13 Ways To Say Goodbye In French

Au Revoir and Adieu are probably the first French goodbye most of us heard and learned. These are the ones we hear in films or read in books, and most likely, they’re not even used in the proper context. 

There are more ways to say goodbye in French. These ranges from those you say with the certainty of seeing someone again soon, or the kind that bids farewell with finality. Not all French goodbyes are the same, and not all should be used interchangeably. Here’s a quick guide on the ways to say goodbye in French and how to properly use them. 

13 Ways To Say Goodbye In French

The most common way of saying goodbye in French

1. Au revoir – Goodbye

“Au revoir” is the classic French “goodbye”. It is what’s often heard in film and TV when a character inserts some French in the dialogue or spiel. “Au revoir” can be used in most conversations, and with anyone when bidding them goodbye. 

It is both casual and formal, and the safest “goodbye” for those who are just starting to learn the language. 

Casual ways of saying goodbye in French

2. Salut – Goodbye

For non-native speakers, it may seem confusing to hear “Salut” as a way to say “Hello” and something one says when it is time to go. It is a more casual form of saying “Goodbye” in French and often heard among teenagers or among friends, family members, and people you are already familiar with.

Read More: How To Say Hello In French In Different Ways

3. Je m’en vais – I’m outta here

A casual way of saying “Goodbye” in French, “Je m’en vais” means you are about to leave and head home. This is frequently heard in gatherings like a dinner party or a bar/club/pub. 

4. Ciao – goodbye

Yes, this one is Italian but normally used in French in place of “salut”. This is a casual way of saying “Goodbye” and often heard among friends. However, “Ciao” isn’t exactly like “Salut” or how it is used in Italy. In France, “ciao” only means “bye”. 

Formal ways to say goodbye in French

5. Adieu – Farewell

A highly formal way of saying “Goodbye” in French, “adieu” is not to be used casually, and not in a flippant manner. For the French, “adieu” is the ultimate “goodbye”, the kind that you say when you’re certain you won’t see a person again or if you are on your deathbed. 

Avoid saying this in place of the other ways to say goodbye in this list. Adieu has a sense of finality and is not suitable for ending conversations or meeting with people that you still want to see again.  

6. Bonne journée / Bonne soirée – Have a nice day / Have a nice evening

Both of these expressions are rather formal but these are also often heard from native French speakers. The proper way to use “Bonne journée/Bonne soirée” is when you are about to part ways with someone for the day or night. You may also end a phone call with these words, or say these to end a short chat with someone you ran into on the street.

 “Au revoir” may also be added, as well as a Monsieur, Madame, or Mademoiselle in a formal situation.

7. À plus tard – Until later

A rather formal way of saying goodbye in French, “À plus tard” means “Until later” or “See you later”. When texting, on messaging apps, or in emails between friends,  “À plus tard” is often shortened by the French and types as A+ to temporarily end a conversation.

Alternative ways to say goodbye in French

8. À bientôt – See you

Another way to say “Goodbye” in French that is used either formally or informally, “À bientôt” translates to “see you soon”. This is what you say when you know for sure that you will see the other person soon.

It doesn’t even have to be immediate, but most like in the next several days or weeks. The important element here is the certainty that you will see that other person again. 

A variation of “à bientôt”, is “à très bientôt,” which is what you say when you know you’ll see someone in a few hours. “À très bientôt” in this case, means “see you very soon”.

9. À Tout à l’Heure – See You Later

“À Tout à l’Heure” does not have a literal translation but the closest is “see you in a moment”, or “see you later. Just like with “À bientôt“, this is some sort of temporary goodbye because you know for sure that you’ll be seeing someone later. This fact has to be certain, otherwise, this way of saying goodbye in French will not make sense and confuse native speakers. 

When in France, you might also hear “à tout“, which is the shortened slang version of “à tout à l’heure“. 

10. À la prochaine – See you next time

There are instances when you say goodbye to someone but you’re both not sure yet when you’ll see each other again. In situations like this, the correct way of saying “Goodbye” in French is “À la prochaine“. This French goodbye literally translates to “see you next time”. 

11. À tout de suite – See you in a little while 

 “À tout de suite“, a way of saying goodbye in French when you know for certain that you will see someone shortly. This is a variation of “À bientôt” that adds to the time element, by saying that you will see them soon.

For example, you are on a call with someone who is asking directions about the exact location of maybe a cafe or park where you agreed to meet. As you end the call, you say “À tout de suite” or “See you in a short while” Or “see you in a little bit”. 

12. Ravi d’avoir fait votre connaissance – It was a pleasure to meet you

A more intimate and somewhat romantic way to say Goodbye in French, “Ravi d’avoir fait votre connaissance” is what you say when you’re about to call ot a day/night with someone you had a great time with. 

To make this “goodbye” sound more casual or if you are talking to someone younger,  “ravi d’avoir fait ta connaissance” is a better thing to say. 

13. Bonne continuation – Enjoy the rest of…

Another way to say goodbye in French is “Bonne continuation”. It is a bit tricky as it translates to  “Enjoy the rest of…(the day/evening)” which is what you tell someone as you part ways. In formal situations, or after a meeting, “Bonne continuation”  also means “all the best” or “good luck for the future”.  

Want to learn more French phrases? Check out our language guides below: 

• Hello in French
• Nice to meet you in French 
• I love you in French
• I’m Sorry In French 
• Thank You In French
• I Miss You In French