잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔
jal ja joeun kkum kkwo
The English phrase "good night sweet dreams" is translated into Korean as 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔 (jal ja joeun kkum kkwo).
This phrase is a friendly way to wish someone a restful sleep and pleasant dreams before they go to bed.
What does it mean word for word?
The first part, 잘 자, literally means "sleep well". The second part, 좋은 꿈 꿔, literally means "dream a good dream".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔, the verb 꿔 is the conjugated form of 꾸다 (to dream) used in the informal imperative/suggestive form. To make the entire expression polite, you can say 잘 자요 좋은 꿈 꾸세요.
How do you pronounce it?
jal ja joeun kkum kkwo
Did you know?
- If you want to be extra polite to an elder, you might avoid using the word 자 (ja) altogether and use the honorific verb 주무시다 (jumusida) instead.
- To wish someone a 'good dream' is a common sentiment, but Koreans also have a specific concept of 'dream-interpretation' called 해몽, which is a popular cultural practice.
- In romantic relationships, Koreans may use 'aegyo' or baby talk by changing 잘 자 to 잘 자용, adding a soft ending to sound cuter.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 오늘 하루 고생하셨어요. 잘 주무세요.Teacher, you had a tough day today. Sleep well.
- 대표님, 오늘도 고생 많으셨어요. 좋은 꿈 꾸세요.Boss, you worked hard today too. Have good dreams.
- 오늘 조금 힘들었네. 달콤한 꿈 꾸세요.Today was a bit tough. Have sweet dreams.
- 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔.jal ja joeun kkum kkwo.Good night, sweet dreams.
- 친구야 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔.chin-gu-ya jal ja joeun kkum kkwo.Good night, sweet dreams, my friend.
- 오늘 고생했어, 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔.oneul gosaenghaesseo, jal ja joeun kkum kkwo.You worked hard today, good night, sweet dreams.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking on the phone before going to sleep.
- 민준 Min-jun이제 자야겠다. 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔.ije jayagetta. jal ja joeun kkum kkwo.I should sleep now. Good night, sweet dreams.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 너도 잘 자.eung, neodo jal ja.Yeah, you sleep well too.
- 민준 Min-jun내일 연락할게.naeil yeonrakhalge.I'll contact you tomorrow.
- 수빈 Su-bin그래, 잘 자 좋은 꿈 꿔!geurae, jal ja joeun kkum kkwo!Okay, good night, sweet dreams!
