자?
ja?
The English phrase "are you sleeping?" is translated into Korean as 자? (ja?)
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is currently asleep.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 자 is the informal/casual conjugation of the verb 자다 (to sleep).
Which one should you use?
While 자? is a direct question, it can sometimes feel very abrupt or blunt in text messages depending on the relationship.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Jeolla region, people might use 자노? in informal settings to ask "Are you sleeping?"
How does it change in a sentence?
There are several ways to vary the tone of this question. The form 자니? is a common informal way to ask "are you sleeping?" that sounds slightly more inquisitive or gentle than the blunt 자? Adding the suffix '-요' to the verb stem makes the question 자요? polite, suitable for speaking to someone older or in a less intimate relationship.
How do you pronounce it?
ja?
Did you know?
- In many romantic Korean contexts, sending a late-night 자? can be seen as a subtle way of expressing affection or wanting attention, rather than a practical question.
- Korean has a specific word 잠꼬대 for the talking or movements someone makes while sleeping, which often prompts the question 자? when the sleeper starts mumbling.
- Korean uses a specific term 꿀잠 (honey sleep) to describe a deep, sweet sleep, and someone might answer 자? by saying they are hoping for a 꿀잠.
Examples in context
- 혹시 자?hoksi ja?Are you sleeping, by any chance?
- 아직 자?ajik ja?Are you still sleeping?
- 지금 자?jigeum ja?Are you sleeping now?
Example conversation
Jihoon calls Minji late at night to see if she is awake.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지야, 자?Minji-ya, ja?Minji, are you sleeping?
- 민지 Min-ji아니, 안 자.ani, an ja.No, I'm not sleeping.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다행이다.dahaengida.That's a relief.
- 민지 Min-ji무슨 일 있어?museun il isseo?Is something wrong?
