How to Say Goodbye in French: Complete Guide for Learners
The most common way to say goodbye in French is “Au revoir.” It is polite and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Other common farewell phrases include Salut, À bientôt, À plus tard, Bonne journée, and Bonne soirée.
Learning these expressions helps beginners understand how to say goodbye in French language naturally in everyday conversations when they learn French online for beginners.
French is spoken by millions of people worldwide, particularly across the global Francophonie community. And is one of the most popular languages for learners. You can explore how many countries speak French around the world.
Many beginners often search how do I say goodbye in French or try to learn the most common goodbye in French language expressions when starting their learning journey.
In this guide, you will learn the most common farewell phrases, examples of how to use them, and practical tips to help you communicate confidently in French.
Top 10 Ways to Say Goodbye in French
French speakers use different farewell expressions depending on the situation, level of formality, and relationship between speakers. Here are the top 10 ways to say goodbye in French language.
1. Au revoir
Translation: Goodbye / Until we meet again
Pronunciation: oh ruh-vwar
Example: Au revoir, à demain !
Au revoir is the most common and widely used way to say goodbye in French. It works in both formal and informal situations and is suitable when speaking with coworkers, strangers, or friends. The phrase literally means “until we see each other again,” making it a polite and neutral farewell.
2. Salut
Translation: Bye / Hi
Pronunciation: sah-lu
Example: Salut, à plus tard !
Salut is an informal word used mainly among friends, classmates, or people who know each other well. Because it is casual, it should not be used in professional or formal situations.
3. À bientôt
Translation: See you soon
Pronunciation: ah byan-toh
Example: C’était un plaisir de te revoir, à bientôt !
À bientôt is a friendly farewell that suggests you will see the person again in the near future. It has a warm tone and is commonly used between friends, family members, or colleagues.
4. À plus tard
Translation: See you later
Pronunciation: ah plu tar
Example: Je dois partir maintenant, à plus tard !
À plus tard is used when you expect to see the person again later the same day. It is common in everyday conversations.
5. À demain
Translation: See you tomorrow
Pronunciation: ah duh-man
Example: Bonne soirée, à demain !
This phrase is used when you know you will see the person again the next day. It is common at work, school, or between friends who meet regularly.
6. Bonne journée
Translation: Have a good day
Pronunciation: bun zhoor-nay
Example: Merci beaucoup, bonne journée !
Bonne journée is a polite phrase often used when leaving shops, offices, or customer service interactions.
7. Bonne soirée
Translation: Have a good evening
Pronunciation: bun swah-ray
Example: Au revoir, bonne soirée !
Bonne soirée is commonly used when saying goodbye during the evening.
8. À tout à l’heure
Translation: See you very soon
Pronunciation: ah too tah lur
Example: Je reviens dans une heure, à tout à l’heure !
This phrase is used when you will see the person again very soon, usually within the same day.
9. Adieu
Translation: Farewell
Pronunciation: ah-dyuh
Example: Adieu, mon ami.
Adieu is a more emotional or formal farewell. It is often used when someone is leaving for a long time or when you may not see them again.
10. À la prochaine
Translation: Until next time
Pronunciation: ah la pro-shen
Example: Merci pour la rencontre, à la prochaine !
À la prochaine is a friendly expression that suggests you will meet the person again in the future.
French Goodbye Phrases Comparison Table
| French Phrase | Meaning | Formality | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Au revoir | Goodbye | Formal / Neutral | Any situation |
| Salut | Bye | Informal | Friends and family |
| À bientôt | See you soon | Informal | When meeting again soon |
| À plus tard | See you later | Informal | Later the same day |
| À demain | See you tomorrow | Neutral | Next day meetings |
| Bonne journée | Have a good day | Polite | Shops, workplaces |
| Bonne soirée | Have a good evening | Polite | Evening situations |
| À tout à l’heure | See you very soon | Informal | When meeting again shortly |
| Adieu | Farewell | Formal / Emotional | Long separation |
| À la prochaine | Until next time | Informal | Friendly farewell |
Example French Goodbye Conversations
Formal example:
Person A: Merci pour votre aide.
Person B: Avec plaisir. Au revoir !
Informal example:
Person A: On se voit demain ?
Person B: Oui, à demain !
These simple examples help learners understand how French farewell phrases are used in real conversations and help them practice speaking French more confidently.
Common Mistakes When Saying Goodbye in French
Beginners sometimes make small mistakes when learning French farewell expressions and should understand the mistakes to avoid when learning French.
Common mistakes include:
- Using Salut in formal situations
- Using only Au revoir for every conversation
- Forgetting to match the phrase with the time of day
Learning different phrases helps you communicate more naturally and improves your understanding of how to say goodbye in French language.
Learn French Goodbye Phrases with Expert Guidance
Learning everyday expressions how to say goodbye in French becomes easier when you practice with structured lessons and online French classes.
Avani is a French language trainer who helps students prepare for French exams such as TEF, TCF, and TEFAQ. Through her platform, she shares practical lessons and simple explanations that help learners improve their French communication skills.
Her teaching approach focuses on real-life examples and everyday conversations so learners can confidently understand goodbye in French language and use these phrases naturally.
Tips for Learning French Goodbye Phrases Faster
- Practice speaking the phrases every day
- Listen to native French speakers
- Use the phrases in simple conversations
- Write down new expressions in a vocabulary notebook
With regular practice, you will quickly remember how to say goodbye in French.
Conclusion
Learning how to say goodbye in French is an important step for beginners studying the language. The most common phrase is “Au revoir,” but French speakers also use expressions like “Salut,” “À bientôt,” “À plus tard,” “Bonne journée,” and “Bonne soirée” depending on the situation.
If you are wondering how do I say goodbye in French, start by practicing these phrases regularly.
With time and practice, you will feel comfortable using different ways to say goodbye in French language in everyday conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common phrase is Au revoir, which means “until we see each other again.”
Au revoir is the most common way to say goodbye in French and is used in everyday conversations. Adieu is a more emotional or formal farewell that is usually used when someone is leaving for a long time or when it is uncertain if you will see them again.
Yes, Salut is a common informal way to say goodbye in French. However, it should only be used with friends, family members, or people you know well because it is considered casual.
