잘 지내?

Just say the words with a rising tone. You do not need a complex grammar setup. The word 잘 means 'well' or 'good.' The word 지내 comes from the verb 지내다. It means to pass time or live. Put them together for an instant check-in. It is short, sweet, and very common.

Use this with people your own age. It is perfect for friends you haven't seen in a week. Use it when texting a classmate. It works great when you see a sibling. It feels natural at a casual cafe or park. It is the go-to phrase for catching up.

Never say this to your boss. They might think you are being too bold. Do not use it with elderly people. It lacks the respect they expect. Avoid using it with total strangers. It is too intimate for a first meeting. Stick to 안녕하세요 in those cases. Using it wrongly can feel like wearing pajamas to a wedding.

Korean culture places a huge value on community. Asking about someone's well-being is a sign of care. In the past, life was often very difficult. Checking if someone was 'well' was a literal concern. Today, it is a social glue that keeps friends connected. It shows you actually care about their daily life, not just their status.

You can make it polite by adding 요. 잘 지내요? is safer for acquaintances. If you haven't seen someone in years, use past tense. 잘 지냈어? means 'Have you been well?' For a very formal vibe, try 잘 지내셨어요?. This version is perfect for a respected teacher or mentor. Even a tiny change in the ending changes the whole mood.