Meaning
A formal question asking if someone is alright or well.
Cultural Background
In Korean corporate culture, asking '괜찮으십니까?' is a way to show loyalty and attentiveness to a superior's needs. Department stores in Korea use 'Gwaenchaneusimnikka' as part of their 'manual' for high-end customer service. In the Korean military, this is the only way to ask a superior officer if they are okay; anything less would be a disciplinary issue. While rare in casual KakaoTalk, this phrase is used in official 'Plus Friend' business accounts to maintain a professional brand image.
The Bow Factor
Always accompany this phrase with a slight bow (15-30 degrees) to complete the formal effect.
Don't Over-honor
Don't use this for your own actions. You can't say 'I am gwaenchaneusimnikka.'
Meaning
A formal question asking if someone is alright or well.
The Bow Factor
Always accompany this phrase with a slight bow (15-30 degrees) to complete the formal effect.
Don't Over-honor
Don't use this for your own actions. You can't say 'I am gwaenchaneusimnikka.'
The 'Fine' Lie
If a Korean person says 'Gwaenchansseumnida' quickly, they might actually be uncomfortable but trying to be polite. Check their face!
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate phrase to ask your CEO if the new schedule is okay.
사장님, 새로운 일정이 ______?
A CEO requires the highest level of formality (Hasipsio-che) and honorifics.
Fill in the missing honorific infix to make the sentence very formal.
할머니, 몸은 좀 괜찮___십니까?
The infix '-으시-' is used to honor the subject (the grandmother).
Match the phrase to the correct person.
1. 괜찮으십니까? 2. 괜찮아?
Formal for strangers, informal for friends.
Complete the dialogue in a hospital setting.
의사: 환자분, 수술 부위는 좀 ( )? 환자: 네, 괜찮습니다.
Doctors in Korea often use very formal language with patients to maintain professional distance and respect.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises사장님, 새로운 일정이 ______?
A CEO requires the highest level of formality (Hasipsio-che) and honorifics.
할머니, 몸은 좀 괜찮___십니까?
The infix '-으시-' is used to honor the subject (the grandmother).
1. 괜찮으십니까? 2. 괜찮아?
Formal for strangers, informal for friends.
의사: 환자분, 수술 부위는 좀 ( )? 환자: 네, 괜찮습니다.
Doctors in Korea often use very formal language with patients to maintain professional distance and respect.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is the most appropriate way to ask your boss if they are okay or if a plan works for them.
'괜찮으십니까' is very formal (Level 6), while '괜찮으세요' is polite (Level 5). Use the former in speeches or to very high-ranking people.
Yes, if they are older than you or if the situation is serious (like an accident).
You should answer with '네, 괜찮습니다' (Yes, I'm okay) or '아니요, 괜찮지 않습니다' (No, I'm not okay).
Related Phrases
별일 없으십니까?
similarIs everything going well? (Literally: Are there no special events?)
편안하십니까?
specialized formAre you at peace?
문제없으십니까?
similarAre there no problems?
다치신 곳은 없으십니까?
specialized formIs there anywhere you are hurt?
상관없습니다
contrastIt doesn't matter / I don't care.
