가자
Gaja[ka̠d͡ʑa̠]
The English phrase "let's go" is expressed in Korean as 가자 (Gaja).
The phrase is used as an expression of encouragement, cheer.
Meaning: expression of encouragement, cheer (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the verb stem 가 (to go) and the plain form hortative suffix –자 (let's).
Which one should you use?
The forms vary significantly based on the situation: 가자 is the informal version, 가요 is the polite version and 갑시다 is the formal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
가자 is an informal expression used among close friends or when speaking to oneself. For people you are not close to or who are older, use the polite version 가요. In professional settings, public announcements or when addressing a group formally, use 갑시다.
How do you pronounce it?
Gaja
Did you know?
- In Korean gaming culture, instead of just 'let's go', players often shout 가즈아 (Gajeua) to express extreme excitement or to cheer for a high-stakes gamble or a big win.
- If you are part of a sports team, you might hear 'let's go' expressed as 파이팅 (Fighting), a Konglish word that functions as a cheer of encouragement rather than a movement command.
- In Korean text messaging, people often shorten 'let's go' to just the consonant 'ㄱㅈ' to save time, a practice known as 'chosung' abbreviation.
Examples in context
- 가자!Let's go!This is useful for a simple exclamation of "Let's go!"Tatoeba #4739157 by kumdonghee, translation #241077 by CK
- 병원에 가자.Let's go to the hospital.This shows how to use 가자 when suggesting a destination like a hospital.Tatoeba #11106131 by intertime, translation #2007551 by CK
- 버스로 가자.Let's go by bus.This shows how to use 가자 when suggesting a mode of transport like a bus.Tatoeba #13138312 by SN_H, translation #450028 by CK
- 카페에 가요.Let's go to the cafe.
- 박물관에 들어가요.Let's go into the museum.
- 공원에 가자.Let's go to the park.
- 영화관에 갑시다.Let's go to the cinema.
- 산에 가세.Let's go to the mountains.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are preparing to start a long hike.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이제 출발하자, 가자!ije chulbalhaja, gaja!Let's set off now, let's go!
- 수빈 Su-bin그래, 도현아 힘내자.geurae, dohyeona himnaeja.Okay, let's do this, Dohyun.
- 도현 Do-hyeon끝까지 할 수 있어!kkeutkkaji hal su isseo!We can do this until the end!
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 같이 가자!eung, gachi gaja!Yes, let's go together!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 가자, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
