Korean Dictionary
How to say "How are you" in Korean
“How are you” in Korean is 잘 지내요 (pronounced "Jal jinaeyo").
잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
Usage & Context
A common greeting asking about someone's wellbeing. Unlike English where 'how are you' is often rhetorical, Koreans typically expect a real answer. 어떻게 지내요 is a slightly longer alternative. Both are natural conversation starters.
Example Sentence
요즘 잘 지내요? 오래 못 봤네요.
How are you lately? We haven't seen each other in a while.
How to use 잘 지내요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “How are you” is 잘 지내요, romanized as Jal jinaeyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 잘 지내요.
Pronunciation Guide
'잘 지내요' is pronounced 'Jal ji-nae-yo'. 'Jal' is like the 'jal' in 'jalapeño'. 'Ji' is like 'jee' in 'jeep'. 'Nae' rhymes with 'nay'. 'Yo' is like 'yo'. The stress is typically on 'jal' and 'nae', creating a smooth, inquiring tone.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
잘 지내?
Jal jinae?
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Greeting an old friend or acquaintance you haven't seen in a while.
오랜만이에요! 잘 지내요?
Long time no see! How are you?
Catching up with someone, asking about their recent well-being.
요즘 어떻게 지내요? 잘 지내요?
How have you been lately? How are you?
Politely inquiring about the well-being of someone's family members.
부모님은 잘 지내세요?
Are your parents doing well?
Cultural Context
Unlike the often rhetorical 'How are you?' in English, '잘 지내요?' in Korean usually expects a genuine answer. It's a sincere inquiry about someone's well-being, especially when you haven't seen them for some time. Koreans might elaborate on their recent activities, health, or family, making it a true conversation starter rather than just a formality. It reflects a cultural value of showing genuine concern for others.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 잘 지내요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
요즘 잘 지내요?
How are you lately?
가족들은 잘 지내세요?
How is your family doing?
그동안 잘 지내셨어요?
Have you been doing well all this time? (more formal, for longer periods)
Related Expressions
어떻게 지내세요?
Eotteoke jinaeseyo?
How have you been? (slightly more formal or for longer periods)
별일 없으세요?
Byeolil eopseuseyo?
Is everything alright? (literally 'Are there no special things?')
건강하세요?
Geonganghaseyo?
Are you healthy? (more specific, often used for older people)
안녕하세요?
Annyeonghaseyo?
Hello/Are you at peace? (the most common general greeting)
More Greetings Words
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