How to Say "Bye" in Korean
In Korean, there are several ways to say "bye," depending on the situation and the level of formality:
1. 안녕 (Annyeong)
- Meaning: Hi / Bye (informal)
- Usage: Used among close friends, family, or people younger than you.
- Example: When leaving or parting casually, you can just say "안녕!"
2. 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
- Meaning: Goodbye (to someone leaving)
- Usage: Polite and formal. You say this when the other person is leaving.
- Literal meaning: "Go peacefully."
- Example: When your friend is leaving your house, you say, "안녕히 가세요."
3. 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)
- Meaning: Goodbye (when you are leaving)
- Usage: Polite and formal. You say this when you are the one leaving.
- Literal meaning: "Stay peacefully."
- Example: When you leave and the other person stays, you say, "안녕히 계세요."
4. 잘 가 (Jal ga)
- Meaning: Bye / Go well (informal)
- Usage: Used among close friends or younger people when someone is leaving.
- Example: Saying "잘 가!" to a friend who is leaving.
Summary Table
Korean Phrase| Meaning| Formality| When to Use
---|---|---|---
안녕 (Annyeong)| Bye / Hi| Informal| Among close friends or younger people
안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)| Goodbye (to someone leaving)| Formal/Polite| When
the other person leaves
안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)| Goodbye (when you leave)| Formal/Polite| When
you leave and others stay
잘 가 (Jal ga)| Bye (Go well)| Informal| Among close friends or younger people
If you want to sound polite and respectful, use 안녕히 가세요 or 안녕히 계세요 depending on who is leaving. For casual situations, 안녕 or 잘 가 works perfectly! Would you like to learn how to say "hello" or other Korean greetings too?
