Korean Dictionary
How to say "Goodbye (when you leave)" in Korean
“Goodbye (when you leave)” in Korean is 안녕히 계세요 (pronounced "Annyeonghi gyeseyo").
안녕히 계세요
Annyeonghi gyeseyo
Usage & Context
Said by the person who is leaving to those who stay behind. It literally means 'please stay in peace'. This is the counterpart to 안녕히 가세요. Understanding this distinction shows cultural awareness and respect in Korean settings.
Example Sentence
저 먼저 가겠습니다. 안녕히 계세요!
I'll be heading out first. Goodbye!
How to use 안녕히 계세요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Goodbye (when you leave)” is 안녕히 계세요, romanized as Annyeonghi gyeseyo.
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 안녕히 계세요.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'An' in 'Annyeonghi' sounds like 'ahn' in 'father'. 'nyeong' is like 'nyung' in 'young'. 'hi' is like 'hee' in 'heel', though the 'h' can be very soft. 'gye' in 'gyeseyo' is like 'gye' in 'ghetto' but with a softer 'g' and a 'yeh' sound. 'se' is like 'say', and 'yo' is like 'yo' in 'yogurt'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
안녕히 계십시오
Annyeonghi gyesipsio
A very formal and deferential way to say goodbye to those staying, often used in highly respectful or traditional contexts.
Casual (반말)
잘 있어
Jal isseo
Casual goodbye to someone staying behind, used among close friends or to subordinates.
More Example Sentences
A guest politely leaving a host's home.
저 이제 가볼게요. 안녕히 계세요!
I'll get going now. Goodbye!
An employee leaving the office at the end of the day, addressing colleagues who are still working.
먼저 퇴근하겠습니다. 안녕히 계세요.
I'll be leaving work first. Goodbye.
A customer leaving a store after making a purchase, addressing the staff.
물건 잘 받았어요. 안녕히 계세요!
I received the item well. Goodbye!
Cultural Context
This phrase is crucial for demonstrating politeness and understanding Korean social hierarchy. It's the counterpart to '안녕히 가세요' (goodbye to someone leaving). The distinction is often highlighted in K-dramas when characters show respect. It literally means 'please stay in peace.' Misusing it (e.g., saying '안녕히 가세요' when you are the one leaving) is a common beginner mistake that can sound awkward.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 안녕히 계세요 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
저 먼저 갈게요. 안녕히 계세요.
I'll go first. Goodbye.
내일 뵙겠습니다. 안녕히 계세요.
I'll see you tomorrow. Goodbye.
신세 많이 졌습니다. 안녕히 계세요.
I'm very grateful for your help. Goodbye.
Related Expressions
안녕히 가세요
Annyeonghi gaseyo
Goodbye (said by the person staying to the person leaving)
다음에 봐요
Daeume bwayo
See you next time (polite)
조심히 가세요
Josimhi gaseyo
Go carefully (polite, often said to someone leaving)
또 만나요
Tto mannayo
Let's meet again (polite)
More Greetings Words
Related Articles
Be Careful in Korean: 조심해, 조심하세요 and How to Use Both
조심해 and 조심하세요 both translate to 'be careful,' but Koreans regularly reach for the polite form as a parting farewell, rather than a plain caution.
Good Evening in Korean: The Phrase That Never Clocks Out
Korean doesn't flip a 'good evening' switch at sundown. One phrase handles most of the day, but a few others come alive as the light fades.
Goodbye in Korean: Two Phrases, One Farewell, Real Difference
Korean doesn't have one word for goodbye. It has two, and which one you use depends on whether your feet are the ones moving.
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Goodbye (when you leave) and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
