글쎄요
geulsseyo[kɯɭs͈e̞jo]
In Korean, the word "well" can be translated as 글쎄요 (geulsseyo).
글쎄요 is used as a filler or a polite way to express hesitation or uncertainty when answering a question.
Meaning: in good health (adj)
Which one should you use?
The phrase 잘 됐어 is used among friends or peers to express that something turned out well or favorably.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
글쎄요 is the polite version of the hesitation filler, suitable for speaking to strangers or superiors. The informal version of this hesitation filler is 글쎄.
How do you pronounce it?
geulsseyo
Did you know?
- In Korean, 'well' as a filler like 글쎄요 acts as a social lubricant to maintain 'nunchi', or the ability to read the room and avoid bluntness.
- Depending on the intonation, 글쎄 can be used as a rhetorical question to imply that the speaker thinks the other person is being unrealistic.
- The hesitation filler 글쎄요 can function as a 'polite wall' in business, allowing a person to signal a refusal without ever actually using the word 'no'.
Examples in context
- 그 분은 잘 하시는 분이에요.He/she is a skilled person.
- 이 계획은 잘 되어 있어요.This plan is well-organized.
- 그 앨범 잘 만들었네!You made the album well!
- 시험 잘 됐어?Did you do well on the exam?
- 진짜 잘했어!You did really well!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 글쎄요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
