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, go well) is said to the person leaving, while 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo, stay well) is said by the person who is leaving.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual (both leaving / either) | 안녕 | annyeong | Works for both hello and goodbye casually — the shortcut between close friends. |
| polite — to the person leaving | 안녕히 가세요 | annyeonghi gaseyo | Said by the person staying behind: 'go peacefully.' |
| polite — said as you leave | 안녕히 계세요 | annyeonghi gyeseyo | Said by the person walking out the door: 'stay peacefully.' |
| among friends (both leaving) | 잘 가! | jal ga! | Casual 'take care / see ya' — said to a friend heading home. |
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.
안녕히 계세요.
Annyeonghi gyeseyo.
when you are the one leaving (polite): You say this as you walk out, to the person staying — very common in shops and offices.
안녕히 가세요.
Annyeonghi gaseyo.
when saying goodbye to someone leaving (polite): Said by the host, shopkeeper, or anyone staying to the departing person.
바이바이!
Baibai!
casual both-ways: bye-bye borrowed from English — common in casual speech, especially younger Koreans.
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 confusing things for English speakers learning Korean: the correct goodbye changes depending on who is moving and who is staying — mixing them up is immediately noticeable to native speakers.
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, say 안녕히 가세요. If you're the one leaving, say 안녕히 계세요. Think: 가세요 = go (for the person going), 계세요 = stay (for the person staying).
Can I just say 안녕 to anyone?
Only to close friends — 안녕 is casual. With elders, strangers, or coworkers, use the appropriate 안녕히 form.
What does 잘 가 mean?
잘 가 (jal ga) literally means 'go well' — it's a casual way to say 'see you' or 'take care' to someone leaving, among friends.