Goodbye is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to show respect and connect across cultures. Whether you’re concluding a friendly chat, bidding farewell to coworkers, or saying adieu to loved ones, knowing how to say it in someone’s native language is a gesture that can resonate long after parting. Here’s a helpful list of ways to say “goodbye” in 29 different languages!
1. English
Goodbye
The classic, simple farewell. In English, there are more informal ways of saying goodbye, such as “Bye,” “See ya,” or “Later.”
2. Spanish
Adiós
Throughout Latin America, “Adiós” is used to say goodbye. If it’s not a permanent parting, you might say “Hasta luego” (See you later).
3. French
Au revoir
This phrase means “until we meet again,” making it a hopeful and somewhat formal way of saying goodbye. “Salut” is more casual.
4. German
Auf Wiedersehen
This is a formal goodbye meaning “until we see each other again.” For casual goodbyes, Germans say “Tschüss.”
5. Italian
Arrivederci
This phrase means “until we meet again.” Italians also use “Ciao” for both greetings and goodbyes, especially among friends.
6. Portuguese (Brazilian and European)
Adeus
A formal farewell, while “Tchau,” similar to “Ciao,” is commonly used in informal settings.
7. Russian
До свидания (Do svidaniya)
A polite, formal goodbye; in informal situations, you would say “Пока” (Poka).
8. Mandarin Chinese
再见 (Zài jiàn)
Literally meaning “see you again,” this is a common farewell in both China and Taiwan.
9. Japanese
さようなら (Sayōnara)
A polite, rather formal way to say goodbye, often used for longer goodbyes. For a casual “bye,” use “じゃあね” (Jaa ne).
10. Korean
안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo)
Use this if the person is leaving. If you’re the one leaving, say 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo). “안녕” (Annyeong) is casual.
11. Arabic
مع السلامة (Ma’a as-salama)
Meaning “go with peace,” this is a common farewell throughout much of the Arabic-speaking world.
12. Hindi
अलविदा (Alvida)
Although formal, Hindi speakers often use “Namaste” or “Phir Milenge” (we’ll meet again) instead of a direct goodbye.
13. Swahili
Kwaheri
A warm farewell used throughout Swahili-speaking countries in East Africa.
14. Turkish
Hoşça kal
Use this if you’re the one leaving. If the other person is leaving, say “Güle güle.”
15. Greek
Αντίο (Antío)
Meaning goodbye, this phrase is used in both formal and informal situations.
16. Dutch
Vaarwel
A formal goodbye in Dutch, though “Doei” is more commonly used in casual conversations.
17. Polish
Do widzenia
This is formal. Informally, you can say “Cześć,” which also means hello.
18. Hebrew
להתראות (Lehitraot)
Meaning “see you again,” it’s a friendly and standard way to part in Hebrew.
19. Thai
ลาก่อน (La gorn)
This is a formal goodbye, though “สวัสดี” can work for both hello and goodbye.
20. Vietnamese
Tạm biệt
Used as a general goodbye, while “Hẹn gặp lại” means “see you again” in a friendly way.
21. Swedish
Adjö
A formal way of saying goodbye in Swedish. The informal way would be “Hej då.”
22. Danish
Farvel
This is a formal goodbye, while in informal situations, you might use “Hej hej” or “Vi ses.”
23. Finnish
Näkemiin
A formal way to say goodbye, though “Moikka” is frequently used informally.
24. Norwegian
Ha det bra
Literally “have it well,” this is the generic way of saying goodbye. Informally, you can also say “Ha det.”
25. Indonesian
Selamat tinggal
Use this if someone else is leaving; if you’re the one leaving, say “Selamat jalan.”
26. Tagalog (Filipino)
Paalam
“Paalam” is a formal goodbye, while “Ingat,” meaning “Take care,” is commonly used informally.
27. Czech
Sbohem
A formal way of saying goodbye, although “Čau” is common for friends and close acquaintances.
28. Hungarian
Viszontlátásra
A formal farewell meaning “see you again.” The word “Szia” is used for informal goodbyes.
29. Bengali
বিদায় (Biday)
A more formal way of saying goodbye, though many also use “আবার দেখা হবে” (Abar dekha hobe), meaning “we’ll meet again.”
Wrapping Up
Learning to say goodbye in another language is a great way to show respect for other cultures and languages. Try one of these goodbyes the next time you meet someone from another country, and make your parting a little more memorable. Until we meet again—Arrivederci, Au revoir, and Kwaheri!
