Goodbyes can be hard… especially when you don’t understand them. While the gesture of a “goodbye” is universal, it can take different forms and have context-specific meanings depending on where you are. For example, in some countries it’s considered more respectful to say “good day” or “good night,” but in others just a “bye!” is sufficient. Knowing how to say goodbye in different languages is equally as important as knowing how to say hello. 

We’re here to show you the two most important variations of “goodbye” in different languages: formal and informal. Formal goodbyes are typically used for people you don’t know and people you respect like elders or authority figures. Informal goodbyes are used for close friends and people that see you as their equal. Now, let’s say goodbye! Not actually, though. 

21 Different Goodbyes

Other Ways To Say Goodbye

While you’ll be able to get by on the basics, as with every culture, there are variations to “goodbye” that are circumstantial. Goodbyes can change based on the time of day, on the person, and the location. No need to sweat it though, we have language-specific guides that cover all these topics: 

• German
• Indonesian
• Turkish
• Polish
• Norwegian
• Danish
• Swedish
• Russian
• Portuguese
• Dutch
• Italian
• French
• Spanish

Now you’re ready to bid (almost) everyone in the world ‘goodbye’! Say more than farewell and start your language learning journey below. In a while crocodile!