What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 좋은 (good), 하루 (day) and 보내세요 (please spend/pass).
Which one should you use?
While 좋은 하루 보내세요 is a standard polite way to express this wish, other forms exist depending on the level of respect required. 좋은 하루 되세요 is also a common and polite option. For professional settings or when speaking to someone of higher status, 좋은 하루 되길 바랍니다 is used and the even more respectful 좋은 하루 되시기 바랍니다 is used when addressing someone in a position of authority or seniority.
How does it change in a sentence?
The formality is determined by the verb ending. Removing the 세요 ending from 좋은 하루 보내세요 makes the phrase informal, resulting in 좋은 하루 보내. Conversely, using the -십시오 ending instead of -세요 makes the phrase highly formal, resulting in 좋은 하루 보내십시오.
How do you pronounce it?
joeun haru bonaeseyo
Did you know?
- Strictly speaking, some Korean grammarians argue that 좋은 하루 되세요 is incorrect because a person cannot 'become' a day.
- The verb 보내다 in this phrase means 'to spend time', but it is also the same word used for 'sending' a letter or a package.
- The word 하루 (day) is actually a compound of the ancient Proto-Koreanic words for 'one' and 'day'.
Examples in context
- 좋은 하루 보내세요.joeun haru bonaeseyo.I hope you have a good day.
- 오늘도 좋은 하루 보내세요!oneuldo joeun haru bonaeseyo!Have a good day today as well!
- 내일 봬요, 좋은 하루 보내세요.naeil bwaeyo, joeun haru bonaeseyo.See you tomorrow, have a good day.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are leaving a small cafe after meeting briefly.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 오늘 만나서 반가웠어요.Jieun ssi, oneul mannaseo banga-wasseoyo.Jieun, it was nice to see you today.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 저도 즐거웠어요. 지훈 씨도 좋은 하루 보내세요.Ne, jeodo jeulgeoweosseoyo. Jihoon ssi-do joeun haru bonaeseyo.Yes, I enjoyed it too. Jihoon, I hope you have a good day.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다. 조심히 가세요.Gamsahamnida. Josimhi gaseyo.Thank you. Go safely.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 다음에 또 봐요!Ne, da-eume tto bwayo!Yes, see you next time!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 하루, CC BY-SA 4.0.
