Meaning
A response to a question about one's well-being.
Cultural Background
In Korea, asking 'Did you eat?' is often synonymous with 'How are you?'. '잘 지내요' is the standard reply to both. In a workplace, '잘 지내요' is often replaced by '잘 지내고 있습니다' to show more professional dedication. Young people often use '잘 지내?' as a text message opener to initiate a casual chat.
Smile!
Koreans often smile when they say this. It makes the phrase sound much more sincere.
Reciprocity
After saying '잘 지내요', it is polite to ask '선생님은요?' (How about you, teacher?).
Meaning
A response to a question about one's well-being.
Smile!
Koreans often smile when they say this. It makes the phrase sound much more sincere.
Reciprocity
After saying '잘 지내요', it is polite to ask '선생님은요?' (How about you, teacher?).
Test Yourself
Which is the correct polite response to 'How are you?'
어떻게 지내세요?
The polite form for a statement is '잘 지내요'.
Complete the phrase with the polite ending.
저는 요즘 잘 ____.
The polite ending for '지내다' is '지내요'.
Match the register to the phrase.
Match '잘 지내' with its register.
Dropping the '요' makes it informal.
Complete the conversation.
A: 잘 지내세요? B: ____.
A polite question requires a polite affirmation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises어떻게 지내세요?
The polite form for a statement is '잘 지내요'.
저는 요즘 잘 ____.
The polite ending for '지내다' is '지내요'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Dropping the '요' makes it informal.
A: 잘 지내세요? B: ____.
A polite question requires a polite affirmation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, but '잘 지내고 있습니다' is more professional.
No, it is a statement. Use '잘 지내세요?' for the question.
That is the informal version for friends.
You can say '그저 그래요' (so-so) or '조금 힘들어요' (a bit hard).
Yes, it is common in the opening of a friendly email.
It implies health, but it's broader than just physical health.
Only to people you are close with.
Try saying it every time you greet someone in your head.
Related Phrases
덕분에 잘 지내요
builds onThanks to you, I am doing well.
어떻게 지내세요?
contrastHow are you?
잘 지내고 있어요
similarI have been doing well.
