What does 잘 지냈어요 mean?
잘 지냈어요 means "A gentle greeting asking how the other person has been doing." in Korean.
How it works here
‘잘’ and ‘지냈어요’ are used together as a greeting asking about someone’s well-being. The ending ‘-었어요’ gives it a polite, gentle tone.
Key expression
잘 지내다
A greeting used to gently ask how someone is doing.
‘잘 지내다’ means to ask how someone is doing. It is commonly used in ‘잘 지냈어요?’ and ‘잘 지내요?’. Here, ‘잘’ modifies ‘지내다’, giving the feeling of being healthy and doing well.
When it's used
Use this when asking someone about their well-being after not seeing them for a while, or in a call or message.
The line
잘 지냈어요? 형
Have you been well, bro?
This is said when greeting someone familiar and first asking how they have been.
Scene from “Run BTS! 2022 Special Episode - Telepathy Part 1” · Channel: BANGTANTV Watch on YouTube
More examples
오랜만이에요. 잘 지냈어요?
Long time no see. Have you been well?
요즘 너무 바빴는데 그래도 잘 지냈어?
I’ve been really busy lately, but have you been doing well?
Quick check
When would you use this expression?
잘 지냈어요
잘 지냈어요? 형
Have you been well, bro?
- You ask how someone has been after meeting them again after a long time.
- You read the name tag of someone you are meeting for the first time.
- You ask for directions and check a bus number.
Show the answer
You ask how someone has been after meeting them again after a long time.
A greeting used to gently ask how someone is doing. ‘잘 지내다’ means to ask how someone is doing. It is commonly used in ‘잘 지냈어요?’ and ‘잘 지내요?’. Here, ‘잘’ modifies ‘지내다’, giving the feeling of being healthy and doing well.
Other words in this line
- 잘
- Well; without any trouble
- 잘 지내다
- To get along or live well
- 지내다
- To spend time; to live
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