Meaning
A farewell greeting used by someone who is leaving to those who are staying.
Cultural Background
When saying 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo', it is customary to give a slight bow (about 15-30 degrees). The depth of the bow reflects the level of respect. In a Korean office, you don't just say goodbye. You often acknowledge that you are leaving while others are still working by saying '먼저 실례하겠습니다' (I will commit a rudeness by leaving first) followed by 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo'. The use of 'gyeseyo' (honorific) is mandatory when the person staying is older or of higher status. Using 'isseo' (casual) in these cases is a major social faux pas. In KakaoTalk (messaging app), people often use abbreviations like '낼 봬요' (See you tomorrow) but will use the full '안녕히 계세요' in formal group chats before leaving the chat or ending a conversation.
The 'G' Rule
Remember: Gye = Guest (The guest says it). Ga = Go (The stayer says it to the one who goes).
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gyesipsio' at a McDonald's might make the teenager behind the counter feel awkward. Stick to 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo'.
Meaning
A farewell greeting used by someone who is leaving to those who are staying.
The 'G' Rule
Remember: Gye = Guest (The guest says it). Ga = Go (The stayer says it to the one who goes).
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gyesipsio' at a McDonald's might make the teenager behind the counter feel awkward. Stick to 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo'.
The Bow
Always combine the phrase with a small nod or bow. Saying it while looking away or walking fast can seem rude.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are leaving a restaurant and the owner is at the counter.
Since you are leaving and the owner is staying, 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo' is correct.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 오늘 정말 감사했습니다. B: 아니에요. 조심해서 가세요. A: 네, (______) 계세요.
The standard adverb to pair with 'gyeseyo' in a formal setting is 'annyeonghi'.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for a close friend?
You are leaving your best friend's house.
'Jal isseo' is the casual (banmal) version of 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo', perfect for friends.
Choose the correct response for the person STAYING.
Guest: 안녕히 계세요! Host: (______)
The host is staying, so they must tell the guest to 'Go in peace' (gaseyo).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Stay in Peace'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are leaving a restaurant and the owner is at the counter.
Since you are leaving and the owner is staying, 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo' is correct.
A: 오늘 정말 감사했습니다. B: 아니에요. 조심해서 가세요. A: 네, (______) 계세요.
The standard adverb to pair with 'gyeseyo' in a formal setting is 'annyeonghi'.
You are leaving your best friend's house.
'Jal isseo' is the casual (banmal) version of 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo', perfect for friends.
Guest: 안녕히 계세요! Host: (______)
The host is staying, so they must tell the guest to 'Go in peace' (gaseyo).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly with friends! If you say it to a stranger or an elder, it's like calling your boss 'Hey kid'.
Then you both say '안녕히 가세요' (Annyeonghi gaseyo) to each other.
Yes, the basic structure is the same, though the intonation and some formality markers may differ.
'Gyeseyo' is the honorific version. Using 'isseoyo' for a person you respect is grammatically incorrect in Korean.
Yes, if you are the one ending the call and the other person is 'staying' on the line or at their location.
Using 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' for everything because it's easier to pronounce.
No, because the taxi driver is 'going' with the car. You should say '안녕히 가세요' or '감사합니다'.
In polite speech, not really. '안녕히 계세요' is the standard length.
You can just say '안녕히 계세요' once to the whole group.
If you are the one definitely leaving first, 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo' is usually a safe bet.
Related Phrases
안녕히 가세요
contrastGoodbye (to someone leaving)
잘 있어
informalStay well
안녕히 계십시오
specialized formGoodbye (very formal)
먼저 가보겠습니다
similarI'll be going first
수고하세요
builds onKeep up the good work
