Some goodbyes are silent. Some are tearful. And some, like in Korea, are filled with grace and meaning.
When I first left Seoul after months of living there, my Korean friends said, “Annyeonghi gaseyo” — a phrase that doesn’t just mean “goodbye”, but rather “go peacefully.” That simple word stayed with me through the airport and far beyond.
Learning how to say bye in Korean isn’t just about language — it’s about understanding a culture that values harmony, respect, and emotional sincerity.
Across the world, every language has its way of saying farewell, but all share one universal message: gratitude for what was shared, and hope for what’s next.
Let’s explore how the world says goodbye — and what those words reveal about the human heart.
🗺️ Table of Farewells Around the World
| Language | Word/Phrase for “Bye” | Cultural Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | Annyeong / Annyeonghi Gaseyo / Annyeonghi Gyeseyo | “Annyeong” is casual, “Annyeonghi gaseyo” (go in peace) for when someone leaves, “Annyeonghi gyeseyo” (stay in peace) for when you leave. |
| English | Goodbye / Bye / See you | Derived from “God be with ye”; casual in daily use. |
| French | Au revoir | Means “until we see again”; hopeful tone. |
| Spanish | Adiós / Hasta luego | “Adiós” means “to God,” “Hasta luego” means “see you later.” |
| Italian | Ciao / Arrivederci | “Arrivederci” means “until we meet again.” |
| German | Tschüss / Auf Wiedersehen | “Auf Wiedersehen” literally means “until we see again.” |
| Japanese | Sayonara | Formal, used for long separations; deeply emotional. |
| Mandarin (Chinese) | Zàijiàn (再见) | Means “see you again.” |
| Hindi (India) | Alvida / Namaste | “Alvida” (farewell), “Namaste” (respectful closure). |
| Arabic | Ma’a as-salama (مع السلامة) | Means “go with peace.” |
| Swahili | Kwaheri | “Go well”; kind and heartfelt. |
| Zulu | Hamba kahle / Sala kahle | “Go well” or “stay well” — shows deep community care. |
| Hawaiian | Aloha | Means both hello and goodbye — love and peace in one word. |
| Maori (New Zealand) | Ka kite anō | “See you again”; optimistic farewell. |
| Russian | Do svidaniya (До свидания) | “Until we meet again.” |
🇰🇷 How Do You Say Bye in Korean
In Korean, “bye” depends on who’s leaving and who’s staying.
- Annyeong (안녕) — casual “bye,” used between friends or peers.
- Annyeonghi gaseyo (안녕히 가세요) — “go peacefully,” used when the other person is leaving.
- Annyeonghi gyeseyo (안녕히 계세요) — “stay peacefully,” used when you are leaving.
Cultural Insight:
Korean culture values harmony (화합 hwahap) and respect (존경 jonggyeong). Even goodbyes reflect this — they’re about wishing the other person peace and safety. A simple Annyeonghi gaseyo carries more than politeness; it’s a heartfelt wish for someone’s continued well-being.
Learning how to say bye in Korean is learning how to part with kindness.
🇪🇺 How to Say Bye in European Languages
Europe’s farewells blend history, elegance, and emotion.
- French — Au revoir: Elegant and hopeful, meaning “until we meet again.”
- Spanish — Adiós / Hasta pronto: Respectful yet warm; shows optimism.
- Italian — Arrivederci / Ciao: Expresses warmth; Italians often wave and smile.
- German — Tschüss / Auf Wiedersehen: “Auf Wiedersehen” is formal; “Tschüss” is friendly and light.
- Portuguese — Adeus / Até logo: “Adeus” has a religious root, “Até logo” means “see you soon.”
- Greek — Antío: Simple and sincere.
European goodbyes often reflect the region’s emphasis on relationships and hopeful reunions.
🌏 How to Say Bye in Asian Languages
Asia’s farewells are as meaningful as its greetings — always respectful and warm.
- Japan — Sayonara (さようなら): Used for long or emotional farewells.
- China — Zàijiàn (再见): Means “see you again”; common and optimistic.
- India — Alvida / Phir milenge: “Goodbye” or “we’ll meet again.”
- Thailand — Laa gòn (ลาก่อน): Used politely; softer tone.
- Vietnam — Tạm biệt: Literally “temporary separation.”
- Philippines — Paalam: Deeply emotional; often used in songs or heartfelt moments.
- Arabic countries — Ma’a as-salama: “Go with peace”; spiritual and universal.
- Indonesia — Sampai jumpa: “Until we meet again.”
- Malaysia — Selamat tinggal / Selamat jalan: “Stay safe” or “go safely.”
- Turkey — Güle güle: Means “go smiling”; one of the warmest goodbyes in the world.
Asian farewells often express care, peace, and emotional connection, rather than finality.
🌍 How to Say Bye in African Languages
African goodbyes are filled with community spirit and warmth.
- Swahili — Kwaheri: “Go well”; often followed by “Tutaonana tena” (see you again).
- Zulu — Hamba kahle / Sala kahle: “Go well” (to the one leaving) and “stay well” (to the one staying).
- Yoruba — O dàbọ: Friendly and expressive.
- Amharic — Dehna hun: Means “stay well.”
- Akan — Nante yie: “Walk well”; caring tone.
- Somali — Nabad gelyo: “Go in peace.”
- Hausa — Sai an jima: “See you later.”
- Berber — Azul fell-awen: “Peace be with you.”
- Lingala — Tokomonana: “We’ll meet again.”
- Shona — Sara zvakanaka: “Stay well.”
In African societies, farewells are rarely quick — they’re blessings that carry emotional sincerity and goodwill.
🌺 How to Say Bye in Indigenous & Island Languages
- Hawaiian — Aloha: Used both for hello and goodbye; represents love, respect, and compassion.
- Maori — Ka kite anō: “See you again,” expressing unity and future meeting.
- Samoan — Tofa: “Goodbye” or “rest well”; said gently and kindly.
- Cherokee — Donadagohvi: “Until we meet again.”
- Fijian — Moce (pronounced ‘mothay’): “Goodbye,” said with heartfelt emotion.
- Tahitian — Nana: A casual, friendly farewell.
- Inuit — Tavvauvutit: Means “goodbye”; rare but warm.
- Haitian Creole — Orevwa: Derived from French “au revoir.”
- Guaraní — Jajohecha: “We will see each other.”
- Tagalog — Paalam: Deep and poetic — conveys love and care.
These farewells reflect gratitude, respect, and the belief that goodbyes are temporary.
💬 Cultural Insights: The Meaning of Goodbye
Every farewell carries emotion.
From Korea’s Annyeonghi gaseyo to France’s Au revoir, people don’t just part — they express care, hope, and peace.
The word “goodbye” itself evolved from “God be with ye,” turning a blessing into a daily habit. Similarly, Korean goodbyes stem from compassion — the desire for others to travel safely or remain in peace.
In a world where we often rush our partings, taking a moment to say goodbye sincerely can change the memory of the encounter.
🌸 Proverbs About Goodbye Around the World
- Korean: “Parting is the beginning of meeting.”
- Arabic: “Go in peace, and peace will return to you.”
- Japanese: “Even when apart, hearts stay connected.”
- Spanish: “No hay adiós para nosotros.” — “There is no goodbye for us.”
- Swahili: “Safari njema.” — “Have a good journey.”
Goodbyes may differ in sound, but they echo the same emotion — love and remembrance.
❓ FAQs
Q1: How do you say bye in Korean?
You can say Annyeonghi gaseyo (안녕히 가세요) when someone else is leaving, or Annyeonghi gyeseyo (안녕히 계세요) when you are leaving.
Q2: What’s the difference between Annyeong and Annyeonghi gaseyo?
“Annyeong” is casual, used among close friends. “Annyeonghi gaseyo” is polite and used in formal or respectful situations.
Q3: Is “Annyeong” hello or goodbye?
It can mean both “hi” and “bye” depending on context — similar to “Aloha” in Hawaiian.
Q4: What is a polite way to say bye in Korea?
Always use Annyeonghi gaseyo or Annyeonghi gyeseyo to show respect.
Q5: Why are Korean farewells so formal?
Korean culture values social hierarchy and respect; language reflects that harmony.
❤️ Conclusion: The Beauty of a Gentle Goodbye
Whether it’s Annyeonghi gaseyo, Au revoir, or Kwaheri, every goodbye reminds us of connection.
The Korean farewell teaches us to part gracefully — with peace and kindness. It’s never just “bye” — it’s “go well, stay well, and may our paths cross again.”
💬 Now it’s your turn:
How do you say goodbye in your language? Share it below and let’s create a global chorus of farewells — one peaceful goodbye at a time. 🌍
