‘告辞’ is a formal, polite verb meaning 'to take one's leave' or 'to bid farewell.' It literally combines 告 (gào, 'to announce' or 'to tell') and 辞 (cí, 'to resign' or 'to decline'), together conveying the idea of formally announcing one’s departure. Unlike casual farewells like 再见 (zài jiàn), 告辞 carries respectful weight and is typically used when leaving a gathering, ending a meeting, or departing from someone senior or in a formal setting.

This expression reflects traditional Chinese etiquette—emphasizing humility and deference upon departure. It’s often preceded by a polite phrase such as ‘谢谢您的招待’ (Thank you for your hospitality) and may be accompanied by a slight bow. While still common in business, academic, or ceremonial contexts, it’s rarely used among close friends or family, where simpler farewells are preferred.