In 15 Seconds
- Used when you stay and the other person leaves.
- Literally means 'Go peacefully' or 'Go in health'.
- Polite and respectful for almost any social situation.
Meaning
This is the polite way to say goodbye when you are staying where you are and the other person is leaving.
Key Examples
3 of 7A shopkeeper saying goodbye to a customer
감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요!
Thank you. Goodbye!
Hosting a friend at your apartment
오늘 즐거웠어. 안녕히 가세요.
I had fun today. Goodbye.
Leaving a formal business meeting
오늘 고생하셨습니다. 안녕히 가세요.
Good work today. Goodbye.
Cultural Background
The bow is often paired with this phrase. A 15-30 degree bow while saying 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' shows proper respect, especially in business. In places like LA or London, younger generations might use 'Annyeong' for both hello and goodbye, but elders still strictly expect the full polite forms. When a superior leaves the office, subordinates often stand up from their desks to say 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' as a sign of respect. Historically, this phrase was accompanied by watching the person until they were out of sight, a sign of 'Jeong' (deep connection).
The 'Go' Rule
If the other person's feet are moving away from you, use 'Gaseyo'.
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gasipsio' in a casual setting like a friend's house can make things awkward.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when you stay and the other person leaves.
- Literally means 'Go peacefully' or 'Go in health'.
- Polite and respectful for almost any social situation.
What It Means
안녕히 가세요 is your go-to phrase for saying goodbye. Think of it as wishing someone a safe journey. It is polite, warm, and very common in daily life. You use it specifically when you are staying behind. The other person is the one walking away from you. It shows you care about their well-being and safety. It is much more than just a simple 'bye'.
How To Use It
Say it clearly as the person starts to leave. A slight bow makes it even more respectful. The 세요 ending makes it sound soft and kind. It is the perfect level of politeness for most people. You can use it with strangers, bosses, or elders. Just make sure they are actually the ones moving! It feels natural and shows you have great manners. Your Korean friends will be very impressed by this.
When To Use It
Imagine you are at a nice Korean restaurant. You finish your meal and pay the bill. As you walk out, the owner says this to you. Or, imagine you host a dinner party. Your friends stand up to head home for the night. As they reach the door, you say 안녕히 가세요. It is also perfect for the end of workdays. If you stay late, say it to departing coworkers. It keeps the office atmosphere very friendly and professional.
When NOT To Use It
This is the most common mistake for new learners. Do not use this if you are the one leaving! If you walk out, you use a different phrase. That phrase is 안녕히 계세요, which means 'stay peacefully'. Also, avoid using this with your very best friends. It might sound a bit too stiff or distant. For close buddies, just use the casual 잘 가. Don't say it to your pet either. They might look at you very confused!
Cultural Background
The word 안녕 (annyeong) means peace, health, or comfort. In the past, life in Korea was often quite difficult. Wishing someone 'peace' was a very serious and kind blessing. It wasn't just a greeting; it was a prayer for safety. Koreans value the harmony of the group and social bonds. Saying goodbye properly is a way to maintain that harmony. It shows you are a person of culture and respect. Manners are the 'social glue' that keeps everything together.
Common Variations
If you want to be very formal, use 안녕히 가십시오. You might hear this in luxury hotels or on airplanes. If you are with friends, you can use 잘 가. That literally means 'Go well' and is very common. If someone is driving home, try 조심해서 가세요. That means 'Go carefully' or 'Drive safely' in Korean. It adds an extra layer of sweetness to your goodbye. Korean has many ways to say goodbye depending on the vibe!
Usage Notes
This is a formal/polite expression. Use it when you are the host or the one remaining in a location while the other party departs.
The 'Go' Rule
If the other person's feet are moving away from you, use 'Gaseyo'.
Don't be too formal
Using 'Annyeonghi gasipsio' in a casual setting like a friend's house can make things awkward.
Add 'Jo-sim-hi'
Adding 'Jo-sim-hi' (carefully) before 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' makes you sound much more fluent and caring.
The Bow
Always accompany the phrase with a small nod or bow when speaking to someone older.
Examples
7감사합니다. 안녕히 가세요!
Thank you. Goodbye!
The shopkeeper stays in the store, so they use this phrase.
오늘 즐거웠어. 안녕히 가세요.
I had fun today. Goodbye.
Even with friends, using the polite form is common if you want to be extra kind.
오늘 고생하셨습니다. 안녕히 가세요.
Good work today. Goodbye.
Used by the person staying in the office to those heading out.
비가 오네요. 안녕히 가세요!
It's raining. Goodbye (get home safe)!
Adding a comment about the weather makes it warmer.
벌써 가요? 네, 안녕히 가세요!
Leaving already? Okay, goodbye then!
Used with a playful tone when someone 'abandons' the group early.
선생님, 안녕히 가세요.
Teacher, goodbye.
The standard way for students to address a teacher who is leaving the room.
건강하게 잘 지내고, 안녕히 가세요.
Stay healthy and goodbye.
The 'peaceful' meaning of the phrase adds weight to a long-term parting.
Test Yourself
You are a shopkeeper. A customer is leaving your store. What do you say?
Customer: '감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' You: '________'
Since you are the shopkeeper staying in the store, you tell the customer to 'go' (가세요).
Complete the polite goodbye.
안녕히 ____.
While '가십시오' is also correct, '가세요' is the standard polite form taught at A1.
Match the phrase to the person who says it.
A taxi driver says this to a passenger getting out.
The driver stays in the car, so they use the 'go' version.
Complete the conversation between a host and a guest.
Guest: '초대해 주셔서 감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' Host: '아니에요. ________. 조심히 가세요.'
The host is staying, so they wish the guest a peaceful departure.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Go vs Stay
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCustomer: '감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' You: '________'
Since you are the shopkeeper staying in the store, you tell the customer to 'go' (가세요).
안녕히 ____.
While '가십시오' is also correct, '가세요' is the standard polite form taught at A1.
A taxi driver says this to a passenger getting out.
The driver stays in the car, so they use the 'go' version.
Guest: '초대해 주셔서 감사합니다. 안녕히 계세요.' Host: '아니에요. ________. 조심히 가세요.'
The host is staying, so they wish the guest a peaceful departure.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsOnly with close friends or people younger than you. With anyone else, it's rude.
You both say 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' to each other because you are both 'going'.
It's grammatically correct but lacks the honorific 'se', making it sound a bit blunt. Stick to 'gaseyo'.
It means 'peace' or 'well-being'.
Usually 'Annyeonghi gyeseyo' if they are staying on the line, or 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' if they are hanging up and 'going' about their day, but often 'Ne~' or 'Deureogaseyo' is used.
'Sugo-haseyo' means 'keep working hard'. It's a common goodbye to workers (delivery people, clerks).
It's a bit too formal. 'Jal ga' or 'Annyeong' is better for children.
If you are both moving, 'Annyeonghi gaseyo' is the safe bet.
Related Phrases
안녕히 계세요
contrastGoodbye (to the person staying)
잘 가
synonymGo well / Bye
조심히 가세요
similarGo carefully
또 뵙겠습니다
builds onI will see you again
수고하세요
similarKeep up the good work
