What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 잘 지냈어요? is composed of 잘 (well), 지내다 (to spend time/live) and the polite past tense ending -었어(요). Literally, it means "Have you been living/spending time well?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on who you are addressing. 안녕하십니까? is a highly formal and respectful expression for people of high status or formal occasions. 어떻게 지내세요? is the standard formal way to ask. 잘 지냈어요? is a polite, standard form for social situations with people you are not extremely close to or who are older than you. For close friends or people younger than you, you can use the casual 어떻게 지내? or the informal 잘 지냈어? For someone of much higher social status or much greater age, use the honorific form 잘 지내셨어요?
When do people say it?
A standard way to respond to this question is 네, 잘 지냈어요 (Yes, I've been well). You might also use the expression 오랜만이야! 어떻게 지내? to say "Long time no see! How have you been?"
Did you know?
- While 'How are you?' is a common opening in English, Koreans often prefer to skip the greeting and go straight to 'Have you eaten?' as a way to show care.
- The highly formal 안녕하십니까? is actually a question asking 'Are you at peace?', where 'peace' refers to a state of being undisturbed.
- If you use the casual 어떻게 지내? with a boss or a teacher, it is not just considered rude, it can be perceived as a genuine social transgression.
Examples in context
- David: 안녕하세요! 어떻게 지내세요?
Jiyoung: 저는 괜찮아요! 요즘 바빠서 조금 피곤해요.David: Hello! How are you doing?
Jiyoung: I'm fine! I've been busy lately, so I'm a bit tired. - Jisoo: 어떻게 지냈어?
Minho: 잘 지냈어, 너는?Jisoo: How have you been?
Minho: I've been good, and you? - 그동안 잘 지냈어요?geudongan jal jinaesseoyo?Have you been doing well?
- 요즘 잘 지냈어요?yojeum jal jinaesseoyo?Have you been doing well lately?
- 친구는 잘 지냈어요?chin-gu-neun jal jinaesseoyo?Has your friend been doing well?
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun meet at a cafe after a long time.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈 씨, 잘 지냈어요?Jihun ssi, jal jinaesseoyo?Jihun, how are you?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 저는 잘 지냈어요.Ne, jeoneun jal jinaesseoyo.Yes, I have been doing well.
- 수빈 Su-bin다행이네요.dahaeng-ineyo.That is a relief.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨도 잘 지냈어요?Subin ssi-do jal jinaesseoyo?Have you been doing well too, Subin?
