안녕히 주무셨어요?
annyeonghi jumusyeosseoyo?
Did you sleep well?
Literally: Peacefully + did [you] sleep (honorific)?
In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to say 'Good morning' to elders or bosses.
- Uses honorific language to show respect and care for well-being.
- Best paired with a polite bow during the first morning meeting.
Meaning
This is the polite way to ask someone if they had a peaceful night's rest. It is the standard 'Good morning' greeting used for people older than you or in higher positions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Greeting your Korean mother-in-law in the kitchen
어머니, 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Mother, did you sleep well?
Greeting your manager at the office
부장님, 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Manager, did you sleep well?
Texting an older cousin you respect
형, 안녕히 주무셨어요? 오늘 날씨가 좋네요.
Brother, did you sleep well? The weather is nice today.
Cultural Background
The 'Morning Inquiry' (Mun-an - {문안|問安}) was historically a formal ritual where children visited their parents' quarters to bow and ask this phrase. Even in modern apartments, many Koreans still prioritize this greeting as the first interaction of the day to maintain family harmony. In traditional companies, if you are on a workshop or retreat, you must say this to your seniors in the morning or you will be seen as lacking 'social life' skills ({사회생활|社會生活}). The existence of a separate verb for 'sleep' (주무시다) just for elders shows how deeply respect for age is baked into the Korean language.
The Bow is Key
In Korea, the words are only half the greeting. A small nod or a 15-30 degree bow makes the phrase 100% more natural.
Don't use with friends
If you say this to a friend, they will think you are being sarcastic or that you've suddenly become a robot.
In 15 Seconds
- The polite way to say 'Good morning' to elders or bosses.
- Uses honorific language to show respect and care for well-being.
- Best paired with a polite bow during the first morning meeting.
What It Means
안녕히 주무셨어요? is the gold standard for morning greetings in Korea. It literally translates to 'Did you sleep peacefully?' but functions as 'Good morning.' It uses the honorific verb 주무시다 instead of the basic 자다. This shows deep respect for the person you are talking to. It is not just a question about sleep quality. It is a way to show you care about their well-being.
How To Use It
You say this the very first time you see someone in the morning. Usually, you accompany it with a polite bow. The bow should be about 15 to 30 degrees. You do not need to wait for them to speak first. If you are the younger person, you should initiate the greeting. It sounds warm, respectful, and very well-mannered. Think of it as putting on a nice suit for your voice.
When To Use It
Use this with your parents or grandparents when you wake up. Use it with your boss when they walk into the office. It is perfect for a homestay host or an older neighbor. If you are staying at a traditional Korean guesthouse, use this with the owner. It makes a fantastic first impression. It shows you understand Korean etiquette and social hierarchies. Even if your Korean is basic, this phrase makes you look like a pro.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your close friends or younger siblings. It will sound incredibly stiff and awkward. They might think you are joking or being sarcastic. For friends, just say 잘 잤어? instead. Also, do not use it in the afternoon or evening. It is strictly for that first morning encounter. If you see your boss again after lunch, a simple 안녕하세요 is better. Do not use it if you are the CEO talking to an intern.
Cultural Background
In the past, health and peace were not always guaranteed in Korea. Asking if someone slept well was a genuine check on their safety. Today, it remains a pillar of 'Hyo' or filial piety. Respecting elders starts with acknowledging their comfort. Koreans value the start of the day very highly. A respectful morning greeting sets the tone for the entire relationship. It is a small verbal gift you give every morning.
Common Variations
If you want to be even more formal, say 안녕히 주무셨습니까?. This '-mnida' ending is common in the military or very traditional families. For friends, the casual version is 잘 잤어?. If you are texting a crush, you might use 잘 잤어요? for a soft, polite vibe. If you are talking to someone of equal status but not close, 잘 잤어요? works too. But when in doubt, stick to 안녕히 주무셨어요? for elders.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal/honorific. Never use the verb 'jada' (to sleep) when asking an elder about their rest; always use 'jumusida'.
The Bow is Key
In Korea, the words are only half the greeting. A small nod or a 15-30 degree bow makes the phrase 100% more natural.
Don't use with friends
If you say this to a friend, they will think you are being sarcastic or that you've suddenly become a robot.
Wait for the Elder
Usually, the younger person should initiate this greeting as soon as they see the elder in the morning.
The 'Annyeong' shortcut
If you forget the whole phrase, a polite '안녕하세요' (Annyeonghaseyo) is always a safe backup, though less specific.
Examples
6어머니, 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Mother, did you sleep well?
Using the title 'Eomoni' with the phrase is very polite.
부장님, 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Manager, did you sleep well?
A standard way to start the workday with a superior.
형, 안녕히 주무셨어요? 오늘 날씨가 좋네요.
Brother, did you sleep well? The weather is nice today.
Shows you are a well-mannered younger relative.
사장님, 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Owner, did you sleep well?
The owner will be very impressed by your polite Korean.
할머니, 안녕히 주무셨어요? 몸은 좀 어떠세요?
Grandmother, did you sleep well? How are you feeling?
Combines a greeting with a sincere health check.
오, 왕자님! 안녕히 주무셨어요?
Oh, Prince! Did you sleep well?
Using high formal language for someone who overslept is a common joke.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate greeting for your Korean boss when you meet him at 8:00 AM.
사장님, ________?
You must use the honorific form '안녕히 주무셨어요' for a boss.
Complete the sentence with the correct honorific adverb.
할머니, ____ 주무셨어요?
The standard polite adverb used with '주무셨어요' is '안녕히'.
What is the most natural response from a mother to her son?
Son: 어머니, 안녕히 주무셨어요? Mother: ________.
A mother uses informal 'banmal' to her son and asks about his sleep in return.
Match the phrase to the person.
1. 안녕히 주무셨어요? 2. 잘 잤어?
Honorifics for elders, plain form for younger people.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Morning Greetings by Hierarchy
Practice Bank
4 exercises사장님, ________?
You must use the honorific form '안녕히 주무셨어요' for a boss.
할머니, ____ 주무셨어요?
The standard polite adverb used with '주무셨어요' is '안녕히'.
Son: 어머니, 안녕히 주무셨어요? Mother: ________.
A mother uses informal 'banmal' to her son and asks about his sleep in return.
1. 안녕히 주무셨어요? 2. 잘 잤어?
Honorifics for elders, plain form for younger people.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, absolutely. It is very polite and shows you have good manners.
You should respond with concern, like '어떡해요? 어디 불편하셨어요?' (Oh no, were you uncomfortable somewhere?)
No, that's too late. Use '안녕하세요' instead.
Yes, a small bow is expected when saying this to an elder.
'잘 잤어요' is polite but neutral. '안녕히 주무셨어요' is much more respectful and used for people significantly older or higher in rank.
Yes, it's a very common way to start a morning email to a professor or client.
Both are okay, but '주무셨어요' is much more common in daily conversation. '주무셨나요' sounds a bit more like a gentle inquiry in a book or poem.
If you are the elder, say '응, 잘 잤어'. If you are the same age, you shouldn't be hearing this phrase!
Among friends, people say '꿀잠 잤냐?' (Did you have a honey-sleep?), but never say this to an elder.
It means 'peacefully,' reflecting the historical wish for safety during the night.
Related Phrases
안녕히 주무세요
similarGood night (Polite)
좋은 아침입니다
synonymGood morning
식사하셨어요?
builds onHave you eaten?
편안한 밤 되세요
similarHave a peaceful night
잘 잤니?
specialized formDid you sleep well? (to a child)
