How to Say “Goodbye” in Korean

Saying goodbye is as much an art as a greeting. In the nuanced world of the Korean language, farewells carry a weight of respect, sentiment, and tradition. Today, we unlock the different ways to say “goodbye” in Korean, each with its own place and time.

 

Whether you’re a student of the language or just visiting Korea, knowing how to say “goodbye” is essential. It’s not just about the word itself, but the respect and culture embedded in it. We will explore the formal, standard, and informal farewells in Korean, ensuring you can part ways with anyone in any situation appropriately.

Formal Goodbye

In formal situations, it’s crucial to use the right expressions to show respect. Whether on professional occasions or speaking to someone of higher status, these farewells are a must-know.

Korean Word	Translation	Transcription	Example Sentence
안녕히 가십시오	Please go well	Annyeonghi gasipsio	In a formal meeting, as a host, you might bid your guests farewell with, “안녕히 가십시오,” as they leave.
안녕히 계십시오	Please stay well	Annyeonghi gyesipsio	When leaving a formal gathering, you would say, “안녕히 계십시오,” to those who remain.

Standard Goodbye

The standard farewells are versatile, suited for acquaintances, colleagues, and casual relationships. They’re polite without the stiffness of formality.

Korean Word	Translation	Transcription	Example Sentence
안녕히 가세요	Please go well	Annyeonghi gaseyo	To a colleague leaving the office, you would say, “안녕히 가세요.”
안녕히 계세요	Please stay well	Annyeonghi gyeseyo	If you’re the first to leave a group gathering, tell the rest, “안녕히 계세요.”
가세요	Please go	Gaseyo	An elder might say “가세요” to a younger person as a respectful but less formal goodbye.
잘 가요	Go well	Jal gayo	Saying goodbye to a friend at the bus station, you might say, “잘 가요,” wishing them a safe trip.

Informal Goodbye

Informal farewells are for close friends and family members. They are intimate and casual, often used in text messages or quick goodbyes.

Korean Word	Translation	Transcription	Example Sentence
안녕	Bye	Annyeong	To a friend you see every day, a simple “안녕” is sufficient when you part ways.
다음에 봐	See you next time	Daeume bwa	After a casual meetup, you might say, “다음에 봐” to your friends.
나중에 봐요	See you later	Nachunge bwayo	When planning to see someone soon, say “나중에 봐요” as you leave.
뿅	(sound of disappearing) Bye	Bbyong	In a text message to a friend, you might playfully use “뿅” to say goodbye.
건강하세요	Take care	Geongang haseyo	To someone recovering from illness, you might say, “건강하세요” to express your concern and well-wishes.
내일 봐요	See you tomorrow	Naeil bwayo	Before leaving school, you might tell a classmate, “내일 봐요.”
잘 지내세요	Take care	Jal jinaeseyo	As a general wish of wellbeing when parting, say “잘 지내세요.”
나 먼저 갈게	I’ll go first	Na meonjeo galge	If you’re excusing yourself from a gathering among friends, say “나 먼저 갈게.”
잘 들어가	Enter well	Jal deureoga	When a friend is heading home, you might say, “잘 들어가” to wish them a safe journey.
조심히 가세요	Get home safe	Josimhi gaseyo	To someone traveling late at night, express your concern with “조심히 가세요.”

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