What Does 안녕 (Annyeong) Mean in Korean?
10-Second Answer
안녕 (annyeong) is the casual Korean greeting — "hi" — and also "bye." One word, both directions. It's casual speech (반말), so it's for close friends, classmates, and children — not for strangers, elders, or anyone you'd speak politely to.
Quick Examples
안녕! 오랜만이야!
annyeong! oraenmaniya!
Hi! Long time no see!
나 먼저 갈게. 안녕!
na meonjeo galge. annyeong!
I'll head out first. Bye!
얘들아, 안녕?
yaedeura, annyeong?
Hey guys, hi!
A teacher to kids, or between classmates.
Hi and Bye at Once?
안녕 literally means "peace/well-being." Meeting someone: 'peace (to you)' = hi. Parting: 'peace (be with you)' = bye. Context does the rest — nobody is ever confused.
| Leaving politely instead? | Say |
|---|---|
| To someone who is staying | 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo) — 'stay in peace' |
| To someone who is leaving | 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) — 'go in peace' |
That 계세요/가세요 pair trips up every learner — who stays and who goes decides the verb. Casual speech skips the problem: 안녕 covers both.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — 안녕 to your friend's parents
It's casual speech. To elders and strangers, always 안녕하세요 (hello) / 안녕히 가세요·계세요 (goodbye).
Mistake #2 — Mixing up the goodbye pair
You leave, they stay → 안녕히 계세요. They leave, you stay → 안녕히 가세요. Think: wish 'stay in peace' to the stayer, 'go in peace' to the goer.
Mini Quiz
1. Who can you greet with bare 안녕?
2. You're leaving a friend's house. Their mother is staying. What do you say to her?
3. True or false? 안녕 can mean both hi and bye.
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
What Does 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida) Mean?
Hello is done — thank you is next, and Korean has three levels of it.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.