자?
ja?
The Korean phrase for "you sleeping?" is 자? (ja?)
This phrase is a casual question used to ask if someone is currently asleep. In Korean, the subject "you" is frequently omitted in this question when the context makes it clear who is being addressed.
Which one should you use?
While 자? is a short, casual version, other forms change based on the level of politeness. 자고 있어? is another informal way to ask, whereas 자고 있어요? uses the polite ending -요. The formal way to ask 'Are you sleeping?' is 주무시고 계세요?
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 자? is the casual, non-honorific way to ask if someone is sleeping. Adding the polite particle 요 to the end makes the question 자요? suitable for people you are not close with or who are older than you.
How do you pronounce it?
ja?
Did you know?
- In Korean digital culture, sending 자? as a text message late at night is often seen as a subtle way of saying 'I miss you' or 'I want to talk to you'.
- The word 자 is also used as an exclamation meaning 'Now!' or 'Alright!' when starting a new activity or getting a group's attention.
- The formal version 주무시고 계세요? uses the honorific verb 주무시다 instead of the standard 자다. Using the standard verb with an elder would be considered extremely rude or even offensive.
Examples in context
- 지금 자고 있어?Are you sleeping right now?
- 지금 자?jigeum ja?Are you sleeping now?
- 벌써 자?beolsseo ja?Are you sleeping already?
Example conversation
Subin calls Hyunwoo late at night.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우야, 자?Hyunwoo-ya, ja?Hyunwoo, are you sleeping?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니, 안 자.ani, an ja.No, I'm not sleeping.
- 수빈 Su-bin다행이다.dahaeng-ida.That's a relief.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo무슨 일이야?museun iriya?What's up?
