Meaning
A polite wish for someone to enjoy their weekend.
Cultural Background
The 'Friday Bow' is a real thing. Employees often wait for their boss to leave first, and '주말 잘 보내십시오' is the signal that the hierarchy is acknowledged before everyone departs. On KakaoTalk (Korea's main messaging app), people use '즐주' (short for 즐거운 주말) with friends, but will still use the full '주말 잘 보내십시오' in work group chats. Older Koreans (Boomers/Gen X) value the '-십시오' ending much more than Gen Z, who might find it slightly stiff even in the office, preferring '-세요'. In department stores like Shinsegae or Lotte, staff are trained to use the highest honorifics. You will hear this phrase accompanied by a hand over the heart.
The Friday Email Rule
Always end a Friday afternoon email with this phrase. It's the easiest way to look professional and culturally aware.
Don't 'Have' the Weekend
Never use '가지다' (to have). It's the #1 sign of a beginner. Always use '보내다' (to spend).
Meaning
A polite wish for someone to enjoy their weekend.
The Friday Email Rule
Always end a Friday afternoon email with this phrase. It's the easiest way to look professional and culturally aware.
Don't 'Have' the Weekend
Never use '가지다' (to have). It's the #1 sign of a beginner. Always use '보내다' (to spend).
The Bow Matters
If saying this in person, a small nod or bow makes the '십시오' ending feel authentic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal weekend wish.
부장님, 주말 __ 보내십시오.
'잘' (well) is the standard adverb used with '보내다' to wish someone a good time.
Which ending is most appropriate when speaking to the CEO of your company?
사장님, 주말 잘 _______.
'-십시오' is the highest formal register, appropriate for a CEO.
Match the phrase to the correct person.
To whom would you say '주말 잘 보내십시오'?
This formal register is reserved for superiors like professors or bosses.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 이번 주도 고생 많으셨습니다. B: 네, 감사합니다. 김 대리님도 ________.
The context is a professional exchange on a Friday.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which ending?
주말 잘 보내십시오
- • CEO
- • Grandparents
- • Professor
- • Client
주말 잘 보내세요
- • Colleagues
- • Neighbors
- • Store Clerks
주말 잘 보내
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Children
Practice Bank
4 exercises부장님, 주말 __ 보내십시오.
'잘' (well) is the standard adverb used with '보내다' to wish someone a good time.
사장님, 주말 잘 _______.
'-십시오' is the highest formal register, appropriate for a CEO.
To whom would you say '주말 잘 보내십시오'?
This formal register is reserved for superiors like professors or bosses.
A: 이번 주도 고생 많으셨습니다. B: 네, 감사합니다. 김 대리님도 ________.
The context is a professional exchange on a Friday.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for a teacher, especially an older one.
Only if you won't see the person on Friday. Otherwise, wait until Friday.
'보내십시오' is slightly more traditional and formal. '되세요' is very common and slightly softer.
Reply with '네, [Name/Title]님도 주말 잘 보내십시오.'
Related Phrases
좋은 주말 되세요
similarHave a good weekend (lit. May it become a good weekend)
즐거운 주말 보내십시오
specialized formHave a joyful weekend.
편안한 주말 보내십시오
specialized formHave a peaceful/comfortable weekend.
월요일에 뵙겠습니다
builds onI will see you on Monday.
