What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 항상 건강하세요 literally means "always be healthy". The word 항상 means "always" or "constantly", and 건강하세요 is a polite imperative form meaning "be healthy".
Which one should you use?
While 항상 건강하세요 is a common way to express this sentiment, other forms exist depending on the specific context. 잘 지내십시오 means "Take care well" and 언제나 건강하세요 means "Always stay healthy". In informal settings, you might use 항상 조심해 to mean "Always be careful" or 언제나 잘 지내 to mean "Always be well".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 항상 건강하세요 is in a polite/formal register and is appropriate for use with elders or people you are not close to. If you are speaking to a close friend or someone younger, you would use the informal version 항상 건강해 instead of 항상 건강하세요. In casual settings among friends, peers or family, you can use the informal 항상 조심해 or 언제나 잘 지내. For formal situations, 잘 지내십시오 and 언제나 건강하세요 are also polite options.
Did you know?
- The phrase 건강하세요 uses an imperative form that technically commands someone to 'be healthy', but in Korean culture, this is viewed as a high-level blessing rather than a blunt order.
- The word 항상 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the characters 恒 and 常, both of which independently mean 'always'.
- The word 언제나 used in the phrase 언제나 건강하세요 is a purely native Korean word, whereas 항상 is a Sino-Korean word.
Examples in context
- 항상 건강하세요.hangsang geonganghaseyo.Please take care always.
- 할머니, 항상 건강하세요.halmeoni, hangsang geonganghaseyo.Grandmother, please take care always.
Example conversation
Jihoon is saying goodbye to Jieun at the airport.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 조심히 가세요.jieun ssi, josimhi gaseyo.Jieun, please travel safely.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 지훈 씨도 잘 지내세요.gomawoyo, jihun ssido jal jinaeseyo.Thank you, you take care too, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 가서 항상 건강하세요.ne, gaseo hangsang geonganghaseyo.Yes, please always take care of your health there.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 다음에 또 봐요!ne, daeume tto bwayo!Okay, see you next time!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 항상, CC BY-SA 4.0.
