7 Phrases To Ask How Are You In Korean With Answers

Have you ever wondered how to say how are you in Korean? It might surprise you to learn that asking this question isn’t as common in Korea as it is in English-speaking countries.

When I first started learning Korean, I discovered that greetings are used a bit differently and often reflect the importance of showing respect in Korean culture.

In this article, you will learn how to ask how are you in Korean in different ways, from polite to casual forms, and even learn some common responses!

How To Say How Are You In Korean?

1. 잘 지냈어요? (Jal jinaesseoyo?)

Translation: "Have you been doing well?"

Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to ask someone how they've been since you last saw them. It’s typically used in formal or semi-formal settings and is suitable when talking to acquaintances, colleagues, or elders.

When to Use It: Use this phrase when greeting someone you haven't seen in a while, like a friend you haven’t caught up with recently or a coworker returning from a break.

2. 잘 있었어요? (Jal isseosseoyo?)

Translation: "Have you been well?"

Explanation: This phrase is slightly more formal and is used to check on someone's well-being in a polite manner. It carries a gentle concern for how the person has been, often implying you care about their overall wellness.

When to Use It: It’s best used when meeting older relatives, teachers, or people you respect. For example, you might use this phrase with a mentor or when greeting your partner’s parents.

3. 어떻게 지내세요? (Eotteoke jinaeseyo?)

Translation: "How have you been?"

Explanation: This is a versatile, polite way to inquire about someone’s recent activities or well-being. It is considered appropriate for both formal and semi-formal contexts and conveys a friendly interest in how someone’s life has been going.

When to Use It: Use this phrase with neighbors, clients, or someone you've met a few times but aren’t particularly close with.

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Informal Ways To Say How Are You In Korean

4. 잘 지냈어? (Jal jinaesseo?)

Translation: "Have you been doing well?"

This is the informal version of "잘 지냈어요?" and is typically used when speaking with close friends, family members of the same age, or anyone you are very familiar and comfortable with. The casual tone conveys warmth and friendliness, making it perfect for relaxed and personal interactions.

When to Use It: Use this phrase when greeting a friend you haven't seen in a while, texting a sibling, or catching up with someone in your peer group.

5. 어떻게 지내? (Eotteoke jinae?)

Translation: "How have you been?"

This is another casual way to ask how are you in Korean. It’s commonly used in informal conversations and among people who are on familiar terms, such as classmates or younger relatives. It’s a simple and friendly way to check in on someone’s well-being.

Situations to Avoid: Avoid using this phrase with elders, authority figures, or people you don’t know well, as it may come off as disrespectful or too casual. Always consider the social hierarchy and level of formality required when interacting in Korean culture.

When to Use It: You might say, "어떻게 지내?" when messaging a friend or running into a classmate at a social event.

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Other Phrases For Well-Being Check-Ins

6. 건강 괜찮으세요? (Geongang gwaenchanhseyo?)

Translation: "Is your health okay?"

When to Use It: This phrase expresses genuine concern for someone’s health and well-being. It is particularly appropriate for checking on elderly people, relatives who have been ill, or friends who you know have been dealing with health issues. Using this phrase shows that you care about their physical condition and overall well-being.

Example: When visiting your grandparents or an older neighbor, you can ask, "건강 괜찮으세요?" to see if they are feeling well. It's also suitable to use when someone has recently recovered from an illness or surgery.

7. 요즘 어때요? (Yojeum eottaeyo?)

Translation: "How are things these days?"

Explanation: This phrase is commonly used for small talk and is ideal for keeping conversations light and casual. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the tone you use. It’s a great way to check in on someone without making the conversation feel too heavy or serious.

When to Use It: Perfect for chatting with coworkers, friends, or acquaintances to catch up on their recent experiences or day-to-day life.

Example: If you run into a colleague in the hallway, you might say, "요즘 어때요?" to ask how work or life has been treating them lately.

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How To Respond To How Are You In Korean?

1. Yes, I’ve been well. - 네, 잘 지냈어요. (Ne, jal jinaesseoyo.)

Explanation: This is a polite and positive way to let someone know that you are doing well. It’s perfect to use in most formal or casual settings when you want to express that things have been going smoothly.

When to use: Use this response when talking to elders, people you respect, or even new acquaintances to show politeness.

2. I’m so-so. - 그저 그래요. (Geujeo geuraeyo.)

Explanation: This phrase is used when you’re feeling neutral, neither particularly good nor bad. It conveys that your situation is just okay, not exciting or terrible.

When to use: Use this expression when you feel indifferent or when you don’t want to get into details about how you’re feeling. It’s polite enough for both formal and casual conversations.

3. I’m busy these days. - 요즘 바빠요. (Yojeum bappayo.)

Explanation: This phrase lets the person know that you have been occupied or dealing with a lot recently. It’s a simple way to express that life has been hectic.

When to use: You can use this response when someone asks about your well-being and you want to mention that your schedule has been full. It works well in both casual and polite conversations.

Learn More Than Greetings In Korean With Lingopie!

Learning how to ask how are you in Korean is an important step toward understanding and connecting with Korean culture. We covered several ways to greet people, from the polite and formal phrases like "잘 지냈어요?" to the more casual ones like "잘 지냈어?" for close friends. Remember to be mindful of who you’re speaking to and choose the right phrase for the situation.

If you want to practice your Korean listening and speaking skills, check out Lingopie! It’s an entertainment-based language learning resource that helps you learn Korean (and other languages) through Korean TV shows and movies. Watching real conversations makes learning even more exciting and helps you remember what you have learned.

Ready to start your Korean learning adventure? Try Lingopie and also explore more of our articles about the Korean language and culture on our blog!