Meaning
잘 자
jal ja
sleep well / good night
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This is a very casual and affectionate phrase. It's used primarily between people who are very close, such as romantic partners, close friends, or family members (especially older siblings to younger ones, or parents to children). It would sound inappropriate or even rude if said to an elder, a superior, or someone you don't know well. It conveys warmth and care, often used as a final send-off before going to bed. It’s the kind of line you’d hear between friends sharing a room or a couple ending their day.
💬 Used in real life
• Said over the phone to a friend after a late-night conversation.
• A parent might say this to their child before tucking them into bed.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
Two close friends chatting late at night
na meonjeo jalge. Jal ja!
I'm going to sleep first. Sleep well!
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Grammar Breakdown
Part by part — learn the structure, not just the meaning
잘jaladverb
adverb
Means 'well' or 'nicely', modifying the verb that follows.
-자jasentence-final ending (casual imperative)
sentence-final ending (casual imperative)
A highly informal imperative ending derived from '자다' (to sleep), used to tell someone to do something. This particular '자' is a direct command/wish, not a proposal.
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
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