What does 'get well soon' mean and how do I respond to it?

What it means: A wish that someone recovers quickly from illness or injury. It expresses care and hope for their recovery.

"I heard you're not well — get well soon!"
"Sending you get-well-soon wishes."

• When someone is ill or has had an accident
• Written in cards or messages to someone who is sick
• Said in passing to someone who mentions they've been unwell

• "Thank you, I'm on the mend." (getting better)
• "Thanks, feeling much better already."
• "Thank you, that's kind of you."

• "Hope you feel better soon." — warmer, more personal
• "Wishing you a speedy recovery." — more formal
• "Take care of yourself." — softer

Register: Casual to professional. Appropriate in messages, cards, and conversation when someone is unwell.

Tags: social English, illness, well-wishes, everyday expressions