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잘 지내세요

A2 interjection #3,500 가장 일반적인 8분 분량

잘 지내세요

jal jinaeseyo 상위 3,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 잘 지내세요 30초 만에

설명 잘 지내세요 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '잘 지내세요' is taught as a fixed, polite phrase meaning 'Take care' or 'Be well.' Students learn it as a single unit of meaning without necessarily breaking down the grammar of '지내다' or the '-세요' ending. It is a vital survival phrase used when leaving a polite social encounter. Learners at this stage should focus on the correct pronunciation and understanding that it is a polite way to say goodbye or check in on someone's general status. It's often paired with '안녕하세요' as the basic toolkit for polite interaction.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to understand the components: '잘' (well) and '지내다' (to spend time). They recognize the '-(으)세요' ending as a polite imperative or request. They can distinguish between the question form ('Are you doing well?') and the statement form ('Please be well'). A2 students should be able to respond correctly using the non-honorific polite form '잘 지내요' when talking about themselves. They also start to learn when to use this versus '안녕히 계세요' based on the context of the farewell.

B1 learners understand the nuanced difference between '지내다' and other verbs like '살다' (to live). They can use '잘 지내세요' in more complex sentences, adding time markers like '그동안' (during that time) or '앞으로' (in the future). They begin to notice the tone of the speaker—whether it's a casual polite wish or a slightly more distant, formal one. At this level, students can also use the phrase in written correspondence, such as simple emails or text messages, and understand the cultural expectation of wishing others well before ending a conversation.

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At the B2 level, students are expected to use the phrase with perfect social context. They understand that while '잘 지내세요' is polite, it might be too casual for a very high-ranking official, where '평안하십시오' or '건강하십시오' would be preferred. They can also use the phrase sarcastically or emphatically in literature or drama contexts. B2 learners can explain the concept of 'well-being' in Korean culture and how this phrase reflects the value placed on harmonious daily life and the health of one's social circle.

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C1 learners possess a deep intuitive grasp of the phrase. They can identify the specific 'warmth' or 'coldness' in how the phrase is delivered based on the relationship. They understand its use in formal speeches, public announcements, or as a closing remark in broadcasting (e.g., a radio host saying it to listeners). They are familiar with literary variations and can use the phrase to build rapport in complex professional negotiations, knowing exactly when to transition from '잘 지내십니까' (very formal question) to '잘 지내세요' (polite wish).

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At the C2 level, the learner uses '잘 지내세요' with the same nuance as a native speaker, including the ability to play with the phrase for poetic or rhetorical effect. They understand the historical evolution of the verb '지내다' and its relation to ancestral rites (제사 지내다), though the modern greeting has moved far from that origin. They can analyze how the phrase is used in different regional dialects or how it has changed across generations, acknowledging that younger generations might use it slightly differently in digital spaces compared to traditional face-to-face interactions.

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잘 지내세요 30초 만에

Polite Korean farewell meaning 'Take care'.
Used with superiors, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Combines 'well' (잘) and 'to spend time' (지내다).
Can be a question (How are you?) or a wish (Be well!).

The Korean expression 잘 지내세요 is a foundational pillar of polite social interaction in South Korea. At its core, it translates to "Be well" or "Take care," but its utility spans a wide range of interpersonal scenarios. It is composed of the adverb 잘 (jal), meaning 'well,' and the verb 지내다 (jinaeda), which means 'to spend time' or 'to live/get along,' combined with the polite honorific ending -(으)세요 (-(eu)seyo). This specific combination transforms a simple observation into a warm, respectful wish for the listener's well-being. Unlike the English 'How are you?', which is often a question, 잘 지내세요 functions primarily as a statement of goodwill or a polite farewell.

Etymological Root: The verb '지내다' historically refers to the passage of time or the carrying out of daily life. When modified by '잘', it implies that the passage of time should be smooth, healthy, and prosperous.
Social Function: It serves as a 'social lubricant,' maintaining harmony (inhwa) by showing concern for others without being overly intrusive. It is the gold standard for polite distance.

부장님, 주말 동안 잘 지내세요. (Manager, please be well over the weekend.)

Example: Wishing a superior a good weekend.

In terms of frequency, you will encounter this phrase daily. It is used when hanging up the phone, ending an email, or parting ways with someone you don't see every day. It strikes the perfect balance between formality and warmth. For English speakers, it is helpful to think of it as the polite equivalent of 'Stay safe' or 'Take it easy,' but with a distinct layer of Confucian respect baked into the honorific suffix. It is rarely used toward children (where you would use '잘 지내') or toward very high-ranking officials (where '건강하십시오' might be more appropriate), making it the quintessential 'middle-ground' polite expression for A2 learners to master.

네, 저는 잘 지내요. (Yes, I am doing well.)

The phrase also carries a nuance of 'continuing' a state of being. Because '지내다' implies a duration, you are essentially wishing that the person's entire current period of life remains positive. This makes it particularly poignant when said to someone who is going through a transition, such as moving to a new city or starting a new job. It is not just a 'goodbye'; it is a blessing for their future daily life.

Using 잘 지내세요 correctly requires an understanding of Korean sentence endings and social hierarchies. As an interjection or a concluding remark, it usually stands alone or follows a temporal adverb. Because it uses the honorific -세요, it is directed at others, never oneself. You would never say 'I 잘 지내세요' because you do not use honorifics for your own actions. Instead, when responding, you would drop the '세' and say 잘 지내요.

Grammar Pattern: Time + 잘 지내세요: Adding time markers like '요즘' (lately), '항상' (always), or '당분간' (for the time being) adds specificity to your well-wishes.

요즘도 잘 지내세요? (Are you still doing well these days?)

When using this phrase as a question, the intonation rises at the end. As a statement/farewell, the intonation falls or stays flat. This distinction is crucial for being understood. In a business context, it is common to use the more formal version 잘 지내십시오, but in 90% of daily interactions, the -세요 version is the most natural and versatile. It shows that you are knowledgeable about Korean etiquette without sounding overly stiff or robotic.

앞으로도 잘 지내세요. (Please continue to be well in the future.)

Another common way to use it is in combination with '모두' (everyone). If you are leaving a group chat or a meeting, saying '모두 잘 지내세요' (Everyone, take care) is a polite way to exit. It acknowledges the collective and leaves a positive impression. Remember that '지내다' implies a process, so this phrase is best suited for people you have a continuing relationship with, rather than a total stranger you just asked for directions.

In the real world of Korea, 잘 지내세요 is the soundtrack of departures. If you visit a local clinic, as you walk out the door, the nurse might call out this phrase. If you finish a language exchange session with a Korean friend who is older than you, this is the perfect way to end the meeting. It is also ubiquitous in Korean media, particularly in 'slice-of-life' K-dramas where characters are parting ways for a significant amount of time.

Scenario: The Airport: A classic scene where a character leaving for study abroad says '잘 지내세요' to their parents or mentors.

가서도 잘 지내세요. (Please be well even after you go there.)

You will also see this phrase in the comments section of YouTube or Instagram. Korean fans often leave comments for their favorite celebrities saying '항상 잘 지내세요' (Always be well/stay healthy). In this digital context, it functions as a supportive cheer. It is less about the literal 'spending of time' and more about a general wish for the person's happiness and safety from afar.

In professional settings, when a colleague resigns or moves to another department, '잘 지내세요' is the standard farewell during the final handshake. It implies a hope that their new chapter will be as successful as their current one. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between 'Goodbye' and 'I wish you the best,' making it an essential tool for any learner navigating Korean social circles.

While 잘 지내세요 is a safe and polite phrase, there are several nuances that English speakers often trip over. The most common mistake is using it as a direct substitute for 'How are you?' in a way that requires a long, detailed answer. In English, 'How are you?' can lead to a conversation about one's day. In Korean, '잘 지내세요?' is often rhetorical or expects a simple 'Yes, I'm well' (네, 잘 지내요).

Mistake: Self-Honorifics: Never say '저는 잘 지내세요' (I am being well-honorific). This is grammatically incorrect and sounds very strange to native ears because you are exalting yourself.

❌ 저는 잘 지내세요. (Wrong)
✅ 저는 잘 지내요. (Correct)

Another mistake is using it with people who are significantly higher in status, like a CEO or a much older grandparent. While not 'rude,' it can feel a bit too casual. For those individuals, you should use '평안하십시오' (Please be in peace) or '건강하십시오' (Please be healthy). Conversely, using the '-세요' form with a close younger sibling or a child sounds sarcastic or overly stiff. For them, simply '잘 지내' is the correct choice.

Finally, some learners forget the '잘' (well). Saying just '지내세요' (Spend time/Live) is grammatically incomplete as a greeting and sounds like a weird command to simply exist. Always include the '잘' to convey the positive intention.

Depending on the level of formality and the specific relationship you have with the person, you might want to swap 잘 지내세요 for another expression. Korean has a rich vocabulary for greetings and farewells, each with its own 'flavor' of politeness.

건강하세요 (Geongang-haseyo): Meaning 'Be healthy.' This is often used with elders or during winter/flu season. It is more specific than '잘 지내세요.'
좋은 하루 되세요 (Joeun haru doeseyo): Meaning 'Have a good day.' This is more short-term and transactional, perfect for a cashier or a taxi driver.

부디 평안하세요. (Please be at peace - very formal/literary.)

If you are speaking to a close friend of the same age or younger, you should use the informal 반말 (banmal) version: 잘 지내. Adding the '-세요' would create an awkward distance. In very formal business emails, you might see 건승을 빕니다 (I wish you continued success/victory), which is the professional equivalent of wishing someone well in their endeavors.

Understanding these subtle shifts in vocabulary will help you sound more like a native speaker. While '잘 지내세요' is a great 'catch-all,' knowing when to use '건강하세요' for your grandmother or '좋은 하루 되세요' for the barista will elevate your Korean communication skills significantly.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The verb '지내다' is also used for performing ancestral rites (제사를 지내다), suggesting a historical connection to 'carrying out' important life events.

발음 가이드

UK /t͡ɕal t͡ɕine̞sʰe̞jo/

US /dʒal dʒineɪseɪjoʊ/

Even stress on all syllables, with a slight melodic rise on 'nae' if friendly.

라임이 맞는 단어

가세요 (gaseyo) 보세요 (boseyo) 하세요 (haseyo) 드세요 (deuseyo) 오세요 (oseyo) 주세요 (juseyo) 계세요 (gyeseyo) 치세요 (chiseyo)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'jal' like 'gal' (incorrect soft g).
Over-stressing the 'yo' at the end.
Pronouncing 'ae' as a diphthong like 'eye'.
Making the 'j' sound too much like 'ch'.
Dropping the 'l' sound at the end of 'jal'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize the characters '잘' and '지내다'.

쓰기 3/5

Need to remember the 'ae' (ㅐ) in 'nae' and the honorific ending.

말하기 2/5

Flows naturally but requires correct intonation for question vs. statement.

듣기 2/5

Very common, so it's easy to pick up in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

잘 (well) 안녕하세요 (hello) 감사합니다 (thank you) 네 (yes) 아니요 (no)

다음에 배울 것

건강하세요 (be healthy) 수고하세요 (keep up the good work) 안녕히 계세요 (goodbye) 반갑습니다 (nice to meet you) 어떻게 (how)

고급

평안 (peace) 안녕 (well-being) 근황 (recent status) 안부 (regards) 지내다 (to spend time)

알아야 할 문법

-(으)세요 Honorific Imperative

앉으세요 (Please sit), 잘 지내세요 (Please be well).

Adverbial Modification with '잘'

잘 먹었습니다 (I ate well), 잘 잤어요 (I slept well).

Verb '지내다' for Time Passage

시간을 지내다 (To pass time).

Honorific Suffix '-시-'

지내시다 (Honorific form of 지내다).

Polite Ending '-아/어/여요'

지내요 (Standard polite form).

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수준별 예문

선생님, 잘 지내세요.

Teacher, please be well.

Polite honorific '-(으)세요' used for a teacher.

친구야, 잘 지내.

Friend, be well (informal).

Informal version '잘 지내' without '-세요'.

잘 지내세요?

Are you doing well?

Rising intonation makes it a question.

네, 잘 지내세요.

Yes, take care (as a response).

Used as a reciprocal farewell.

모두 잘 지내세요.

Everyone, be well.

'모두' means everyone.

엄마, 잘 지내세요.

Mom, take care.

Standard polite form used for parents.

항상 잘 지내세요.

Always be well.

'항상' means always.

건강하게 잘 지내세요.

Stay healthy and be well.

'건강하게' adds the meaning of 'healthily'.

주말 동안 잘 지내세요.

Be well over the weekend.

'동안' indicates a period of time.

요즘 어떻게 잘 지내세요?

How have you been doing well lately?

'어떻게' asks for the manner of being.

한국에서 잘 지내세요.

Be well in Korea.

'-에서' marks the location.

학교에서도 잘 지내세요.

Be well at school too.

'-도' means 'also/too'.

부모님도 잘 지내세요?

Are your parents also doing well?

Asking about the well-being of others.

네, 저는 아주 잘 지내요.

Yes, I am doing very well.

Self-response uses '지내요' not '지내세요'.

겨울에 잘 지내세요.

Be well in the winter.

Seasonal well-wishing.

이사 가서도 잘 지내세요.

Be well even after you move.

'-가서도' means 'even after going'.

별일 없이 잘 지내세요?

Are you doing well without any issues?

'별일 없이' means 'without anything special/bad happening'.

휴가 잘 지내세요.

Have a good vacation (spend it well).

Using '지내다' for a specific duration like a holiday.

공부하면서 잘 지내세요.

Be well while studying.

'-면서' indicates simultaneous action.

서로 잘 지내세요.

Get along well with each other.

'서로' means 'each other'.

가족들과 잘 지내세요.

Be well with your family.

'-들과' is the plural marker for people.

아프지 말고 잘 지내세요.

Don't get sick and be well.

'-지 말고' is a negative imperative construction.

새로운 곳에서 잘 지내세요.

Be well in the new place.

'새로운 곳' means 'new place'.

연락하면서 잘 지내세요.

Stay in touch and be well.

'연락하면서' means 'while keeping in contact'.

어디서든 잘 지내세요.

Be well wherever you are.

'어디서든' means 'anywhere/wherever'.

당분간은 잘 지내세요.

For the time being, please be well.

'당분간' means 'for a while'.

마음 편히 잘 지내세요.

Be well with a comfortable mind.

'마음 편히' means 'with a relaxed heart'.

바쁘시더라도 잘 지내세요.

Even if you are busy, please be well.

'-더라도' means 'even if'.

즐겁게 잘 지내세요.

Be well and have fun.

'즐겁게' is an adverb meaning 'joyfully'.

무사히 잘 지내세요.

Be well and stay safe.

'무사히' means 'safely/without harm'.

꿈을 이루며 잘 지내세요.

Be well while achieving your dreams.

'-며' is a connective for simultaneous states.

변함없이 잘 지내세요.

Be well without change.

'변함없이' means 'unchangingly'.

각자의 위치에서 잘 지내세요.

Be well in each of your respective positions.

'각자의 위치' refers to individual roles or places.

부디 몸 건강히 잘 지내세요.

Please, by all means, stay physically healthy and be well.

'부디' is a formal 'please' often used in requests.

내내 평안히 잘 지내세요.

Be well and at peace throughout the entire time.

'내내' means 'all along/throughout'.

서로 아끼며 잘 지내세요.

Be well while cherishing each other.

'아끼다' means to cherish or value.

여유를 가지고 잘 지내세요.

Be well and take some time for yourself.

'여유' refers to leisure or mental space.

지혜롭게 잘 지내세요.

Be well and live wisely.

'지혜롭게' means 'wisely'.

뜻깊게 잘 지내세요.

Be well and live meaningfully.

'뜻깊게' means 'meaningfully'.

꿋꿋하게 잘 지내세요.

Be well and stay strong/firm.

'꿋꿋하게' means 'steadfastly'.

세파에 흔들리지 말고 잘 지내세요.

Don't be shaken by the waves of the world and be well.

'세파' is a literary term for the hardships of the world.

만수무강하며 잘 지내세요.

Live a long life without illness and be well.

'만수무강' is a formal four-character idiom for longevity.

한결같은 마음으로 잘 지내세요.

Be well with a consistent heart.

'한결같은' means 'consistent/constant'.

유유자적하며 잘 지내세요.

Be well and live in easy leisure.

'유유자적' is an idiom for living free from worldly cares.

매 순간 소중히 잘 지내세요.

Be well and treasure every moment.

'매 순간' means 'every moment'.

어떠한 역경 속에서도 잘 지내세요.

Be well even amidst any adversity.

'역경' means 'adversity/hardship'.

초심을 잃지 말고 잘 지내세요.

Don't lose your original intention and be well.

'초심' means 'beginner's mind' or 'original intent'.

충만한 삶을 누리며 잘 지내세요.

Be well while enjoying a full/abundant life.

'충만하다' means 'to be full/overflowing'.

자주 쓰는 조합

요즘 잘 지내세요

항상 잘 지내세요

모두 잘 지내세요

건강하게 잘 지내세요

부디 잘 지내세요

즐겁게 잘 지내세요

별일 없이 잘 지내세요

앞으로도 잘 지내세요

웃으며 잘 지내세요

가족과 잘 지내세요

자주 쓰는 구문

잘 지내셨어요?

— Have you been doing well? (Past tense greeting).

오랜만입니다. 그동안 잘 지내셨어요?

잘 지내고 있어요.

— I am doing well (Present continuous).

네, 저도 잘 지내고 있어요.

잘 지내길 바라요.

— I hope you are doing well.

친구가 어디서든 잘 지내길 바라요.

잘 지내야 해요.

— You must be well (Stronger wish).

약속해요. 꼭 잘 지내야 해요.

잘 지내보아요.

— Let's try to get along well.

우리 앞으로 잘 지내보아요.

잘 지내나 봐요.

— It seems they are doing well.

그 사람은 요즘 잘 지내나 봐요.

잘 지내면 좋겠어요.

— It would be good if you are well.

모두가 잘 지내면 좋겠어요.

잘 지내고 계시죠?

— You are doing well, right? (Polite confirmation).

선생님, 잘 지내고 계시죠?

잘 지내기가 어려워요.

— It is hard to be well (Expression of difficulty).

요즘은 날씨 때문에 잘 지내기가 어려워요.

잘 지내줘서 고마워요.

— Thank you for being well.

건강하게 잘 지내줘서 고마워요.

자주 혼동되는 단어

잘 지내세요 vs 안녕히 계세요

Used specifically when the speaker is leaving a place. '잘 지내세요' is about a person's life in general.

잘 지내세요 vs 잘 자요

Means 'Sleep well.' Don't use this as a general 'Take care' farewell.

잘 지내세요 vs 건강하세요

Specifically wishes for health. While similar, '잘 지내세요' is broader.

관용어 및 표현

"둘이 잘 지내다"

— Two people get along well together.

그 두 사람은 원래 잘 지내요.

General

"형제처럼 잘 지내다"

— To get along like brothers.

우리는 형제처럼 잘 지내세요.

Social

"이웃 사촌처럼 잘 지내다"

— To get along like close neighbors (cousins).

이웃들과 이웃 사촌처럼 잘 지내세요.

Social

"물과 기름처럼 못 지내다"

— To not get along like oil and water.

그들은 물과 기름처럼 못 지내요.

Metaphorical

"내 집처럼 잘 지내다"

— To be as comfortable as if it were one's own home.

여기서 내 집처럼 잘 지내세요.

Hospitality

"남남처럼 지내다"

— To live like strangers (often after a breakup).

헤어진 후에는 남남처럼 지내요.

Relationship

"등 돌리고 지내다"

— To live with backs turned (not speaking/fighting).

싸운 뒤로 등 돌리고 지내요.

Conflict

"한 지붕 아래 잘 지내다"

— To live well under one roof.

우리는 한 지붕 아래 잘 지내요.

Domestic

"그럭저럭 지내다"

— To get by somehow/just okay.

요즘은 그럭저럭 지내요.

Modest

"죽지 못해 지내다"

— To live because one can't die (very pessimistic/hard life).

너무 힘들어서 죽지 못해 지내요.

Extreme

혼동하기 쉬운

잘 지내세요 vs 살다

Both mean 'to live'.

'살다' is about existence/residence; '지내다' is about the quality of passing time.

저는 서울에 살아요. / 저는 잘 지내요.

잘 지내세요 vs 보내다

Both mean 'to spend time'.

'보내다' is used when you are 'sending' or 'spending' a specific duration (like a weekend).

주말 잘 보내세요. / 요즘 잘 지내세요?

잘 지내세요 vs 계시다

Both are polite verbs about being.

'계시다' is the honorific 'to be/stay'; '지내다' is 'to spend time/get along'.

안녕히 계세요. / 잘 지내세요.

잘 지내세요 vs 있다

General verb for being.

'있다' is a state; '지내다' is a process/manner of living.

집에 있어요. / 잘 지내요.

잘 지내세요 vs 나가다

Sound slightly similar.

'나가다' means 'to go out'.

밖으로 나가세요. / 잘 지내세요.

문장 패턴

[Person], 잘 지내세요.

엄마, 잘 지내세요.

[Time] 동안 잘 지내세요.

방학 동안 잘 지내세요.

[Condition] 말고 잘 지내세요.

아프지 말고 잘 지내세요.

[Adverb]하게 잘 지내세요.

행복하게 잘 지내세요.

[Noun]에서도 잘 지내세요.

낯선 곳에서도 잘 지내세요.

[Idiom]하며 잘 지내세요.

유유자적하며 잘 지내세요.

Business

[Title], 잘 지내십시오.

사장님, 잘 지내십시오.

Question

요즘 어떻게 잘 지내세요?

어휘 가족

명사

지냄 (spending/living)

안녕 (well-being/peace)

건강 (health)

동사

지내다 (to spend time/live)

지내오다 (to have been living/spending time)

형용사

좋다 (to be good)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

자주 하는 실수

저는 잘 지내세요. → 저는 잘 지내요.
You cannot use honorifics (-세요) for yourself.
잘 지네세요. → 잘 지내세요.
Spelling error: '내' is correct, not '네'.
Using '잘 지내세요' to a baby. → 잘 지내.
The honorific form is too stiff for children.
지내세요 (without '잘'). → 잘 지내세요.
Without '잘', it just means 'Spend time,' which sounds like a strange command.
Using it as the only word for 'Goodbye' to a stranger. → 안녕히 계세요.
'잘 지내세요' implies a relationship where you care about their life; '안녕히 계세요' is for general departures.

팁

Honorifics Matter

Always remember that '세요' is for others. Using it for yourself is a common beginner mistake.

The 'L' sound

The 'l' in 'jal' (잘) should be light. Don't let it disappear, but don't make it too heavy like 'jalll'.

General Well-being

Use this phrase when you want to wish someone overall happiness, not just for a specific hour.

Spelling Check

Make sure to use 'ㅐ' in '지내'. It is a very common spelling error even for some native speakers in fast typing.

Building Rapport

Adding '요즘' (lately) before the phrase makes it sound like you've been thinking about them.

Email Closings

Pair it with '건강 유의하세요' (Be careful of your health) for a very professional yet warm email ending.

Identify the Tone

If someone says it quickly while walking away, it's a farewell. If they stop and look at you, it's a question.

Expand with Adverbs

Try '항상 잘 지내세요' (Always be well) to add more emotion to your wish.

The 'Jolly' Mnemonic

Use the 'Jolly' mnemonic to never forget 'Jal' means 'well'.

Bowing

When saying this to an elder, a slight bow of the head adds the perfect cultural touch.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Jal' as 'Jolly'. If you are 'Jolly', you are doing 'well'. 'Jinaeseyo' sounds like 'G' (as in Good) + 'Next' + 'Say' + 'Yo'. 'Jolly Good Next Say Yo!'

시각적 연상

Imagine a person walking smoothly across a bridge (representing the passage of time/지내다) with a bright smile (잘).

Word Web

잘 (Well) 지내다 (Spend time) 세요 (Polite) 건강 (Health) 행복 (Happiness) 인사 (Greeting) 친구 (Friend) 생활 (Life)

챌린지

Try saying '잘 지내세요' to three different people today: a colleague, a neighbor, and a shopkeeper. Observe their reactions.

어원

Composed of the native Korean adverb '잘' (well) and the native verb '지내다' (to pass time). The verb '지내다' has roots in Middle Korean meaning to cross over or pass through.

원래 의미: To pass the time in a good manner.

Koreanic

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use it too casually with someone who has recently suffered a major loss; in that case, '힘내세요' (have strength) is better.

Unlike the casual 'What's up?', this phrase always carries a level of genuine politeness and decorum.

The song '잘 지내자, 우리' (Let's be well, us) by Choi Yu-ree. Commonly used in the ending of the variety show 'Infinite Challenge'. Frequent closing line in letters from historical figures like King Sejong to his subjects.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Ending a phone call

네, 들어가세요. 잘 지내세요.
다음에 또 전화할게요. 잘 지내세요.
건강하게 잘 지내세요.
끊을게요. 잘 지내세요.

Parting after a meeting

오늘 즐거웠습니다. 잘 지내세요.
조심해서 가시고 잘 지내세요.
나중에 또 봬요. 잘 지내세요.
모두 잘 지내세요.

Writing an email

항상 잘 지내시길 바랍니다.
건강 유의하시고 잘 지내세요.
그럼, 잘 지내세요.
답장 기다리겠습니다. 잘 지내세요.

Meeting an old friend

그동안 잘 지내셨어요?
요즘도 잘 지내세요?
가족들도 잘 지내세요?
여전히 잘 지내시네요.

Leaving a job

그동안 감사했습니다. 잘 지내세요.
다른 곳에서도 잘 지내세요.
연락 드릴게요. 잘 지내세요.
모두 건강히 잘 지내세요.

대화 시작하기

"오랜만이에요! 그동안 잘 지내셨어요?"

"요즘 날씨가 추운데 잘 지내세요?"

"새로운 일은 어때요? 잘 지내세요?"

"가족분들도 모두 잘 지내세요?"

"방학 동안 어떻게 잘 지내셨어요?"

일기 주제

오늘 만난 사람에게 '잘 지내세요'라고 말했을 때의 기분을 써보세요.

내가 '잘 지내고' 있는지 스스로에게 물어보고 답해보세요.

가장 보고 싶은 사람에게 '잘 지내세요'로 시작하는 편지를 써보세요.

한국 친구에게 안부를 묻는 메시지를 '잘 지내세요'를 넣어 작성해보세요.

누군가 나에게 '잘 지내세요'라고 했을 때 어떤 대답을 하고 싶은지 적어보세요.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, it is very appropriate and polite for a boss. For an even higher level of formality, you can say '잘 지내십시오'.

It can be both! With a rising tone, it's 'Are you doing well?'. With a falling tone, it's 'Take care'.

You can say '네, 잘 지내요' (Yes, I'm doing well) or '덕분에 잘 지내요' (Thanks to you/I'm doing well).

It's too formal. For a child, use '잘 지내' or '잘 지내니?'.

'잘 지내세요' is about life in general; '잘 보내세요' is usually for a specific event like 'Have a good weekend'.

Absolutely. It is one of the most common ways to end a polite email in Korean.

It functions as a farewell, but literally it means 'Be well' or 'Live well'.

Yes, the verb '지내다' is also used for performing ceremonies, though the greeting is purely secular today.

'잘' means 'well', turning the neutral 'spend time' into a positive wish.

In texts, friends might write '잘 지냄?' which is a very short, casual way to check in.

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