Korean Dictionary
How to say "Catch you later" in Korean
“Catch you later” in Korean is 이따 봐요 (pronounced "Ita bwayo").
이따 봐요
Ita bwayo
Usage & Context
A very casual farewell implying you'll see someone again soon, usually within the same day. More informal than 나중에 봐요. Common among close friends and coworkers in the same office or building. Conveys a relaxed, friendly relationship.
Example Sentence
점심 먹고 이따 봐요!
I'll see you after lunch! Catch you later!
How to use 이따 봐요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Catch you later” is 이따 봐요, romanized as Ita bwayo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 이따 봐요.
Pronunciation Guide
이따 (i-tta): "I" is like "ee" in "see". "Tta" is like "tah" in "star" but with a tense, double 't' sound, similar to the 'tt' in "pizza" in some dialects. 봐요 (bwa-yo): "Bwa" is like "bwah" in "bwah-ha-ha". "Yo" is like "yo". The tense 'tta' sound requires a bit more effort from the tongue.
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
이따 봐
Itta bwa
The casual form, commonly used among close friends or family.
More Example Sentences
Coworkers parting ways, expecting to see each other again later the same day.
회의 끝나고 이따 봐요!
See you later after the meeting!
Friends or colleagues planning to meet again shortly after a meal break.
점심 먹고 이따 봐요!
See you later after lunch!
Politely excusing oneself from a quick interaction, implying a later reconnection today.
지금은 바빠서, 나중에 이따 봐요.
I'm busy now, see you later.
Cultural Context
'이따 봐요' is a very common and friendly way to say goodbye when you expect to see the person again *on the same day*. It implies a relatively short separation, often just a few hours. It's more specific than '나중에 봐요' (see you later, generally) and much more immediate than '다음에 봐요' (see you next time). It's a staple in casual daily interactions among colleagues, classmates, or friends.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 이따 봐요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
이따가 갈게요.
I'll go later (soon).
이따가 전화할게요.
I'll call you later (soon).
이따가 다시 만나요.
Let's meet again later (soon).
Related Expressions
나중에 봐요
Najunge bwayo
See you later (more general)
내일 봐요
Naeil bwayo
See you tomorrow
다음에 봐요
Daeume bwayo
See you next time
안녕히 계세요
Annyeonghi gyeseyo
Goodbye (to someone staying)
More Greetings Words
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