Meaning
A very formal farewell to someone leaving.
Cultural Background
The 'Host-Guest' dynamic is central to Korean culture. A host will often walk a guest all the way to the elevator or even to their car, saying '안녕히 가십시오' multiple times and bowing until the guest has departed. In corporate Korea, the 'Hasipsio-che' (formal) register is used to maintain professional boundaries. Using '가세요' instead of '가십시오' might be seen as slightly too casual in a high-stakes board meeting. The emphasis on 'Annyeong' (Peace) reflects Confucian values of social harmony and the preservation of the 'Great Peace' (Taepyeong). Language is used to reinforce these societal goals. In subways and buses, automated voices use '안녕히 가십시오' to create a sense of public order and politeness, even in the rush of a crowded city.
The 'Ga' Rule
Always remember: 'Ga' is for the person who is 'Going'. If their feet are moving, use 'Ga'.
Don't be too stiff
In a casual cafe, 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' is better. 'Gasipsio' might make the barista feel awkward.
Meaning
A very formal farewell to someone leaving.
The 'Ga' Rule
Always remember: 'Ga' is for the person who is 'Going'. If their feet are moving, use 'Ga'.
Don't be too stiff
In a casual cafe, 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' is better. 'Gasipsio' might make the barista feel awkward.
The Bow
A 15-30 degree bow while saying this makes you look like a pro at Korean etiquette.
Test Yourself
You are a hotel receptionist. A guest is leaving after checking out. What do you say?
손님, __________.
As the host staying at the hotel, you must tell the guest to 'Go in peace' (가십시오).
Complete the formal farewell by adding the correct verb root.
안녕히 (____)십시오.
The root '가' (ga) means 'to go', which is used when the other person is leaving.
Match the phrase to the correct role.
Who says '안녕히 가십시오'?
In Korean etiquette, the person who remains behind wishes the departer a peaceful journey.
Complete the business dialogue.
A: 오늘 회의 감사했습니다. (A is leaving) B: 별말씀을요. __________.
B is responding to A's departure in a formal business setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises손님, __________.
As the host staying at the hotel, you must tell the guest to 'Go in peace' (가십시오).
안녕히 (____)십시오.
The root '가' (ga) means 'to go', which is used when the other person is leaving.
Who says '안녕히 가십시오'?
In Korean etiquette, the person who remains behind wishes the departer a peaceful journey.
A: 오늘 회의 감사했습니다. (A is leaving) B: 별말씀을요. __________.
B is responding to A's departure in a formal business setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions'가십시오' is the formal polite level (Hasipsio-che), used in official or very respectful settings. '가세요' is the standard polite level (Ha-yo-che), used in 90% of daily interactions.
Yes, it is a very common way to end a formal business email if you know the recipient is about to conclude their day or a project.
Yes, it is very respectful. However, '안녕히 가세요' is also perfectly acceptable and slightly more modern for a teacher-student relationship.
If you are both leaving (e.g., after meeting at a cafe), you both say '안녕히 가세요' or '안녕히 가십시오' to each other.
Because the core meaning is 'Peace'. You are wishing someone peace when you meet them and peace when they leave.
Related Phrases
안녕히 계십시오
contrastGoodbye (to someone staying)
살펴 가십시오
similarGo carefully
또 뵙겠습니다
builds onI will see you again
잘 가
informalGo well / Bye
안녕히 가세요
specialized formGoodbye (polite)
