What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 좋은 여행 되세요 literally translates to 'Be a good trip' (좋은 = good, 여행 = trip, 되세요 = please be/become).
Which one should you use?
There are several ways to express this depending on the level of politeness and the specific nuance you want to convey. 여행 잘 다녀오십시오 is a formal and polite way to say "have a nice trip" in Korean. 여행 잘 다녀오세요 is a polite expression, and 즐거운 여행 되세요 is a slightly less formal but still respectful way to say it. For a friendly and warm wish, you can use 좋은 여행 되길 바라.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 여행 잘 다녀오십시오 for formal situations. For general polite use, use 여행 잘 다녀오세요 or 좋은 여행 되세요. If you are speaking to someone you are close to, the informal 여행 잘 다녀와 is appropriate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 좋은 여행 되세요 uses the ending 세요, which is a polite ending. This makes the phrase a polite imperative, suitable for speaking to elders, strangers or in formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
Joeun yeohaeng doeseyo
When do people say it?
The phrase 잘 다녀와 is the casual version of 잘 다녀오세요, used with friends or people younger than you.
Did you know?
- While 좋은 여행 되세요 translates to 'be a good trip', it is technically a grammatical anomaly where the person is told to 'become' the trip. This structure is common in modern Korean influenced by English but is logically impossible in traditional grammar.
- The phrase 잘 다녀오세요 is used so broadly that it is the standard way to say goodbye to a family member leaving for work or school, not just for long trips.
- The common alternative 잘 다녀오세요 literally means 'go and come back well'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on the complete cycle of a journey, prioritizing a safe return over the experience of the trip itself.
Example conversation
Minji is seeing off Jihoon at the airport.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 드디어 출발하시네요!Jihoon ssi, deudieo chulbalhasineyo!Jihoon, you are finally leaving!
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 설레서 잠도 못 잤어요.Ne, seolleoseo jamdo mot jasseoyo.Yes, I was so excited I couldn't sleep.
- 민지 Min-ji좋은 여행 되세요.joeun yeohaeng doeseyo.Have a nice trip.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 민지 씨.Gomawoyo, Minji ssi.Thank you, Minji.
