끊을게
kkeuneulge
The English phrase "bye on the phone" is expressed in Korean as 끊을게 (kkeuneulge).
Unlike English, where 'bye' is a greeting, this phrase focuses on the action of ending the call itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a contraction of the verb 끊다 (to cut/hang up) and the grammatical ending –을게 (indicating a promise or intention to do something).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adding the suffix –요 makes the phrase polite, suitable for use with acquaintances or people older than you: 끊을게요.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a first-person statement, implying 'I am the one who is going to hang up now'.
How do you pronounce it?
kkeuneulge
Did you know?
- In highly formal or professional contexts, Koreans often avoid saying they will 'cut' the call and instead use the phrase 먼저 들어가겠습니다, which means 'I will go in first'.
- The verb 끊다 used in 끊을게 is the same word used to describe breaking up with a romantic partner or quitting a habit.
- When ending a call with a superior, it is considered polite to wait for the other person to say 끊을게요 first or to wait for them to hang up before you do.
Examples in context
- 나 이제 끊을게.na i-je kkeun-eul-ge.I'll hang up now.
- 다음에 다시 전화할게, 끊을게.da-eum-e da-si jeon-hwa-hal-ge, kkeun-eul-ge.I'll call you again later, bye.
- 응, 나 먼저 끊을게.eung, na meon-jeo kkeun-eul-ge.Okay, I'll hang up first.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a phone call about meeting up.
- 서연 Seo-yeon내일 세 시에 거기서 봐.naeil se si-e geogi-seo bwa.See you there tomorrow at three.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알았어. 내일 봐!arasseo. naeil bwa!Got it. See you tomorrow!
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나 이제 끊을게.eung, na ije kkeun-eul-ge.Yeah, I'm hanging up now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 나중에 연락해.geurae, najunge yeon-rak-hae.Okay, talk to you later.
