Common Ways to Say Bye in French
There are several everyday phrases that French speakers use to say goodbye. These expressions range from standard farewells to more colloquial phrases depending on the context.
“Au revoir”
This is the most classic way to say bye in French. Pronounced /o ʁə.vwaʁ/, au revoir literally means “until we see each other again.” It’s widely used in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
– Merci pour votre aide.
– Au revoir !
“Salut”
Though commonly used as a greeting, salut (pronounced /sa.ly/) is also an informal way to say goodbye. It’s ideal for saying bye to friends, classmates, or colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Example:
– À demain !
– Salut !
“À bientôt”
This phrase means “see you soon.” It’s friendly and can be used in both personal and professional situations.
Example:
– Je te laisse, à plus tard.
– À bientôt !
“À tout à l’heure”
Translating to “see you later,” this phrase is used when you expect to see the person again soon—maybe within the same day.
Example:
– Je vais au marché.
– À tout à l’heure !
“À plus”
Short for “à plus tard,” this expression is quite informal and mainly used in spoken French among friends or peers.
Example:
– Je dois y aller.
– À plus !
Formal Farewell Expressions
When in professional, academic, or formal social settings, it’s important to know the right expressions to say good bye in French language in a respectful and polite manner.
“Au plaisir”
This means “with pleasure” or “looking forward to it.” It’s a formal and polite way to say goodbye, often used in professional email closings or in formal spoken French.
Example:
– Merci pour l’entretien.
– Au plaisir !
“Bonne journée”
Literally “have a good day,” this is a polite expression often used in both formal and semi-formal situations, especially after customer service interactions.
Example:
– Voici votre ticket.
– Bonne journée !
“Bonne continuation”
A phrase often used when you are parting ways after a shared project or interaction. It means “all the best” or “good luck with what you’re doing.”
Example:
– Je vous souhaite bonne continuation dans votre carrière.
“Je vous remercie”
While it directly means “I thank you,” this expression often accompanies a formal farewell to show appreciation before saying goodbye.
Example:
– Je vous remercie pour votre visite.
– Au revoir.
“À la prochaine”
This means “until next time.” It’s friendly yet slightly more formal than “à bientôt,” making it suitable in business contexts or respectful goodbyes.
Informal Farewell Expressions
When you’re among friends, family, or people your age, you can loosen up and use more casual phrases. These are popular among younger generations and are used daily in informal settings.
“Ciao”
Borrowed from Italian, ciao is commonly used in France as a trendy, informal way to say bye in French.
Example:
– Bon week-end !
– Ciao !
“À plus tard”
This is a fuller version of “à plus” and means “see you later.” It’s friendly and widely used in casual conversations.
Example:
– On se voit ce soir ?
– Oui, à plus tard !
“Bisous”
Literally meaning “kisses,” bisous is used between close friends or family, usually in written messages or when parting ways affectionately.
Example:
– Prends soin de toi.
– Bisous !
“À demain”
This means “see you tomorrow” and is commonly used among coworkers, students, or friends who will see each other the next day.
Example:
– Bon courage pour ton devoir !
– À demain !
“Tchao”
A variation of ciao, tchao is a phonetic adaptation in French and used in very relaxed, youthful settings.
Example:
– Je file au ciné.
– Tchao !
Mastering farewells in another language shows cultural respect and helps you leave conversations on the right note. Whether you’re learning French for travel, work, or personal interest, knowing multiple ways to say bye in French language gives you flexibility in communication and shows your linguistic competence.
