나중에 얘기해
najunge yaegihae
The English phrase "talk to you later" is translated into Korean as 나중에 얘기해 (najunge yaegihae).
나중에 얘기해 is a casual way to say goodbye to someone when you expect to speak with them again.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 나중에, which means "later" and 얘기해, which means "talk" or "speak".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite version suitable for people you are not close with or who are older than you, use 나중에 얘기해요 by adding the suffix -요 to the end. If you wish to be polite and formal while indicating you will contact the person later, use 나중에 연락하겠습니다. Among close friends, you can also use 나중에 얘기하자 to suggest "let's talk later".
How do you pronounce it?
najunge yaegihae
Did you know?
- While 나중에 얘기해 means 'talk later', Koreans often say 나중에 밥 한 번 같이 먹자, which literally means 'let's eat a meal together sometime', as a common way to end a conversation.
- The word 나중에 (later) is not just about time, but also about social distance. It is often used as a polite way to decline an invitation without saying 'no' directly, by implying you will discuss it 'later'.
- Korean has a distinct concept called 'nunchi', or 'eye-measure', which helps speakers decide whether to use 나중에 얘기해 or a more formal version based on the unspoken mood of the room.
Examples in context
- 또 봐See you again
- 나중에 얘기해.najunge yaegihae.Talk to you later.
- 지금 바쁘니까 나중에 얘기해.jigeum bappeunikka najunge yaegihae.I'm busy now, so talk to you later.
- 그래, 나중에 얘기해!geurae, najunge yaegihae!Okay, talk to you later!
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are finishing their lunch together.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현아, 나 이제 가야 돼.Dohyeona, na ije gaya dwae.Dohyun, I have to go now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon알겠어. 조심히 가.algesseo. josimhi ga.Okay. Get home safely.
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 나중에 얘기해!eung, najunge yaegihae!Yeah, talk to you later!
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 나중에 봐.geurae, najunge bwa.Sure, see you later.
