Korean Dictionary
How to say "How have you been" in Korean
“How have you been” in Korean is 어떻게 지냈어요 (pronounced "Eotteoke jinaesseoyo").
어떻게 지냈어요
Eotteoke jinaesseoyo
Usage & Context
A question asked when reuniting with someone after a period apart. The casual version is 어떻게 지냈어? Common responses include 잘 지냈어요 (I've been well) or 그냥 그랬어요 (I've been so-so). It opens deeper conversation.
Example Sentence
요즘 어떻게 지냈어요? 많이 바빴나요?
How have you been lately? Have you been very busy?
How to use 어떻게 지냈어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “How have you been” is 어떻게 지냈어요, romanized as Eotteoke jinaesseoyo.
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 어떻게 지냈어요.
Pronunciation Guide
어떻게 (Eotteoke): "Eo" sounds like "uh" in "up". "Tteo" is a strong 't' sound, similar to "duh" but with more tension. "Ke" is like "keh" in "sketch". 지냈어요 (jinaesseoyo): "Ji" is like "jee" in "jeep". "Naet" is like "net" with a soft 't'. "Sseo" is a tight "saw" sound. "Yo" is like "yo" in "yogurt".
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
어떻게 지냈어
Eotteoke jinaesseo
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Catching up with an old friend.
오랜만이야, 친구! 요즘 어떻게 지냈어?
It's been a while, friend! How have you been lately?
Greeting a professor respectfully after a break.
교수님, 오랜만입니다. 그동안 어떻게 지내셨어요?
Professor, it's been a long time. How have you been in the meantime?
Showing concern for someone who was ill.
몸이 안 좋다고 들었는데, 어떻게 지내셨어요?
I heard you weren't feeling well, how have you been?
Cultural Context
This phrase is more than just a greeting; it's an invitation to share. Koreans often follow up with specific questions about work, family, or health, showing genuine interest. In K-dramas, you'll frequently hear characters use this to reconnect after a time skip or a misunderstanding, signaling a desire to mend ties or catch up, making it a very personal and warm expression.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 어떻게 지냈어요 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
그냥 그랬어요.
I've been so-so.
잘 지냈어요.
I've been well.
덕분에 잘 지냈어요.
Thanks to you, I've been well.
Related Expressions
잘 지냈어요?
Jal jinaesseoyo?
Have you been well?
별일 없으셨어요?
Byeolil eopseusyeosseoyo?
Has anything special happened?
요즘 어떠세요?
Yojeum eotteoseyo?
How are you these days?
잘 지내셨어요?
Jal jinaesyeosseoyo?
Have you been well? (Honorific)
More Greetings Words
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