Polite Ways to Say "Goodbye" in Korean
The usual polite goodbye is 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo), said to the person who is leaving. If you are the one leaving, use 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) instead.
The most common way
annyeonghi gaseyo
A polite goodbye said to someone who is leaving.
How to say it: The “ng” in annyeong is a real nasal sound; avoid saying “an-yong.”
Other ways to say it
- polite (you are leaving)
annyeonghi gyeseyo
A polite goodbye said when you are the one leaving and the other person stays.
When to use it: Use it when you leave a shop, office, or home and the other person remains behind.
- casual-polite
jal gayo
Bye / take care — friendly and softer than the full polite form, but not for superiors.
When to use it: Use it with friends, close coworkers, or acquaintances your age when they are leaving.
- formal
tto boepgetseumnida
I’ll see you again — a formal, respectful goodbye.
When to use it: Use it with clients, superiors, or in business settings when you expect to meet again.
- workplace polite
meonjeo gabogetseumnida
I’ll be heading off first — a soft, polite way to excuse yourself when leaving.
When to use it: Use it to colleagues or a boss when you leave work or a gathering before them.
- warm
josimhi deureogaseyo
Get home safely — a caring polite goodbye.
When to use it: Use it with guests, coworkers, or friends who are leaving, especially at night.
In a conversation
- A
. .
oneul sugo manheusyeotseumnida. meonjeo gabogetseumnida.
You worked hard today. I’ll be heading off first.
- B
, .
ne, josimhi deureogaseyo.
Yes, get home safely.
- A
. .
gamsahamnida. naeil boepgetseumnida.
Thank you. See you tomorrow.
Common mistakes
선생님, 안녕히 가세요.→ 선생님, 안녕히 계세요.This is wrong when you are the one leaving and the teacher stays; use 계세요 for the person staying.