안녕
annyeong[a̠nɲʌ̹ŋ]
The Korean phrase for bye informally is 안녕 (annyeong).
안녕 is a basic way to say bye informally in Korean. It is used when parting ways with friends or people of a similar age.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 안녕 literally means 'peace' or 'well-being'.
Which one should you use?
While 안녕 can be used for both hello and goodbye, it is distinct from 잘 가, which translates to 'Go well' and serves as another informal way to say goodbye.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong
Did you know?
- While it translates to 'peace', saying 안녕 to a stranger or an elder would be considered a social blunder, as it lacks the necessary honorific way to address someone higher in status.
- The phrase 안녕 is derived from two different Chinese characters that both mean 'peace', making the word a double emphasis on tranquility.
- In modern Korean pop culture, 안녕 is often used as a cute or playful way to say goodbye by stretching the vowel sound or adding a nasal tone, a style known as 'aegyo'.
Examples in context
- 안녕!annyeong!Bye!
- 나 먼저 갈게, 안녕.na meonjeo galge, annyeong.I'm leaving first, bye.
- 친구야, 안녕!chinguya, annyeong!Bye, my friend!
Example conversation
Two friends are leaving a cafe after studying.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 이제 집에 가자.Minjun-a, ije jibe gaja.Minjun, let's go home now.
- 민준 Min-jun그래, 조심히 가.Geurae, josimhi ga.Okay, go safely.
- 민지 Min-ji응, 안녕!Eung, annyeong!Yeah, bye!
- 민준 Min-jun안녕, 내일 봐.Annyeong, naeil bwa.Bye, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
