What it means
안녕히 계세요 is said when YOU are the one leaving and the other person stays. Literally "stay in peace." The counterpart to 안녕히 가세요.
Nuance & when to use
안녕히 계세요 = I'm leaving, you stay (please be well). 안녕히 가세요 = you're leaving, I stay (please go well). This pair is essential. Used at shops when you leave: 안녕히 계세요 as you walk out the door. The shopkeeper will often reply 안녕히 가세요 or 잘 가세요.
⚠ Common mistake
This is the most commonly confused Korean goodbye pair. Remember: 계세요 = stay (from 계시다). 가세요 = go (from 가다). If YOU go → 계세요. If THEY go → 가세요.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
안녕히 계세요 = I'm leaving, you stay (please be well). 안녕히 가세요 = you're leaving, I stay (please go well). This pair is essential. Used at shops when you leave: 안녕히 계세요 as you walk out the door. The shopkeeper will often reply 안녕히 가세요 or 잘 가세요.
What's a common mistake?
This is the most commonly confused Korean goodbye pair. Remember: 계세요 = stay (from 계시다). 가세요 = go (from 가다). If YOU go → 계세요. If THEY go → 가세요.
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