How to Say Goodbye in French: A Complete Guide for Learners
Learning how to say goodbye in French is an important step in mastering the language. Whether you’re travelling to France, enhancing your linguistic skills, or connecting with French-speaking friends, knowing the appropriate phrases for various situations can help you leave a positive and lasting impression.
This guide explores how to bid farewell in French, covering formal and informal expressions, specific situational phrases, and even regional variations. You’ll also find helpful examples so you can start using these phrases confidently.
By the end, you’ll not only know how to say goodbye in French but also feel ready to put your learning into practice.
Formal Ways to Say Goodbye in French
For professional settings or when addressing people you don’t know well, formal farewells are essential. Here are the most common ones and when to use them.
1. Au revoir (Goodbye)
The classic and safest way to say goodbye in French is “Au revoir.” Suitable for nearly every situation, it’s a polite option that works in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
- Situation: Saying farewell to a colleague after a meeting.
- Dialogue:
- You: Merci beaucoup pour votre temps. Au revoir !
- Them: Au revoir et bonne journée !
2. Adieu (Farewell)
“Adieu” is a bit old-fashioned and dramatic. It’s used when you part ways with someone for a long time or even permanently, though it’s rare in everyday conversations.
Example:
- Situation: Leaving the hometown you’ll never revisit.
- Dialogue:
- You: Adieu, cher ami. Tu vas me manquer.
3. Bonne journée (Have a good day)
Combine this with “Au revoir” or use it on its own—“Bonne journée” is a particularly polite way to wish someone well.
Example:
- Situation: Leaving a café after speaking with the waiter.
- Dialogue:
- You: Merci pour le café. Bonne journée !
- Waiter: Bonne journée !
4. À bientôt (See you soon)
Use this phrase when you expect to see someone again soon. It feels polite yet friendly.
Example:
- Situation: Saying goodbye to clients after a successful presentation.
- Dialogue:
- You: Merci encore. À bientôt !
- Client: Oui, à très bientôt.
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye in French
For friends, family, or in relaxed settings, informal farewells make goodbyes feel warm and casual.
1. Salut (Bye)
“Salut” can mean both “hello” and “bye.” It’s informal and perfectly suitable among friends or peers.
Example:
- Situation: Leaving a movie night with friends.
- Dialogue:
- You: Bon, je vais rentrer. Salut tout le monde !
- Friends: Salut !
2. À plus tard or À plus (See you later)
Often shortened to “À plus,” this phrase is light-hearted and familiar. Use it when you’ll likely see someone later that same day or soon.
Example:
- Situation: Wrapping up a casual lunch with a co-worker.
- Dialogue:
- You: C’était super sympa. À plus, Julie !
- Them: Oui, à plus tard !
3. Ciao (Bye)
Borrowed from Italian, “Ciao” is widely recognized in French-speaking regions. Young adults tend to use it in casual settings.
4. À la prochaine (Until next time)
“À la prochaine” is friendly and commonly spoken among acquaintances expecting to meet again.
Example:
- You: Merci pour le dîner. À la prochaine !
- Them: Avec plaisir. À bientôt !
Specific Scenarios for French Farewells
Learning scenario-specific farewell expressions will help you feel confident in any situation.
Saying Goodbye on the Phone
- Formal: “Au revoir, je vous rappellerai bientôt.” (Goodbye, I’ll call you soon.)
- Informal: “À plus, salut !” (Talk later, bye!)
When Someone is Leaving on a Trip
- Phrase: “Bon voyage !” (Have a good trip!)
Example Dialogue:
- You: Bon voyage et amuse-toi bien !
- Them: Merci, à bientôt !
Wishing Someone Well
- Phrase: “Bonne continuation !” (Best of luck moving forward!)
- Example: After finishing a school semester or saying goodbye permanently in certain settings.
Ending a Group Gathering
- Phrase: “Merci à tous. À bientôt !”
Example Dialogue:
- You (host): Merci à tous d’être venus. Prenez soin de vous.
- Guests: Merci encore. Bonne soirée !
Regional Variations
The way people bid farewell can vary across French-speaking regions.
France
The classic greetings like “Au revoir” and “Bonne journée” are universally understood across France.
Quebec (Canada)
Quebecois often use “Salut” informally, alongside regional phrases like “À tantôt” (See you later).
Example:
- You (Quebec): À tantôt, Marie.
- Marie: Oui, salut !
Switzerland and Belgium
You’ll hear phrases like “À tout à l’heure” more frequently here in addition to “Au revoir.”
Practice Saying Goodbye in French
To truly master French farewells, practice makes perfect! Test your knowledge with these simple exercises, or try using these goodbyes during your next conversation.
Quick Quiz:
- What’s the most common formal way to say goodbye in French?
- What does “À plus tard” mean?
- Use “Bonne continuation” in a sentence.
Feel free to share your answers in the comments below!
Goodbye is Just the Beginning
Learning how to say goodbye in French opens up countless opportunities for connection and communication. Whether you’re travelling, studying, or simply increasing your fluency, using these phrases will make your interactions richer and more meaningful.
Want to take your French to the next level? Practice with our expert tutors on Tutionist for personalized language learning. Or check out related posts on French Greetings, French Travel Phrases, and French Pronunciation Guide.
À bientôt, and happy learning!
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of “Bonne continuation”?
“Bonne continuation” is a French phrase used to wish someone well as they continue with their activities or endeavours. It’s often said when parting ways, similar to saying “All the best” in English.
2. How do you pronounce “À bientôt” correctly?
The phrase “À bientôt,” meaning “See you soon,” is pronounced as “ah bee-en-toh.” Be sure to emphasize the nasal “bien” sound for a more authentic accent.
3. Can I use “Au revoir” in formal situations?
Yes, “Au revoir” is a versatile phrase for saying goodbye and is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, you may also consider using “Adieu,” though it implies a more permanent farewell.
4. Are there regional differences in how French goodbyes are used?
Absolutely! Different French-speaking regions may have unique preferences or alternatives for saying goodbye. For example, in Canada, you might hear “Salut”, more commonly used as a casual farewell.
5. How can I practice these phrases effectively?
To practice, try incorporating these phrases into your everyday conversations or role-playing scenarios. You can also use resources like flashcards and language apps or join French-speaking groups to improve your fluency.
