Meaning
A polite farewell said to someone who is staying behind.
Cultural Background
Bowing is an essential part of this greeting. A 15-degree bow is standard for peers/colleagues, while a 30-45 degree bow is used for elders or high-ranking officials. In offices, it's common to say '먼저 들어가겠습니다' (I'll be leaving first) before '안녕히 계세요' to acknowledge that you are leaving while others are still working. When hanging up, Koreans often say '들어가세요' (Please go in). This is a carryover from when people would walk each other to their gates; now it means 'please hang up first'. Shopkeepers will almost always beat you to the greeting. If you say 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo,' they will immediately respond with 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' and often 'Tto oseyo' (Come again).
The 'Stay' Rule
If you are the one moving your feet toward the exit, use 'Gyeseyo'.
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gyesipsio' in a casual cafe might make the barista giggle. Stick to 'Gyeseyo'.
Meaning
A polite farewell said to someone who is staying behind.
The 'Stay' Rule
If you are the one moving your feet toward the exit, use 'Gyeseyo'.
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gyesipsio' in a casual cafe might make the barista giggle. Stick to 'Gyeseyo'.
The Bow
Always combine the phrase with a small nod or bow. It's the 'punctuation mark' of the sentence.
The 'Deureogaseyo' trick
If you're on the phone, 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo' is fine, but 'Deureogaseyo' makes you sound like a pro.
Test Yourself
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are leaving your boss's office while he stays to work.
Since you are leaving and the boss is staying, 'Gyeseyo' is the correct polite form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 오늘 즐거웠습니다. 안녕히 (____). B: 네, 안녕히 가세요.
The response 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' (Go peacefully) implies the first speaker is the one leaving, so they must say 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo'.
Which of these is the most formal version?
Choose the highest formality level for leaving a room.
The '-sipsio' ending is the highest level of formal speech (Hapsyo-che).
Choose the best response for a host.
Guest: '정말 감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' Host: '(___)'
The host is staying, so they must tell the guest to 'Go peacefully'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Stay Peacefully'
Formal
- • 안녕히 계십시오
- • 안녕히 계세요
Informal
- • 잘 있어
- • 나 간다
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou are leaving your boss's office while he stays to work.
Since you are leaving and the boss is staying, 'Gyeseyo' is the correct polite form.
A: 오늘 즐거웠습니다. 안녕히 (____). B: 네, 안녕히 가세요.
The response 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' (Go peacefully) implies the first speaker is the one leaving, so they must say 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo'.
Choose the highest formality level for leaving a room.
The '-sipsio' ending is the highest level of formal speech (Hapsyo-che).
Guest: '정말 감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' Host: '(___)'
The host is staying, so they must tell the guest to 'Go peacefully'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIn that case, both people say '안녕히 가세요' (Annyeonghi gaseyo) because both are 'going'.
Only to close friends or children. To anyone else, it's considered rude.
No, it's from the honorific verb 'gyesida' (to stay). It's a coincidence they sound similar in English!
'Annyeong' is a noun (peace), 'Annyeonghi' is an adverb (peacefully). You are wishing them to stay *peacefully*.
You say '안녕히 계세요' to the staff. They will say '안녕히 가세요' to you.
Young people might say '나 갈게' (Na gal-ge - I'm going) or '담에 봐' (Dam-e bwa - See you later) to friends.
It's like 'G' + 'Yes' (without the 's'). G-ye.
It's better to use '안녕히 계십시오' or '올림' (Sincerely) in very formal emails, but '안녕히 계세요' works for semi-formal ones.
Address the group with '안녕히 계세요'. Those who are also leaving will likely say '안녕히 가세요' to you.
Actually, since the taxi driver is 'going' (driving away) and you are 'going' (stepping out), '안녕히 가세요' or '감사합니다' is more common.
Yes! 'Annyeong' is the casual word for both 'Hi' and 'Bye'.
Using 'Gyeseyo' when they are the ones staying. Remember: Gyeseyo = Stay.
Yes, the core phrase is the same, though intonation and some honorific endings may differ.
A quick 1-2 second dip of the head/shoulders is enough for daily situations.
Related Phrases
안녕히 가세요
contrastGoodbye (to someone going)
잘 있어
informalStay well
먼저 가보겠습니다
builds onI will be going first
또 봬요
similarSee you again
수고하세요
specialized formKeep up the good work
