Korean · Real conversations
How to respond to “잘 지내세요?” in Korean
You can answer briefly or share a little more. Returning the question keeps a casual check-in balanced.
What you might hear
잘 지내세요?jal jinaeseyo?
How are you?
Choose a reply that fits
잘 지내요, 고마워요. 그쪽은요?jal jinaeyo, gomawoyo. geujjogeunyo?
Fine, thanks. And you?
A brief positive answer that returns the question.
조금 피곤하지만 괜찮아요.jogeum pigonhajiman gwaenchanayo.
A little tired, but okay.
An honest short update without a long explanation.
아주 잘 지내요, 고마워요.aju jal jinaeyo, gomawoyo.
Very well, thanks.
A positive answer suitable for a routine check-in.
오늘 힘든 하루를 보냈어요.oneul himdeun harureul bonaesseoyo.
I've had a difficult day.
Share a difficulty only if you want to discuss it.
Two short exchanges
A routine check-in
잘 지내세요?jal jinaeseyo?
How are you?
잘 지내요, 고마워요. 그쪽은요?jal jinaeyo, gomawoyo. geujjogeunyo?
Fine, thanks. And you?
A friend asking how you have been
그동안 잘 지내셨어요?geudongan jal jinaesyeosseoyo?
How have you been?
조금 피곤하지만 괜찮아요.jogeum pigonhajiman gwaenchanayo.
A little tired, but okay.
Your turn
Give a short positive answer to a routine check-in.
Reveal a sample reply
아주 잘 지내요, 고마워요.aju jal jinaeyo, gomawoyo.
Very well, thanks.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking Korean
Most examples use polite 해요-style endings. A more formal ending may appear when addressing staff or making a careful request. Do not switch to casual speech with a stranger simply because the English translation sounds friendly.
Hangul is the main text; romanization helps you read along. Korean often leaves a clear subject unstated. Particles and endings carry information that English may express with separate words.
