Ways to Say "Goodbye" in French
The standard French goodbye is "Au revoir", which works in almost any situation. French speakers also pick a farewell based on how soon they'll see the person again and how close they are.
The most common way
Goodbye — the neutral, all-purpose farewell.
How to say it: Say it as "oh ruh-VWAHR": the stress falls on the last syllable, and both r's are soft sounds made at the back of the throat, not like an English r.
Other ways to say it
- casual
"Bye" — the everyday casual farewell between friends; the same word also means "hi".
When to use it: Say it to friends, family, or people your own age in relaxed situations, never to a boss or a stranger you've just met.
- very casual / texting
"See ya" — a quick, breezy goodbye among friends; often written as "À +" in texts.
When to use it: Use it with friends or people you'll clearly see again soon, in speech or in messages.
- polite
"Have a good day" — a warm sign-off rather than a plain goodbye.
When to use it: Say it when leaving a shop, a café, or a brief exchange with a colleague or acquaintance, especially before the evening.
- neutral, same-day
"See you later today" — you're saying you'll meet again before the day is over.
When to use it: Use it with anyone, from colleagues to friends, when you genuinely expect to see them again the same day.
- affectionate
Literally "kisses" — a warm, affectionate sign-off between people who are close.
When to use it: Reserve it for family, close friends and romantic partners; it would be odd with a colleague or a shop assistant.
In a conversation
- A
, . , !
Right, I have to go. Goodbye, Marie!
- B
, !
Bye, see you tomorrow!
- A
. !
See you tomorrow. Have a good evening!
- B
, .
Thanks, you too.
Common mistakes
Bonne nuit !→ Bonne soirée !"Bonne nuit" is only said when someone is going to bed, so it sounds strange as a farewell at a party or dinner.
Adieu !→ Au revoir !"Adieu" means a final farewell that assumes you'll never meet again, so it sounds dramatic or even cold in everyday use.