What to say when leaving the house

Did you know that Koreans always say this when they leave the house:

"다녀 오겠습니다."

But what does it mean?

• 다니다 = to go; to attend
• 오다 = to come
• 다녀 오다 = to go and come back

So, by saying "다녀 오겠습니다", you are letting your family members (normally your parents) know that you are going out, and will be back!

Perceptive students will have noticed that this is in the formal 존대말 form.

So, what can you say to your siblings, friends, or significant other when leaving the house?

"다녀 올게(요)."

"다녀 올게" is the informal form to use in these situations. You can add '요' to add some politeness.

Let's look at a real life example and see it in use!