Learning Korean: How to Say ‘How are You?’ in Informal Settings

Learning Korean: How to Say ‘How are You?’ in Informal Settings

If you plan on traveling to Korea or engaging with Korean natives, it’s essential to learn how to say ‘How are you?’ in informal settings. Knowing how to greet someone is not only respectful but also helps break the ice and establish a friendly rapport. In this article, we’ll explore how to say ‘How are you?’ in Korean, the context of its use, and some examples of common expressions.

Saying ‘How are you?’ in informal settings

The most common way to say ‘How are you?’ in Korean is ‘어떻게 지냈어? (eotteoke jinaesseo?)’, which roughly translates to ‘How did you live?’. This expression can also act as a way to inquire about someone’s health. You can use it in different contexts with friends, family, or acquaintances, to show concern for their well-being.

Context of use

This expression is mainly used in informal settings such as when catching up with friends, family, or colleagues in a relaxed environment. It’s not suitable for formal settings such as job interviews, meetings, or business engagement, where you should use the formal greeting ‘안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)’.

Examples of common informal expressions

1. ‘어떻게 지냈어? (eotteoke jinaesseo?)’ – Informal way of saying, ‘How are you?’/ ‘How’s life?’

2. ‘잘 지내고 있어? (jal jinaego isseo?)’ – Informal way of saying, ‘Are you doing well?’ / ‘How’s everything?’

3. ‘오랜만이야! 어떻게 지내고 있었어? (oraenmaniya! Eotteoke jinaego isseosseo?)’ – Informal way of saying, ‘Long time no see! How have you been?’

Conclusion

Knowing how to say ‘How are you?’ in informal settings is a great way to connect with Korean natives and establish a friendly relationship. It’s essential to use the right expression in the appropriate context to avoid any confusion or discomfort. The expressions outlined in this article are commonly used, but it’s always beneficial to learn more expressions and deepen your Korean language skills.