Common Ways To Say Goodbye In Chinese

You can easily find the most common way to say goodbye in Chinese is 再见
You can easily find the most common way to say goodbye in Chinese is 再见

There isn’t just one way to say goodbye in Chinese—it depends on the situation! Whether you’re in a casual chat, a formal setting, or texting a friend, choosing the right farewell makes a difference. Here are some of the most commonly used goodbye phrases:

  • 再见 (zài jiàn) – Goodbye
  • 拜拜 (bài bài) – Bye-bye
  • 明天见 (míng tiān jiàn) – See You Tomorrow
  • 再联系 (Zài liánxì) – Let’s keep in touch
  • 回见 (Huí jiàn) – See you when I get back

See also: Good luck in Chinese

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See also: Happy New Year in Chinese

Casual Farewell Expressions

Among friends, especially younger people, casual and sometimes playful farewells are common
Among friends, especially younger people, casual and sometimes playful farewells are common

When saying goodbye in Chinese to friends, family, or close colleagues, you can use casual and friendly expressions. These phrases help keep things light and natural, whether you’re chatting in person or online. Here are some common informal goodbyes:

  • 回头见 (huítóu jiàn) – See you later
  • 下次见 (xià cì jiàn) – See you next time
  • 改天见 (Gǎi tiān jiàn) – See you another day
  • 先走了 (Xiān zǒu le) – I’ll leave first
  • 走啦 (Zǒu la) – I’m off
  • 先走了 (Xiān zǒu le) – I’ll leave first
  • 溜了 (Liū le) – I’m out/Gotta run
  • 有空再聚 (Yǒu kòng zài jù) – Let’s gather again when free

Formal Farewell Expressions

In professional settings, goodbyes tend to be reference future business opportunities
In professional settings, goodbyes tend to be reference future business opportunities

In formal settings, a more appropriate way of bye bye in Chinese language is crucial for conveying politeness and cultural sensitivity. These expressions are particularly important when addressing superiors, clients, or elders. Here are some commonly used formal goodbyes:

  • 告辞 (Gào cí) – Take my leave
  • 再会 (zài huì) – Farewell
  • 告别 (Gào bié) – Bid farewell
  • 辞行 (Cí xíng) – Take leave
  • 珍重 (Zhēn zhòng) – Take care 
  • 失陪了 (Shī péi le) – Sorry to leave your company
  • 后会有期 (Hòu huì yǒu qī) – Hope to meet again in the future
  • 不打扰了 (Bù dǎ rǎo le) – I won’t disturb you anymore

Expressing Good Wishes When Parting

Just like English, Chinese parting expressions also often reference hopes for the next reunion
Just like English, Chinese parting expressions also often reference hopes for the next reunion

Often, a simple goodbye in Chinese feels insufficient; there’s an opportunity to convey genuine warmth. Extending good wishes adds a layer of sincerity, particularly appreciated by friends, colleagues, and family. 

  • 保重 (Bǎo zhòng) – Take care
  • 一路顺风 (Yí lù shùn fēng) – Have a smooth journey
  • 上路平安 (Shànglù píng’ān) – Have a safe journey
  • 祝你好运 (Zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) – Good luck
  • 保重身体 (Bǎozhòng shēntǐ) – Take care of your health
  • 早日归来 (Zǎorì guīlái) – Come back soon
  • 平安归来 (Píng ān guī lái) – Return safely
  • 顺顺利利 (Shùnshùn lìlì) – May everything go smoothly 

How To Say Bye Chinese Over Text or Social Media

Chinese digital communication has developed unique farewell conventions
Chinese digital communication has developed unique farewell conventions

With the rise of digital communication in today’s world, there are also informal and internet-friendly ways to say bye Chinese. Here are a few fun expressions you can use on platforms like WeChat:

  • 拜拜 (Bài bài) – Bye bye 
  • 88 (Bā bā) – Bye bye (numeric slang that sounds like “bye bye”)
  • 886 (Bā bā liù) – Bye bye, take care (8=bā, 6=liù sounds like 了/le)
  • 下次聊 (Xià cì liáo) – Chat next time
  • 晚安 (Wǎn’ān) – Good night
  • 回聊 (Huí liáo) – Chat later
  • 下线了 (Xià xiàn le) – Going offline now
  • 不聊了 (Bù liáo le) – Not chatting anymore
  • 挂了 (Guà le) – Hanging up (from phone calls, now used in chat)

Common Questions About Saying Goodbye in Chinese

Goodbye in Chinese include meaningful good wishes that strengthen bonds between people
Goodbye in Chinese include meaningful good wishes that strengthen bonds between people

What’s Goodbye in Chinese?

The most common and standard way to say goodbye in Chinese is 再见 (zàijiàn), but there are many other variations depending on the situation.

How Do You Say Bye in Chinese?

For daily-life situations, 拜拜 (bàibài) is the easiest and most natural way to say bye Chinese. You can also use 88 (bā bā) when texting or chatting online.

What’s the Difference Between 再见 (Zàijiàn) and 拜拜 (Bàibài)?

再见 (zàijiàn) is more traditional and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while 拜拜 (bàibài) is strictly casual and best suited for informal conversations.

Conclusion

Learning how to say goodbye in Chinese helps you navigate conversations naturally, whether in casual chats, formal settings, or online messages. With phrases like 再见 (zài jiàn) for general use, 拜拜 (bài bài) for friends, and 一路顺风 (yí lù shùn fēng) for travelers, you’ll always find the right farewell.

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