We always hear different kinds of “good night” phrases when we watch Korean dramas. But we always wonder what is the difference and how to use them. Well, here are some of the ways to say good night in Korean language.
1. 안녕히 주무세요 (ahn-nyeong-hi ju-mu-sae-yo)
The word ahn-nyeong-hi (안녕히) means to be peaceful and you should use the word ju-mu-sae-yo (주무세요) to construct the formal form of the word “sleep” in Korean. This is the most formal and common way to say goodnight in Korean. It is usually used while saying to elders such as parents (엄마 아빠) or grandparents (할아버지 할머니).
2. 편안한 밤 되세요 (pyeon-ahn-han bam-dwe-sae-yo)
This is also another formal version of saying goodnight. Pyeon-ahn-ha-da (편안하다) means to be comfortable or relaxed and when it combines with bam-dwe-sae-yo (밤 되세요) it becomes have a comfortable night. It is also used for elders where you sincerely wish for them to sleep well.
3. 잘 자요 (jal ja-yo)
This is the most common and standard way that Koreans use to say goodnight. The word jal (잘) means good or well while ja-yo (자요) is to sleep. After combining these two words together, it comes to a meaning to sleep well. It is often used with people who are around the same age (동갑) but not as close as friends.
4. 잘 자 (jal ja)
While jal ja-yo (잘 자요) is used for people around the same age or maybe slightly older, jal ja (잘 자) is used for people who you are close with or someone who is younger (어린) than you. It is also the most common (평범한) and informal way of saying goodnight.
5. 좋은 꿈 꿔요 (joh-eun ggum ggwo-yo)
This is another way that Koreans use to say goodnight. The literal translation doesn’t mean goodnight, it means to have a good (좋은) dream (꿈). It is just like the English phrase where you wish someone “sweet dreams“.
6. 내 꿈 꿔요 (nae ggum ggwo-yo)
Something like joh-eun ggum ggwo-yo (좋은 꿈 꿔요), but this means to dream of me instead. The meaning is to also have a good dream of “me“. It is usually used between lovers (연인).
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