오랜만이에요 = Long time no see (acknowledges time gap). 잘 지냈어요 = How have you been? Often used together: 오랜만이에요! 잘 지냈어요?
It's polite informal, safe for most adults. To elders or formal settings, use 잘 지내셨어요? with honorific 시.
Say 네, 잘 지냈어요. 덕분에요 (Yes, I've been well thanks) or 바쁘게 지냈어요 (I've been busy).
잘 지냈어요? means "How have you been? / Have you been well?" 잘 (jal) = well, 지내다 (jinaeda) = to live/spend time, 지냈어요 = past polite. Most natural when meeting after time apart. Similar to "Long time no see, how have you been?"
1. Reunion: Meeting old friend after months/years
2. Holiday gatherings: 추석, 설날 family
3. Texting after silence: 오랜만! 잘 지냈어?
Long time no see! How have you been?
How have you been lately? (Respectful)
Long time no see. How have you been? (Formal)
How have you been lately? Been busy? (Casual)
• 오랜만이에요 (oraenmanieyo) - Long time no see
• 잘 지냈어? (jal jinaesseo?) - How have you been? (casual)
• 요즘 어때? (yojeum eottae?) - How are you these days?