How To Say How Are You? In Korean (Informal)

Hey guys! Learning a new language can be super exciting, and Korean is no exception. One of the first things you'll probably want to know is how to ask someone "How are you?" in Korean. Today, we’re diving into the informal ways to do just that. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics of Korean Politeness

Before we jump into the phrases, it's important to understand the concept of politeness levels in Korean. Korean language has different levels of formality, which are used depending on your relationship with the person you're talking to. Using the correct level of politeness is crucial to show respect and avoid awkward situations. There are primarily three levels: formal, polite, and informal.

Formal (존댓말 - Jondaetmal)

The formal level is used in professional settings, when speaking to elders or strangers, or in any situation where you want to show a high level of respect. It often ends with suffixes like -습니다 (-seumnida) or -ㅂ니다 (-bnida).

Polite (해요체 - Haeyoche)

The polite level is commonly used in everyday conversations with people you don't know very well, or with people who are older than you but not so much older that you need to use the formal level. It typically ends with -아요 (-ayo) or -어요 (-eoyo).

Informal (반말 - Banmal)

The informal level is used with close friends, family members, and people younger than you. It's the most casual and relaxed form of Korean. Using informal language with someone you're not close to can be considered rude, so be careful! This is the level we'll be focusing on today.

Informal Ways to Say "How Are You?"

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are a few informal ways to ask "How are you?" in Korean:

1. 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?)

This is probably the most common way to ask "How are you?" informally. 잘 (Jal) means "well," and 지내 (Jinae) comes from the verb 지내다 (Jinaeda), which means "to get along" or "to live." So, 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?) literally translates to "Are you doing well?" or "Are you getting along well?"

• Pronunciation: Jal Ji-nae?
• Usage: Use this with your close friends or family members. It’s a friendly and casual way to check in on someone.
• Example:
  • Person A: 야, 민수! 잘 지내? (Ya, Min-su! Jal Jinae?) – Hey, Min-su! How are you?
  • Person B: 응, 잘 지내. 너는? (Eung, Jal Jinae. Neoneun?) – Yeah, I’m doing well. And you?

2. 뭐해? (Mwo Hae?)

While 뭐해? (Mwo Hae?) directly translates to "What are you doing?", it's often used as an informal way to say "How are you?" or "What's up?". It’s especially common in text messages or casual conversations when you want to know what the other person is up to.

• Pronunciation: Mwo Hae?
• Usage: Use this with your close friends. It’s more about seeing what they’re currently doing, but it implies that you care about their well-being.
• Example:
  • Person A: 지연아, 뭐해? (Ji-yeon-a, Mwo Hae?) – Ji-yeon, what are you doing?
  • Person B: 그냥 집에서 쉬고 있어. (Geunyang jibeseo swigo isseo.) – Just relaxing at home.

3. 별일 없어? (Byeolil Eopseo?)

This phrase means "Anything new?" or "Nothing special happening?". It's another informal way to check in on someone and see if anything interesting or important has happened in their life recently. 별일 (Byeolil) means "special matter" or "unusual thing," and 없어 (Eopseo) means "there isn't" or "don't have."

• Pronunciation: Byeol-il Eop-seo?
• Usage: Use this with friends you haven't seen in a while or when you want to know if anything significant has occurred in their life.
• Example:
  • Person A: 태민아, 별일 없어? (Tae-min-a, Byeolil Eopseo?) – Tae-min, anything new?
  • Person B: 그냥 똑같아. 너는? (Geunyang ttokgatae. Neoneun?) – Just the same. And you?

4. 잘 있었어? (Jal Isseosseo?)

This phrase is used when you haven't seen someone in a while. 잘 (Jal) means "well," and 있었어 (Isseosseo) comes from the verb 있다 (itta), which means "to be" or "to exist." So, 잘 있었어? (Jal Isseosseo?) means "Have you been well?" or "Were you doing well?"

• Pronunciation: Jal Isseo-sseo?
• Usage: Use this when you're reuniting with a friend after some time apart.
• Example:
  • Person A: 수진아, 잘 있었어? 진짜 보고 싶었어! (Su-jin-a, Jal Isseosseo? Jinjja bogo sipeosseo!) – Su-jin, have you been well? I really missed you!
  • Person B: 응, 나도 잘 있었어! 나도 보고 싶었어. (Eung, nado jal isseosseo! Nado bogo sipeosseo.) – Yeah, I’ve been well too! I missed you too.

Responding to "How Are You?"

Now that you know how to ask "How are you?" in Korean, let’s look at some common responses:

잘 지내 (Jal Jinae)

This means "I’m doing well." It’s the simplest and most common response to 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?).

• Pronunciation: Jal Ji-nae
• Example:
  • Person A: 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?) – How are you?
  • Person B: 응, 잘 지내. (Eung, Jal Jinae.) – Yeah, I’m doing well.

그냥 그래 (Geunyang Geurae)

This means "Just so-so" or "Same as usual." It’s a neutral response when you don’t have anything particularly good or bad to report.

• Pronunciation: Geu-nyang Geu-rae
• Example:
  • Person A: 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?) – How are you?
  • Person B: 그냥 그래. (Geunyang Geurae.) – Just so-so.

괜찮아 (Gwaenchana)

This means "I’m okay" or "I’m fine." It's a versatile phrase that can also mean "It’s okay" or "No problem" depending on the context.

• Pronunciation: Gwaen-cha-na
• Example:
  • Person A: 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?) – How are you?
  • Person B: 괜찮아. (Gwaenchana.) – I’m okay.

힘들어 (Himdeureo)

This means "I’m tired" or "I’m having a hard time." Use this when you want to express that you’re feeling a bit down or exhausted.

• Pronunciation: Him-deu-reo
• Example:
  • Person A: 잘 지내? (Jal Jinae?) – How are you?
  • Person B: 좀 힘들어. (Jom Himdeureo.) – I’m a bit tired.

Extra Tips for Sounding Natural

• Use Filler Words: Just like in English, using filler words can make your Korean sound more natural. Common filler words include 음 (Eum), 어 (Eo), and 아 (A).
• Pay Attention to Tone: Your tone of voice can convey a lot of meaning. Try to sound friendly and approachable when asking "How are you?"
• Observe Native Speakers: Pay attention to how native Korean speakers greet each other and respond to the question "How are you?". This will give you a better understanding of the nuances of the language.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice speaking Korean, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Try using these phrases in your everyday conversations with Korean-speaking friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Formal Language with Close Friends: This can make you sound distant or insincere. Stick to informal language when talking to people you're close to.
• Being Too Direct with Strangers: Avoid asking overly personal questions when you first meet someone. Start with simple greetings and gradually build a rapport.
• Ignoring Politeness Levels: Always be mindful of the politeness level you're using. If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of formality.

Conclusion

So there you have it! You’ve learned several informal ways to ask "How are you?" in Korean, along with some common responses. Remember to use these phrases with your close friends and family members to keep your conversations casual and friendly. Keep practicing, and you’ll be chatting like a native in no time. 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – Good luck!)