What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 건강 (health) and 챙기세요, which is the polite imperative form of the verb meaning "to take care of" or "to look after".
Which one should you use?
Adding the adverb 잘 to create 건강 잘 챙기세요 makes the sentiment feel more sincere and natural in spoken Korean. Other variations include 건강을 잘 챙기세요 and 건강을 잘 지켜 주세요, both of which are formal ways to express the same sentiment.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 건강 챙겨 or 건강 잘 챙겨 for an informal, casual and non-honorific version when speaking to close friends or people younger than you. For professional settings or when addressing someone of much higher social status, use the highly formal 건강 챙기십시오. Other formal options include 건강을 잘 챙기세요, 건강을 잘 지켜 주세요 and 건강히 지내세요, which specifically means "stay healthy".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken Korean, adding the adverb 잘 (well) before 챙기세요 to make 건강 잘 챙기세요 makes the expression feel more sincere.
How do you pronounce it?
geongang chaenggiseyo
When do people say it?
When someone uses this phrase to show concern for your well-being, a common response is 감사합니다 (Thank you) or 네, 언제나 신경 쓰겠습니다 (Yes, I will always be mindful of my health).
Did you know?
- While it translates to 'take care of', the verb 챙기다 in 건강 챙기세요 originally carries the connotation of 'to pack' or 'to collect' items for a journey.
- In Korea, the concept of 'taking care of health' often implies eating specific restorative foods or taking traditional supplements, not just exercising.
- In Korea, expressing concern for someone's health is often seen as a way to show high social respect or deep affection, even if the person is not actually ill.
Examples in context
- 선생님, 건강을 잘 챙기세요.Teacher, please take care of your health.
- 아버지, 건강히 지내세요.Father, please stay healthy.
- 형, 건강 잘 챙겨.Brother, take care of your health.
- 엄마, 건강히 사세요.Mom, please stay healthy.
- 항상 건강 챙기세요.hangsang geongang chaenggiseyo.Always take care of your health.
- 요즘 바쁘시더라도 건강 챙기세요.yojeum bappeusideorado geongang chaenggiseyo.Please take care of your health even if you are busy lately.
- 날씨가 추우니 건강 챙기세요.nalssiga chuuni geongang chaenggiseyo.The weather is cold, so take care of your health.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are saying goodbye after a meeting.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨, 이제 가볼게요.Jieun ssi, ije gabolgeyo.Jieun, I'll be going now.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 지훈 씨도 조심해서 가세요.ne, Jihoon ssi-do josimhaeseo gaseyo.Yes, you get home safely too, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun요즘 감기가 유행이니까 건강 챙기세요.yojum gamgiga yuhaeng-inikka geongang chaenggiseyo.Colds are going around these days, so take care of your health.
- 지은 Ji-eun감사합니다. 지훈 씨도 건강하세요!gamsahamnida. Jihoon ssi-do geonganghaseyo!Thank you. You stay healthy too, Jihoon!
