Meaning
A polite way to announce one's departure from a gathering or a place.
Cultural Background
Leaving the office before your boss (야근 culture) used to be a major taboo. While changing, '먼저 가볼게요' is still said with a slight sense of apology. In a group dinner, the most senior person usually signals the end. If you must leave early, you must tell the host/senior person '먼저 가볼게요' individually. In group chats, leaving without saying '먼저 가볼게요' can be seen as '읽씹' (reading and ignoring) or being cold. The concept of 'order' (항렬) applies even to leaving. Going 'first' is a disruption of the social order, hence the need for a specific polite formula.
The Bow
Always accompany this phrase with a slight head nod or bow when speaking to anyone older or in a professional setting.
Don't just walk away
In Korea, 'ghosting' a physical gathering is considered very rude. Even if you're in a hurry, say this phrase to at least one person.
Meaning
A polite way to announce one's departure from a gathering or a place.
The Bow
Always accompany this phrase with a slight head nod or bow when speaking to anyone older or in a professional setting.
Don't just walk away
In Korea, 'ghosting' a physical gathering is considered very rude. Even if you're in a hurry, say this phrase to at least one person.
The 'Reason' Rule
It's often more polite to give a small reason before saying the phrase, like '피곤해서' (because I'm tired) or '일이 있어서' (because I have work).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to politely tell your colleagues you are leaving the office.
부장님, 저 ______ 가볼게요. 수고하세요!
'먼저' (first) is the essential adverb for announcing a polite departure from a group.
Which ending makes the departure sound most like a polite promise/notification to the listener?
나 먼저 ______.
The -(으)ㄹ게요 ending is used to express intention while considering the listener's reaction.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are leaving a company dinner where your boss is still drinking.
'들어가다' (to enter/go home) is more formal and professional than '가다' in a workplace context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 벌써 가시게요? B: 네, 내일 일찍 일이 있어서요. ________.
B is explaining why they must leave and then announcing their departure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use '먼저 가볼게요'
Social
- • Parties
- • Cafes
- • Dinners
Work
- • Office
- • Meetings
- • Business Drinks
Practice Bank
4 exercises부장님, 저 ______ 가볼게요. 수고하세요!
'먼저' (first) is the essential adverb for announcing a polite departure from a group.
나 먼저 ______.
The -(으)ㄹ게요 ending is used to express intention while considering the listener's reaction.
Situation: You are leaving a company dinner where your boss is still drinking.
'들어가다' (to enter/go home) is more formal and professional than '가다' in a workplace context.
A: 벌써 가시게요? B: 네, 내일 일찍 일이 있어서요. ________.
B is explaining why they must leave and then announcing their departure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, '먼저' implies you are leaving *before* the others. If you are both leaving, say '저희 이제 갈게요' (We are going now).
It's a bit too casual. Use '먼저 들어가보겠습니다' or '감사합니다' followed by a bow.
'가볼게요' is softer and more polite. '갈게요' is more direct. Use '가볼게요' for better social results.
Use the informal version: '나 먼저 갈게~' or '나 먼저 가볼게!'
Not really. This is a spoken phrase for immediate departures. In an email, use '이만 줄이겠습니다' (I will end [the letter] here).
Related Phrases
먼저 들어가볼게요
similarI'll head home first.
먼저 실례하겠습니다
specialized formExcuse me for leaving first.
이만 가볼게요
similarI'll be going now.
먼저 가세요
contrastYou go first.
나 먼저 갈게
informalI'm going first.
