나 갈게
na galge
The English phrase "I am leaving" is expressed in Korean as 나 갈게 (na galge).
This phrase is used to inform others that you are departing from a place. It specifically emphasizes the speaker's intention or promise to the listener regarding their departure.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the pronoun 나 (I) and the verb 가다 (to go) in its future/intentional form 갈게.
Which one should you use?
While 나 갈게 expresses the speaker's intent to go, other forms like 저는 이제 갈게요 or 제가 가보겠습니다 change the level of politeness and the specific nuance of the departure.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
나 갈게 is used in casual settings with friends or people younger than you. When speaking to someone older or in a higher social position, you should use the polite form 저 갈게요 or the more formal 제가 가보겠습니다 instead of 나 갈게.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending -ㄹ게 emphasizes the speaker's intention or promise to the listener, rather than just stating a current action.
How do you pronounce it?
na galge
Did you know?
- The word 나 is potentially a distant relative of the Old Japanese word for 'I', which is also pronounced na.
Examples in context
- 해질 시간이 됐으니, 이제 떠날게요.It's time to go now as the sun is setting.
- 먼저 나 갈게.meon-jeo na gal-ge.I am leaving first.
- 준비 다 했어, 나 갈게.jun-bi da hae-sseo, na gal-ge.I'm all ready, I'm leaving.
Example conversation
Dohyun is leaving Jieun's house after studying together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은아, 나 갈게.Jieun-a, na galge.Jieun, I'm leaving.
- 지은 Ji-eun벌써 가려고?beolsseo garyeogo?Are you leaving already?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 내일 학교에서 봐.eung, naeil hakgyo-eseo bwa.Yeah, see you at school tomorrow.
- 지은 Ji-eun그래, 조심히 가!geurae, josimhi ga!Okay, get home safely!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
