서류 vs 문서
Korean word comparison
Listen to 서류
Listen to 문서
| 서류 | 문서 |
|---|---|
SEO-ryoo noun | mun-seo noun |
| documents; papers used for official, business, or school purposes | a document; a written or printed official record |
How they differ
문서 is broader and more general than 서류. It can refer to any written record, including official papers, contracts, reports, and files, while 서류 more often suggests paperwork needed for a task or procedure.
When to use each
When to use 서류: Use 서류 when you mean the papers needed for an application, office process, or administrative task.
When to use 문서: Use 문서 when you want to refer generally to a formal written record or document without emphasizing paperwork.
Side-by-side examples
- 이 서류를 제출해야 합니다.
(You need to submit these documents.) - 중요한 문서를 안전하게 보관하세요.
(Please keep important documents in a safe place.)
Register & nuance: 문서 is slightly more formal and broader in scope, and it is common in official, legal, and business contexts.