좋은 시간 보내세요
joeun sigan bonaeseyo
In Korean, 'have a good time' is expressed as 좋은 시간 보내세요 (joeun sigan bonaeseyo).
This phrase is used to wish someone enjoyment during an upcoming or current activity. While 좋은 시간 보내세요 is a direct translation of the English sentiment, it is also very common and natural to use the expression 즐거운 시간 되세요, which literally translates to 'become an enjoyable time'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 좋은 시간 보내세요 breaks down into 좋은 (good), 시간 (time) and 보내세요 (please spend/pass).
Which one should you use?
즐거운 시간 되세요 and 즐거운 시간 보내세요 are both formal ways to say 'Have a pleasant time'. In contrast, the informal 즐겨 is a short way to say 'Enjoy!' and 좋은 시간 보내 is the informal version of 'Have a good time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The informal version 좋은 시간 보내 is used with close friends or people younger than you. For the highest level of formality in professional contexts, the form changes to 좋은 시간 보내십시오.
How do you pronounce it?
joeun sigan bonaeseyo
Did you know?
- The verb used in 보내세요 comes from 보내다, which is the same verb used for 'sending' an object or 'sending' a letter.
- The word 시간 (time) is a Sino-Korean word composed of two characters: 時 meaning 'time' and 間 meaning 'gap' or 'interval'.
- Depending on the social hierarchy, the ending of this phrase can change from 보내 for a younger sibling to 보내십시오 for a high-ranking boss.
Examples in context
- 새로운 시작으로 즐거운 시간 되세요Have a pleasant time with your new beginning.
- 즐거운 여행 되세요Have a fun trip!
- 로맨틱한 시간 보내세요Have a romantic time!
- 친구들과 좋은 시간 보내세요.chingudeul-gwa joeun sigan bonaeseyo.Have a good time with your friends.
- 가족들과 좋은 시간 보내세요.gajokdeul-gwa joeun sigan bonaeseyo.Have a good time with your family.
- 여행 가서 좋은 시간 보내세요.yeohaeng gaseo joeun sigan bonaeseyo.Have a good time on your trip.
Example conversation
Jihoon is saying goodbye to Minji as she leaves for a concert.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 콘서트 잘 다녀오세요.Minji ssi, konseoteu jal danyeooseyo.Minji, have a good trip to the concert.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 지훈 씨도 주말 잘 보내세요.Ne, Jihoon ssi-do jumal jal bonaeseyo.Yes, Jihoon, you have a good weekend too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요. 공연에서 좋은 시간 보내세요!Gomaweoyo. gong-yeon-eseo joeun sigan bonaeseyo!Thank you. Have a good time at the performance!
- 민지 Min-ji네, 다녀올게요!Ne, danyeoolgeyo!Yes, I will be back!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 시간, CC BY-SA 4.0.
