annyeong hi or bye
Annyeong Hi or Bye? How 안녕 Works as Both Hello and Goodbye in Korean
안녕
annyeong (hi) · annyeong
안녕
annyeong (bye) · annyeong
Quick answer
안녕 (annyeong) means both 'hi' and 'bye' — it's the same word used in both directions, and context (are you arriving or leaving?) always makes the meaning clear.
Comparison table
| Aspect | annyeong (hi) | annyeong (bye) |
|---|---|---|
| Word | 안녕 (annyeong) | 안녕 (annyeong) |
| Meaning | Hi / hello — when greeting someone you just met or arrived near | Bye / see ya — when parting from someone |
| How to tell which it is | Someone is approaching you, or you're entering a space | Someone is leaving, or you're wrapping up a call or conversation |
| Tone / waving | Often said with a wave toward you or a smile of greeting | Often said with a departing wave — sometimes repeated: 안녕, 안녕! |
| Formality | Casual — fine between friends or people the same age | Casual — same register |
| Formal equivalents | 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) for polite hello | 안녕히 계세요 / 안녕히 가세요 for polite goodbye (the stayer says 계세요; the leaver says 가세요) |
annyeong (hi) examples
안녕! 오랜만이야.
Annyeong! Oraenmaniya.
Hey! Long time no see.
annyeong (bye) examples
안녕! 나중에 봐.
Annyeong! Najunge bwa.
Bye! See you later.
Which one should you use?
You don't need to choose — annyeong works in both directions, and whoever you're speaking to will know which you mean from the situation. Arriving? It's hello. Leaving? It's goodbye. The only time this gets interesting is at the end of a phone call or video chat, where both people say annyeong and hang up — it's the casual equivalent of 'bye bye!'
FAQ
Why does the same word mean both hi and bye?
안녕 literally means 'peace / wellness' — it's a wish for well-being, so it fits both meeting and parting. Many languages use a similar dual-purpose greeting (like 'ciao' in Italian or 'shalom' in Hebrew).
What's the polite way to say goodbye in Korean?
There are two polite forms and which you use depends on whether you're the one staying or leaving. If you're leaving, say 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo, 'stay well'). If you're staying and someone else is leaving, say 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo, 'go well').
Is annyeong okay to say to older people?
No — annyeong is casual and is only appropriate with friends or people around your age. Use 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) for a polite hello with older people or anyone you need to show respect to.