it must be done politely. Younger Koreans use '문자' less for SMS and more for 'DMs' or 'KakaoTalk', but the verb '보내다' remains the constant. Older generations may still prefer traditional SMS over apps, and they often use very formal language even in short texts.
Drop the 'Message'
In 90% of casual conversations, just say '문자 보내다'. Adding '메시지' makes it sound like a textbook.
Check the Honorifics
If texting a boss or teacher, always use '보내 드립니다' or '보내 드렸습니다'.
Signification
To send a written message via mobile phone.
Drop the 'Message'
In 90% of casual conversations, just say '문자 보내다'. Adding '메시지' makes it sound like a textbook.
Check the Honorifics
If texting a boss or teacher, always use '보내 드립니다' or '보내 드렸습니다'.
Use '문자하다'
If you want to sound like a native, use the verb form '문자해' (Text me) instead of the full phrase.
The Power of 'ㅋㅋ'
When sending a text, adding 'ㅋㅋ' (laughing) makes your sentence sound much friendlier and less demanding.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of '보내다'.
어제 친구한테 문자를 ______.
'어제' (yesterday) requires the past tense.
Which sentence is the most natural for a business context?
Choose the best option:
This uses the most formal and polite ending suitable for business.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 왜 전화를 안 받았어요? B: 회의 중이었어요. 아까 ( ).
B is explaining why they didn't answer and how they communicated instead.
Match the phrase to the situation: '문자 보내 드릴게요.'
When would you say this?
'보내 드릴게요' is an honorific/humble form used for people of higher status.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal Sending
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it's a general term, but '카톡 보내다' is more specific and common for that app.
'보내다' is for digital/general sending; '부치다' is for physical mail/parcels.
It's neutral. The formality comes from the verb ending (e.g., ~ㅂ니다 vs ~어).
'문자 보낼게요' or '문자 할게요'.
It means reading a text and not replying (Read + Ignore).
No, that sounds like 'throwing a message'. Use '보내다' or '날리다' (slang).
'문자 보낼 수 있게 번호 좀 알려주세요.'
Yes, but use very formal language and avoid texting late at night.
It means a group text or a mass text message.
Literally yes, but in this context, it always means 'text message'.
Yes, '이메일을 보내다' is correct.
It is '보냈어요' (neutral) or '보냈습니다' (formal).
Expressions liées
답장을 하다
similarTo reply
문자를 받다
contrastTo receive a text
연락하다
builds onTo contact
카톡하다
specialized formTo KakaoTalk
문자를 남기다
similarTo leave a text
Où l'utiliser
Running late
A: 왜 이렇게 안 와?
B: 미안, 지금 가고 있어. 아까 문자 보냈는데 못 봤어?
In a meeting
A: 지금 통화 가능하세요?
B: 죄송합니다. 회의 중이라 문자 메시지 보내 주세요.
Asking for info
A: 식당 주소 좀 알려주세요.
B: 네, 지금 문자로 보내 드릴게요.
Checking receipt
A: 문자 보냈어?
B: 응, 방금 보냈어. 확인해 봐.
Dating
A: 그 사람한테 문자 보낼까?
B: 먼저 보내 봐. 용기를 내!
Customer Service
A: 예약 확인 문자가 안 왔어요.
B: 다시 한번 문자 메시지를 보내겠습니다.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Mun-ja' as 'Moon-Jar'. Imagine sending a jar full of letters to the moon.
Visual Association
A smartphone screen with a paper airplane icon flying out of it, carrying the Korean word '문자'.
Rhyme
문자 보내, 마음을 전해 (Send a text, convey your heart).
Story
You are at a busy Seoul subway station. You can't talk because it's too loud, so you take out your phone to '보내다' (send) some '문자' (characters) to your friend so they know where you are.
Word Web
Défi
Try to send a text to a language partner or friend using only the phrase '문자 보낼게요' when you are busy.
In Other Languages
Enviar un mensaje de texto
Spanish uses 'mandar' or 'enviar', while Korean almost exclusively uses '보내다'.
Envoyer un SMS / texto
French has a specific slang verb 'texter', similar to Korean '문자하다'.
Eine SMS schicken
German rarely uses a word for 'characters' (문자), preferring the technical 'SMS'.
メールを送る (Mēru o okuru)
Japanese uses 'mail' (Mēru) for both texts and emails, whereas Korean distinguishes '문자' and '이메일'.
إرسال رسالة نصية (irsāl risāla naṣṣiyya)
Arabic is more likely to stay formal in its full form than casual Korean.
发短信 (fā duǎnxìn)
Chinese uses 'short message' while Korean uses 'character message'.
문자 메시지를 보내다
N/A
Enviar um torpedo / mensagem
Korean doesn't have a 'torpedo' equivalent, but uses '날리다' (to fly/shoot) as slang.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'send a message/letter'.
Use '편지' for physical paper in envelopes; use '문자' for digital phones.
Both are digital communication.
Use '이메일' for computer-based or formal long-form mail.
FAQ (12)
Yes, it's a general term, but '카톡 보내다' is more specific and common for that app.
'보내다' is for digital/general sending; '부치다' is for physical mail/parcels.
It's neutral. The formality comes from the verb ending (e.g., ~ㅂ니다 vs ~어).
'문자 보낼게요' or '문자 할게요'.
It means reading a text and not replying (Read + Ignore).
No, that sounds like 'throwing a message'. Use '보내다' or '날리다' (slang).
'문자 보낼 수 있게 번호 좀 알려주세요.'
Yes, but use very formal language and avoid texting late at night.
It means a group text or a mass text message.
Literally yes, but in this context, it always means 'text message'.
Yes, '이메일을 보내다' is correct.
It is '보냈어요' (neutral) or '보냈습니다' (formal).
