How to Say Goodbye in French

From LoveToKnow French

So you want to learn how to say goodbye in French? Saying goodbye in French is easy once you master basic vocabulary. However, you might be surprised to know that there are a variety of customs that are associated with saying goodbye that are just as important if not more so than the actual words you choose to use.

How to Say Goodbye in French: Words

There are a variety of phrases in the French language that you can use to say goodbye. What you use depends on your relationship with the individual to whom you're saying goodbye, as well as when you might see them again.

Au revoir

Au revoir (pronounced o reh vwah) is the most common way to say goodbye. It is probably one of the first phrases you learn in French class. Au revoir is the standard phrase for goodbye. It is used formally and informally in a variety of situations. When you're unsure what to say, au revoir is always a safe bet.

Ciao

Ciao (pronounced chow) is actually an Italian word. However, it is used informally in France in some areas to either greet or say goodbye. It is more commonly used in Quebec to say goodbye.

À bientôt

À bientôt (pronounced ah bee en toe) means "see you soon". Bientôt on its own translates simply as "soon". Generally, you would use this phrase in a more informal situation or in a formal situation in which you will literally see the person soon. (For example, a child speaking to his teacher or vice versa may use à bientôt.)

À demain

À demain (pronounced ah duh mehn) means "see you tomorrow". This phrase can also be used in an informal or formal situation--depending on when you are seeing the person again.

À ce soir

À ce soir (pronounced ah suh swah) means "see you tonight". Like à bientôt, and à demain its usage depends on when you are seeing the person again.

Salut

Salut (pronounced sah loo)means simply "bye". This is an informal way of saying goodbye and you'd only use it in informal situations with peers. You may also note that salut is the informal way of saying "hello" as well.

Bonne journée

Bonne journèe (pronounced bun zhour nay) is generally used in formal situations such as a shopkeeper speaking to a customer. It is the equivalent of saying, "Have a good day."

Bonsoir

Bonsoir (pronounced bohn swah) simply means good evening and can either be used as a greeting or when you're saying goodbye. Although it can be used in either a formal or informal situation, you are more likely to hear it in formal circumstances.

Bonne nuit

Bonne nuit (pronounced bun nu wee) means good night and is used to say goodbye at the end of an evening. The main difference between bon soir and bonne nuit is the time of day. Bonne nuit is fairly exclusively used at the end of a night after about eight o'clock.

Adieu

Adieu (pronounced ah dee yuh) translates to "God be with you" and is generally used when you know that you won’t see the person in question for a long time.

How to Say Goodbye in French: Customs

Your body language when you're saying goodbye, is almost as important as the words you use. In fact, you'd be more likely to offend by not using appropriate gestures of politeness rather than using the wrong phrase. You should also know that customs do vary from region to region in France. Whereas in Paris, relationships tend to be more formal and direct, the South of France tends to be more casual and laid back. Regardless of where you're visiting, an attention to detail and an effort to speak the language will go a long way. Be mindful of the following:

  • Always use the appropriate title of madame, mademoiselle or monsieur when saying goodbye in a situation where you've just met someone or don‘t know them well. The same would be true upon entering a store, or dealing with any type of customer service situation.
  • It is not uncommon to leave friends or casual contacts with a hug and a kiss on the cheek if you're saying goodbye to someone of the opposite gender. Girls also may say goodbye this way although men would tend to shake hands. (However, you shouldn't be shocked to see men kissing on the cheek or hugging in some parts of France either.) Business associates would generally shake hands.
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Comments

Oh Marc. . .good catch! I had forgotten completely about that! Thank you for visiting!

-- Contributed by: Valorie Delp

You've forgotten

"a plus" for see you later - usually soon

-- Contributed by: Marc

To ask someone what they are doing you say, "Que fais-tu?" (Pronounced kuh fay too. You can also say Qu'est-ce que tu fais?

-- Contributed by: Valorie Delp
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