Korean Dictionary
How to say "Let's go" in Korean
“Let's go” in Korean is 가요 (pronounced "Gayo").
가요
Gayo
Usage & Context
A simple invitation or suggestion to leave or go somewhere. The more emphatic 어서 가요 means 'let's go quickly'. In casual speech, 가자 is used among friends. Used to initiate movement or transition to the next activity in a group.
Example Sentence
준비 됐어요? 그럼 가요!
Are you ready? Then let's go!
How to use 가요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Let's go” is 가요, romanized as Gayo.
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 가요.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '가요' as 'kah-yoh'. 'Kah' sounds like the 'ca' in 'car' but without the 'r' sound at the end. 'Yoh' sounds like 'yawn' but without the 'n' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
갑시다
Gapsida
A more formal or collective 'let's go', often used when addressing a group or in more formal settings.
Casual (반말)
가자
Gaja
The casual form, used among close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Urging someone to hurry up and leave due to time constraints.
이제 시간 없어요, 빨리 가요!
There's no time now, let's go quickly!
Encouraging friends or family to leave for an event that's about to begin.
영화 시작해요, 어서 가요!
The movie is starting, let's go!
Suggesting an activity or destination to a companion.
우리 저녁 먹으러 가요?
Shall we go for dinner?
Cultural Context
While '가요' is a polite way to say 'let's go', its casual counterpart '가자' is extremely common among friends and in K-pop songs. You'll often hear '어서 가요!' (eoseo gayo!) or '빨리 가요!' (ppalli gayo!) when someone wants to emphasize urgency, meaning 'let's go quickly!' or 'hurry up and go!'. In a more formal group setting, especially when a leader is addressing a team, '갑시다' (gapsida) might be used.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 가요 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
빨리 가요!
Let's go quickly!
어디 가요?
Where are we going?
같이 가요.
Let's go together.
Related Expressions
갑시다
Gapsida
Let's go (more formal/group)
가자
Gaja
Let's go (casual)
출발해요
Chulbalhaeyo
Let's depart/start
떠나요
Tteonayo
Let's leave/depart
More Greetings Words
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