How to say it · Following the conversation

Ending a conversation politely

You need to go, but the other person is still talking. You want to leave without sounding rude or making them feel boring.

6 ways to say it

At a garden gate, Sam waves and edges away from a chatty neighbour towards an open door.

How formalCasualFormal

I'd better get goingbest default Anyway, I'll let you gophone ender Right, I'm offamong friends Let's catch up soonwarm goodbye I won't keep you any longerrespect their time Thanks for your timeformal close

Way 1 · best default

I'd better get going

The everyday way to leave. You make it about your time, not about them.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Anyway, I'd better get going or I'll miss my bus.

It's nearly six. I'd better get going.

In a conversation

A: ... and then the plumber never even showed up!
B: Oh no. Listen, I'd better get going, but good luck with it.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I must go now.~~

Say: I'd better get going.

"I must go now" sounds sudden and stiff. "I'd better get going" sounds natural and kind.

Practice saying this

Next: Anyway, I'll let you go

Way 2 · phone ender

Anyway, I'll let you go

Very common on the phone. It sounds like you're giving them their time back.

How formalMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Anyway, I'll let you go. Speak soon!

Anyway, I'll let you go, you sound busy.

In a conversation

A: Sorry, that's the oven timer.
B: No worries. Anyway, I'll let you go. Love to everyone!

Practice saying this

Next: Right, I'm off

Way 3 · among friends

Right, I'm off

Short and relaxed, for friends, family or colleagues you know well.

How formalVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Right, I'm off. See you tomorrow!

Right, I'm off, thanks for dinner.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I go first.~~

Say: Right, I'm off.

A direct translation of "em đi trước" sounds odd. Use "I'm off" for leaving.

Practice saying this

Next: Let's catch up soon

Way 4 · warm goodbye

Let's catch up soon

A friendly way to finish that says you'd like to talk again.

How formalCasual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

So good to see you. Let's catch up soon!

I have to run, but let's catch up soon, yeah?

Practice saying this

Next: I won't keep you any longer

Way 5 · respect their time

I won't keep you any longer

Polite when the other person is busy. You end it for their sake.

How formalFormal

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

That's really helpful. I won't keep you any longer.

I know you've got a meeting, so I won't keep you any longer.

Practice saying this

Next: Thanks for your time

Way 6 · formal close

Thanks for your time

The professional ending after a meeting, interview or call.

How formalVery formal

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Thanks for your time today. I'll send the notes this afternoon.

Thanks for your time, it was really useful to meet.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'd better get going Anyway, I'll let you go Right, I'm off Let's catch up soon

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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