Korean Dictionary
How to say "I'm doing well" in Korean
“I'm doing well” in Korean is 잘 지내요 (pronounced "Jal jinaeyo").
잘 지내요
Jal jinaeyo
Usage & Context
A positive response when someone asks how you are. 잘 지내고 있어요 is a longer, more emphatic version. The casual form is 잘 지내 or 잘 지내고 있어. Koreans might add specific updates like 요즘 바빠요 (I've been busy lately).
Example Sentence
잘 지내요? —네, 덕분에 잘 지내요!
How are you? —Yes, I'm doing well, thanks to you!
How to use 잘 지내요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I'm doing well” 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', conveying a positive and stable state.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
잘 지내
Jal jinae
Used with close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
A polite and common response to 'How are you?', expressing gratitude.
네, 덕분에 잘 지내요.
Yes, I'm doing well, thanks to you.
Giving a slightly more detailed and honest answer about one's current situation.
요즘 바쁘지만, 잘 지내고 있어요.
I'm busy lately, but I'm doing well.
Responding positively and then expressing happiness at seeing the person.
잘 지내요. 오랜만에 만나서 반가워요!
I'm doing well. It's nice to meet you after a long time!
Cultural Context
When asked '잘 지내요?', a common and polite response is '네, 덕분에 잘 지내요' (Yes, I'm doing well, thanks to you). The addition of '덕분에' (deokbune), meaning 'thanks to you' or 'owing to you', is a culturally significant phrase that expresses humility and gratitude, acknowledging the other person's concern. While '잘 지내요' alone is sufficient, '덕분에' makes the response warmer and more culturally appropriate, a staple in everyday Korean interactions.
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
네, 잘 지내요.
Yes, I'm doing well.
덕분에 잘 지내고 있어요.
I'm doing well, thanks to you.
요즘은 좀 바쁘지만 잘 지내요.
I'm a bit busy lately, but I'm doing well.
Related Expressions
잘 지내고 있어요
Jal jinaego isseoyo
I am doing well (more continuous and slightly more emphatic)
괜찮아요
Gwaenchanayo
I'm okay/It's alright
별일 없어요
Byeolil eopseoyo
Nothing special/No particular issues
바빠요
Bappayo
I'm busy (a common alternative response, often followed by 'but I'm doing well')
More Greetings Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice I'm doing well and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
