What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of annyeong (hi/bye), daeume (next time) and bwa (see/look).
Which one should you use?
While 안녕, 다음에 봐 is a complete casual expression, you might also use 또 봐 to mean "see you later" or "see you again" or simply 잘 가 which is the standard way to say goodbye among friends and peers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more polite version, you can use 다음에 봐요.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase appropriate for people you are not close friends with or people older than you, you can add the polite suffix yo to the end of the phrase, resulting in 다음에 봐요.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong, daeume bwa
When do people say it?
In Korean, your choice of goodbye often depends on the direction of movement. For example, 안녕히 가세요 is used specifically when the person you are bidding farewell to is the one leaving or going somewhere.
Did you know?
- The word 안녕 is composed of two different characters, 安 and 寧, both of which carry meanings of 'peace', 'tranquility', or 'serenity'. Saying goodbye is essentially an ancient way of wishing someone a state of quiet repose.
- In many social situations, 다음에 봐 can act as a 'social white lie'. It is frequently used to politely end a conversation or a meeting, even when there is no actual intention or concrete plan to meet again.
- If you are the one leaving while the other person stays, you cannot use 잘 가 ('go well'). Instead, you would use 안녕히 계세요, which literally means 'stay peacefully'.
Examples in context
- 안녕, 다음에 봐.annyeong, da-eum-e bwa.Bye, see you later.
- 그럼 안녕, 다음에 봐.geureom annyeong, da-eum-e bwa.Well then, bye, see you later.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are leaving a cafe after studying together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈아, 이제 갈게.Subin-a, i-je gal-ge.Subin, I'm leaving now.
- 수빈 Su-bin그래, 안녕, 다음에 봐.geurae, annyeong, da-eum-e bwa.Okay, bye, see you later.
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 조심히 들어가.eung, jo-sim-hi deu-reo-ga.Yeah, get home safely.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 너도!eung, neo-do!Yeah, you too!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
