goodbye in korean
How to Say "Goodbye" in Korean: 안녕히 가세요 vs 안녕히 계세요
안녕히 가세요
annyeonghi gaseyo
Quick answer
Korean has two polite goodbyes: 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) is said to the person leaving, while 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) is said by the person leaving.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual (either direction) | 안녕 | annyeong | Works for both hello and goodbye casually between close friends — the shortcut when formality doesn't apply. |
| polite — to the person leaving | 안녕히 가세요 | annyeonghi gaseyo | Said by the person who is staying behind: literally 'go peacefully.' Used by shopkeepers, hosts, or anyone remaining when someone else departs. |
| polite — said as you leave | 안녕히 계세요 | annyeonghi gyeseyo | Said by the person walking out the door: literally 'stay peacefully.' When you're the one leaving — in a shop, at a friend's home, or leaving a gathering. |
| among friends (both leaving) | 잘 가! | jal ga! | Casual 'take care / see ya' — said to a friend heading home when you're also leaving or already at home. Very natural in casual friend goodbyes. |
How it changes by relationship
잘 가! 나중에 봐!
Jal ga! Najunge bwa!
to a friend who is leaving: 잘 가 = take care; 나중에 봐 = see you later. The standard casual send-off between friends.
안녕히 계세요.
Annyeonghi gyeseyo.
when you are the one leaving (polite): You say this as you walk out to the person staying — very common when leaving a shop, a host's home, or an office. Saying 안녕히 가세요 here would be the wrong choice.
안녕히 가세요.
Annyeonghi gaseyo.
when saying goodbye to someone leaving (polite): Said by the host, shopkeeper, or anyone staying to the departing person — the classic 'come again!' context in Korean shops.
바이바이!
Baibai!
casual both-ways: Bye-bye borrowed from English — playful and common in casual speech, especially among younger Koreans. Not appropriate with elders.
Examples
안녕히 가세요, 또 오세요!
Annyeonghi gaseyo, tto oseyo!
Goodbye, please come again!
그럼, 저는 먼저 갈게요. 안녕히 계세요!
Geureom, jeoneun meonjeo galgeyo. Annyeonghi gyeseyo!
Well then, I'll head out first. Take care!
잘 가, 내일 봐!
Jal ga, naeil bwa!
See ya, catch you tomorrow!
Usage note
This is one of the most frequently confused points for English speakers: the correct goodbye in Korean changes depending on who is physically moving and who is staying. If you're staying and they're leaving: 안녕히 가세요 (go well). If you're the one leaving: 안녕히 계세요 (stay well). Mixing them up is immediately noticeable to native speakers — you'll often hear Koreans gently correct foreigners on this. A memory trick: 가세요 contains 가다 (to go) — use it for the person going. 계세요 contains 계시다 (to stay/be) — use it for the person staying.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "goodbye" here?
FAQ
When do I use 안녕히 가세요 vs 안녕히 계세요?
If you're staying and they're leaving: 안녕히 가세요. If you're leaving: 안녕히 계세요. Memory trick: 가세요 = go (for the person going); 계세요 = stay (said by the person leaving, to the one who stays).
What's the casual way to say goodbye in Korean?
잘 가 (jal ga, take care/see ya) or 안녕 (annyeong) with close friends. Both are too casual for elders or professional settings.
Can I just say 안녕 to anyone?
Only to close friends or people younger than you — 안녕 is very informal. With elders, strangers, or coworkers, use 안녕히 가세요 or 안녕히 계세요 as appropriate.
What does 잘 가 mean?
잘 가 (jal ga) literally means 'go well' — a casual 'see you' or 'take care' said to someone who is leaving. It's friendly and warm between peers.
What's 또 봐요?
또 봐요 (tto bwayo) means 'see you again' or 'see you next time' — a warm, friendly phrase often added after a goodbye. 또 봐 (tto bwa) is the casual form.
How do Koreans say goodbye on the phone?
끊을게요 (kkeuneulgeyo, I'll hang up now) or 나중에 전화해 (later, call me). 안녕 and 잘 가요 also work at the end of a call, but phone goodbyes tend to be brief.