Greetings and farewells are essential aspects of any language, allowing us to establish connections and show respect. If you’re a fan of the famous K-pop group BTS and want to learn how to say “bye” in Korean like them, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of saying goodbye in Korean, as well as provide some interesting tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
When it comes to formal situations or addressing someone older or more senior, polite language is crucial. Here are some formal ways to bid farewell in Korean:
1. 안녕히 가세요 (Ann-yeong-hi ga-se-yo)
This phrase is the most common and respectful way to say goodbye in Korean. It can be roughly translated to “Please go in peace” or “Goodbye.” BTS often uses this phrase when addressing their fans or saying goodbye during official events. You can use this phrase in various formal situations.
2. 안녕히 계세요 (Ann-yeong-hi gye-se-yo)
“안녕히 계세요” is a formal way of saying goodbye specifically when you are the one leaving and want to wish the person you’re leaving behind to stay well. It can be translated as “Please stay in peace” or “Goodbye,” and it is used to show respect and concern for the other person’s well-being. This phrase is suitable for use when parting from someone older or someone you have less familiarity with.
3. 건강히 다녀오세요 (Geon-gang-hi da-nyeo-o-se-yo)
Literally meaning “Please go and come back safely,” this phrase is used to bid farewell to someone who is leaving your company or presence. It shows care for the person’s well-being and is often used in formal situations such as when saying goodbye to colleagues at work.
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
Informal situations or conversations with friends and peers allow for a more casual approach to saying goodbye. Here are some common informal ways to say goodbye in Korean:
1. 잘 가 (Jal ga)
One of the simplest and widely used phrases for saying goodbye to friends or people of similar age is “잘 가.” It translates to “Go well” or “Take care.” This phrase carries a warm and friendly tone and can be used in various informal settings.
2. 안녕 (Annyeong)
“안녕” is a versatile word, serving as both a greeting and a farewell. It can be interpreted as “Hi” or “Goodbye.” This word is commonly used among friends or people of similar age, and its simplicity makes it a popular choice to bid farewell in casual situations.
3. 잘 있어 (Jal iss-eo)
To say “Take care” or “Be well,” you can use the phrase “잘 있어.” This is a warm and affectionate way of saying goodbye to someone you are close to. It expresses your genuine concern for the person’s well-being and shows that you care about their happiness and safety.
Tips for Saying Goodbye like BTS
BTS, known for their friendly and genuine interactions with fans, often add their own unique touches when saying goodbye. Here are some tips to say goodbye in a BTS-inspired way:
1. Add “고마워” (Go-ma-wo) – “Thank you”
As a way to show gratitude before saying goodbye, you can add “고마워” which means “Thank you.” BTS members often express their appreciation towards their fans, and using this word can make your farewell more heartfelt and appreciative.
2. Use BTS Signatures
BTS members often sign off with their own unique phrases or gestures when saying bye. For example, they might say “사랑해요” (Sa-rang-hae-yo), meaning “I love you,” or make a heart shape with their hands. By incorporating such signatures, you can add a personal touch to your goodbye, just like BTS.
Examples:
A: 안녕히 가세요! (Ann-yeong-hi ga-se-yo!)
B: 안녕히 계세요! (Ann-yeong-hi gye-se-yo!)
A: 건강히 다녀오세요! (Geon-gang-hi da-nyeo-o-se-yo!)
Example conversation in a formal setting:
- A: Goodbye! Please go in peace!
- B: Goodbye! Please stay well!
- A: Take care and come back safely!
A: 잘 가! (Jal ga!)
B: 안녕! (Annyeong!)
A: 잘 있어! (Jal iss-eo!)
Example conversation between friends:
- A: Bye! Go well!
- B: Bye!
- A: Take care!
Wrapping Up
Saying goodbye in Korean, whether formally or informally, is a way to show respect, care, and warmth towards others. By learning different phrases and incorporating a few BTS-inspired tips, you can leave a lasting impression and make your farewells more meaningful. Remember to consider the situation and level of formality when choosing the appropriate phrase. Practice these phrases with friends or fellow fans of BTS, and enjoy spreading the warmth and kindness of Korean culture through your goodbyes!
