Meaning
A polite way to say goodbye and indicate one is leaving.
Cultural Background
The 'Long Goodbye': It is common for the process of leaving to take 5-10 minutes. Saying '이만 가보겠습니다' is just the first step. In many Korean companies, you should not leave before your boss. If you must, '먼저 이만 가보겠습니다' is mandatory to acknowledge you are leaving them with work. The level of 'bow' that accompanies this phrase depends on the seniority of the person staying. In fast-paced Seoul, this phrase is sometimes shortened in group chats to '전 이만!' (I'm off!).
The 'Slow Rise'
Say '이만...' while slowly starting to gather your things. This gives the other person a visual cue to match your verbal one.
Don't Bolt
Never say the phrase and immediately run out. Wait for a response; it's part of the social contract.
Meaning
A polite way to say goodbye and indicate one is leaving.
The 'Slow Rise'
Say '이만...' while slowly starting to gather your things. This gives the other person a visual cue to match your verbal one.
Don't Bolt
Never say the phrase and immediately run out. Wait for a response; it's part of the social contract.
The Reason
While not strictly necessary, adding a small reason like '내일 일찍 일어나야 해서' (Because I have to wake up early tomorrow) makes the exit even smoother.
Phone Usage
On the phone, you can also say '이만 끊겠습니다' (I'll hang up now), but '가보겠습니다' is also used metaphorically.
Test Yourself
You are leaving your boss's office after a meeting. Which is the most appropriate phrase?
부장님, 오늘 말씀 감사합니다. ________.
The formal '-습니다' ending is required for a boss, and '가보겠습니다' is the polite way to announce your own departure.
Complete the phrase to mean 'I'll head out first' (polite).
먼저 이만 ________.
'먼저' (first) is commonly paired with '이만 가보겠습니다' when leaving a group.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: Ending a formal phone call with a client.
This phrase is used to end the 'interaction space' even on the phone.
Fill in the guest's line.
Host: 벌써 가시게요? 더 놀다 가시지... Guest: 아니에요, ________. 내일 일이 있어서요.
The guest is confirming their departure after the host's polite 'token resistance'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Add-ons
Before the phrase
- • 벌써 시간이...
- • 오늘 즐거웠습니다
- • 덕분에 잘 먹었습니다
After the phrase
- • 안녕히 계세요
- • 내일 뵙겠습니다
- • 조심히 가세요 (if they leave too)
Practice Bank
4 exercises부장님, 오늘 말씀 감사합니다. ________.
The formal '-습니다' ending is required for a boss, and '가보겠습니다' is the polite way to announce your own departure.
먼저 이만 ________.
'먼저' (first) is commonly paired with '이만 가보겠습니다' when leaving a group.
Situation: Ending a formal phone call with a client.
This phrase is used to end the 'interaction space' even on the phone.
Host: 벌써 가시게요? 더 놀다 가시지... Guest: 아니에요, ________. 내일 일이 있어서요.
The guest is confirming their departure after the host's polite 'token resistance'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt's a bit too formal. Use '나 이제 갈게' or '나 가볼게' instead.
You don't usually say this to a clerk unless you've had a long conversation. Just '수고하세요' or '안녕히 계세요' is enough.
Technically no, but without it, '가보겠습니다' sounds a bit more abrupt. '이만' adds that 'well then' feeling.
'-습니다' is formal/business. '-게요' is polite/social. Use the former for your boss and the latter for friends' parents.
Yes! It's very common to say '그럼 전 이만 가보겠습니다' before clicking 'Leave Meeting'.
In person, yes. A slight head nod or a 15-30 degree bow is standard.
It comes from '보다' (to see/try). It softens the verb 'to go' so it doesn't sound like a harsh command or statement.
Yes, just change it to '저희(we) 이만 가보겠습니다' if you are leaving with others.
Not really. In emails, use '이만 줄이겠습니다' (I'll end the letter here) or '그럼 이만.'
Use '먼저 이만 가보겠습니다' to emphasize that you are the only one leaving 'first'.
Young people might say '나 먼저 튄다' (I'm bouncing), but use it only with very close friends.
No, in this context, '-어 보다' has lost its literal meaning of 'to see' and just acts as a softener.
Smile, say '아니에요' (No, it's okay), and repeat '이만 가봐야 할 것 같아요' (I think I really must go).
Yes, but they often use different honorifics. '이만 가보겠습네다' might be heard in the northern dialect.
Related Phrases
먼저 가보겠습니다
similarI'll go first.
이만 실례하겠습니다
specialized formI will excuse myself now.
이만 일어날게요
similarI'll be getting up now.
조심히 가세요
contrastGo safely.
다음에 또 봬요
builds onSee you again next time.
