건강하세요
geonganghaseyo
건강하세요 (geonganghaseyo) is the Korean phrase for "please be healthy".
This phrase is a polite wish for someone to stay in good health. It is commonly used as a parting wish when saying goodbye or as a closing remark in letters and messages to express care for the recipient's well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 건강 (health) and the verb 하다 (to do).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
건강하세요 is a polite way to wish someone health. It is suitable for speaking to elders or people you are not close with.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is formed by combining the noun 건강 (health) with the verb 하다 (to do) and the polite ending -세요 (please do).
How do you pronounce it?
geonganghaseyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
While 건강하십시오 is grammatically correct and very formal, it can sometimes sound overly stiff or heavy in casual daily conversation compared to 건강하세요.
Did you know?
- While 건강하세요 is common, some strict linguists argue it is grammatically incorrect because you cannot command someone to 'be' in a state of health. They suggest 건강하시길 바랍니다, which means 'I hope you are healthy', as the proper alternative.
- Wishing someone health is often viewed as wishing them 복, which means 'good fortune' or 'blessings'. In this cultural context, physical health is seen as a form of spiritual fortune.
- Using the polite 건강하세요 with a close friend or sibling can actually feel cold or distant. The formal ending creates a social barrier that is inappropriate for intimate relationships.
Examples in context
- 잘 계시고 건강하세요.Please stay well and healthy.
- 꼭 건강하게 지내야 돼.You must stay healthy for sure.
- 항상 건강하세요.hangsang geonganghaseyo.Please always be healthy.
Example conversation
Minjun is saying goodbye to Subin after a holiday visit.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 조심히 가세요.Subin ssi, josimhi gaseyo.Subin, please go home safely.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 민준 씨도 건강하세요.ne, Minjun ssi-do geonganghaseyo.Yes, Minjun, please be healthy too.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다. 다음에 또 봐요.gamsahamnida. da-eume tto bwayo.Thank you. See you next time.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 다음에 만나요.ne, da-eume mannayo.Yes, see you next time.
