잘 지내요, 당신은요?
jal jinaeyo, dangsineunyo?
The English phrase "I am fine, and you?" is expressed in Korean as 잘 지내요, 당신은요? (jal jinaeyo, dangsineunyo?)
This phrase is a polite response to a greeting, indicating that the speaker is doing well and returning the inquiry to the other person. While the word 당신 literally translates to "you", it is important to note that in natural spoken Korean, using 당신 can sometimes feel confrontational or overly formal. In many conversational contexts, speakers prefer to omit the subject entirely or use the person's name or title instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase begins with 잘, which means "well" and modifies the verb. The second part, 당신은요?, functions as "and you?"
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 당신은요?, the particle 은 acts as a topic marker and the particle 요 is a polite sentence-ending particle that turns the phrase into a question.
How do you pronounce it?
jal jinaeyo, dangsineunyo?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use the word 당신 when translating "and you?" into Korean. To sound more natural, you should omit the subject entirely or use 그쪽은요? (meaning "how about your side/you?") instead.
Did you know?
- In romantic songs and literature, the word 당신 shifts from being confrontational to a highly poetic and affectionate way to address a lover.
- To avoid using the word 'you', Koreans often address others by professional titles like 'Teacher' or 'Manager' even in non-professional settings.
- Removing the single syllable 요 from the end of the phrase can instantly change a polite response into one that sounds rude or overly casual to a stranger.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet by chance on the street.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 잘 지냈어요?jieun ssi, jal jinaesseoyo?Jieun, have you been doing well?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 잘 지내요, 당신은요?ne, jal jinaeyo, dangsineunyo?Yes, I am fine, and you?
- 도현 Do-hyeon저도 잘 지내고 있어요.jeodo jal jinaego isseoyo.I am doing well too.
- 지은 Ji-eun다행이네요.dahaeng-ineyo.That's a relief.
