How to say "How are you?" in Korean
어떻게 지내요?Transliterationeotteoke jinaeyo?Pronunciation/ʌt.tʌ̹.kʰe̞ t͡ɕi.nɛ̝.jo/FormalityPolite
Meaning
A polite question asking about someone's wellbeing.
Usage
This is the standard polite way to ask 'How are you?' in Korean. It is used in formal or neutral settings. For casual situations, '어떻게 지내?' (eotteoke jinae?) can be used. Avoid using this phrase with strangers unless you are in a formal context.
Example sentences
How are you today?
오늘 어떻게 지내요?
How are you doing at work?
직장에서 어떻게 지내요?
Related expressions
- 잘 지내요?jal jinaeyo?— A more casual way to ask 'How are you?'
Commonly used among friends or peers.
- 어떠세요?eotteoseyo?— A polite way to ask 'How is it?' or 'How are you?'
Used in formal contexts or when asking about a situation.
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