Goodbyes in French, including common phrases, regional variations, formal and informal expressions, and cultural notes.
French has many ways to say goodbye, ranging from simple phrases to more elaborate expressions. This guide covers the most common goodbyes, as well as some regional and cultural variations.
Common Goodbyes
These are the standard ways to say goodbye in French. They can be used in most situations.
| French Goodbye | English Goodbye | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Au revoir | Goodbye | Au revoir, à demain. | Goodbye, see you tomorrow. |
| Salut | Bye | Salut, à plus tard ! | Bye, see you later! |
| À bientôt | See you soon | À bientôt, prends soin de toi. | See you soon, take care. |
| À plus (tard) | See you (later) | À plus tard, je dois y aller. | See you later, I have to go. |
| Bonne journée | Have a good day | Bonne journée ! À demain. | Have a good day! See you tomorrow. |
Formal Goodbyes
These phrases are more polite and are used in professional settings or with people you don’t know well.
| French Goodbye | English Goodbye | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Je vous souhaite une bonne journée | I wish you a good day | Je vous souhaite une bonne journée. Au revoir. | I wish you a good day. Goodbye. |
| Au plaisir de vous revoir | I look forward to seeing you again | Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt. | I look forward to seeing you again soon. |
| Je vous dis au revoir | I say goodbye to you | Je vous dis au revoir et merci. | I say goodbye to you and thank you. |
| Excellente soirée | Have an excellent evening | Excellente soirée à vous. | Have an excellent evening. |
| Prenez soin de vous | Take care of yourself | Prenez soin de vous. À bientôt. | Take care of yourself. See you soon. |
What does 'Prenez soin de vous' mean?
Take care of yourself
‘Prenez soin de vous’ means ‘Take care of yourself’.
Informal Goodbyes
These are casual goodbyes used among friends and family. They are more relaxed and can include slang.
| French Goodbye | English Goodbye | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ciao | Bye (Italian origin) | Ciao, à demain ! | Bye, see you tomorrow! |
| Bye | Bye (English borrowing) | Bye, je file ! | Bye, I’m off! |
| À plus | See you later | À plus, mec ! | See you later, dude! |
| Je me casse | I’m out (slang) | Bon, je me casse. À plus ! | Well, I’m out. See you later! |
| Tchao | Bye (informal) | Tchao, prends soin de toi. | Bye, take care. |
Regional Expressions
Different regions in France have their own unique ways of saying goodbye. Here are a few examples.
| French Goodbye | English Goodbye | Region | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adieu | Farewell | Nationwide (archaic) | Adieu, je ne te reverrai peut-être pas. | Farewell, I may not see you again. |
| À la prochaine | Until next time | Nationwide | À la prochaine, tout le monde ! | Until next time, everyone! |
| Salut les cocos | Bye, guys | Paris (informal) | Salut les cocos, à plus ! | Bye, guys, see you later! |
| Allez, ciao | Alright, bye | Southern France | Allez, ciao, on y va ! | Alright, bye, let’s go! |
| Bon vent | Good luck / Goodbye | Northern France | Bon vent, et bonne route ! | Good luck, and safe travels! |
Cultural Notes
- Saying “Au revoir” literally means “until we see each other again.” It’s the safe, polite choice.
- French people often say “Bonne journée” or “Bonne soirée” when parting, depending on the time of day.
- It’s common to add a friendly phrase like “Prends soin de toi” (take care) after saying goodbye.
- In text messages, you might see abbreviations like “A+” instead of writing out the whole phrase.
- Physical goodbyes often include kissing on the cheeks (la bise) among friends and family, but just a handshake in formal settings.
What does 'Au revoir' literally mean?
Until we see each other again
‘Au revoir’ literally means ‘Until we see each other again.’
Flashcards (1 of 20)
- English Goodbye: Goodbye
- English Example: Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
