Goodbyes play an essential role in any conversation; they strengthen relationships by affirming connections and setting the stage for future interactions. However, not all goodbyes convey the same intent. How we say goodbye can vary significantly depending on the situation and the relationship between the individuals.
For example, saying goodbye to your colleagues in formal or professional settings would differ from saying goodbye to a close friend in a casual setting like a restaurant. For better understanding and insights, let’s explore 50 ways to say goodbye in English, providing context and usage tips for each.
1. Goodbye A classic, but a classic for a reason.
This may be the most straightforward and universally understood way to bid farewell to anyone in English. Saying a simple “goodbye” is suitable for almost any situation in casual, semi-formal, or formal contexts.
2. Bye “Bye” is a more casual, friendly way to bid farewell, commonly used in everyday interactions. It is more relaxed and informal compared to “goodbye,” which is slightly more formal and can imply a more significant parting.
3. Bye-bye Using the phrase “bye-bye” is a playful and affectionate way to say goodbye, often used with close friends, family, or children.
It adds a touch of warmth and endearment to your farewell, making the parting feel more personal and friendly.
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4. Talk to you soon “Talk to you soon” is a phrase that expresses warmth and anticipation in parting, suggesting that our conversation will continue shortly. It’s a hopeful farewell used in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the intention to reconnect soon.
You’ll find more polite phrases like this on the BoldVoice app to help you set the tone for meaningful relationships.
5. Take care This is one of the ways to say goodbye in English which also implies you wish the other person well.
The phrase is suitable for both informal and semi-formal situations, especially when you have just established a relationship with them. It's a warm and authentic way to end an interaction with someone you care for.
6. Farewell “Farewell” is a more formal and heartfelt way to say goodbye, often reserved for significant or longer-term departures.
It conveys a sense of finality and earnest well-wishing, making it appropriate for occasions where you might not see the person again for a long while.
7. Adieu Borrowed from French , this term is used to say goodbye with a sense of finality and formality. It is rarely used in everyday conversation but conveys a somewhat solemn farewell.
8. Catch you later This is a relaxed and friendly way to say goodbye. It’s perfect for casual settings among friends or colleagues, leaving the door open for future interactions.
9. See you tomorrow Use this phrase when you know you’ll be seeing the person the next day. It is ideal for colleagues, neighbors, or friends.
10. Until [day/time] The word “until…” as a form of saying goodbye implies a sense of continuity for the next meeting.
For example, you could keep it vague with "until we meet again," or you could be specific if you have another meeting already planned: "until Thursday!".
11. All the best “All the best” is a sincere and warm farewell, expressing your genuine wishes for the other person’s success and happiness. It’s suitable for both personal and professional interactions, adding a touch of goodwill to your parting words.
12. Peace out This is a very informal way to say goodbye, popular among younger generations. A piece of common American slang , it’s an effortless way of saying farewell that captures a cool, easygoing vibe.
13. Have a good one This phrase is an easygoing and friendly way to wish someone well as you part ways. The implication is that you're wishing someone a good day/evening/etc.
It is versatile and can be used in both casual and semi-formal settings. For example, after finishing a conversation with a colleague, you might say, “Great talking to you. Have a good one!”
14. Take it easy More appropriate in informal settings, this term is used to tell someone goodbye with warmth and reassurance.
For instance, after a long chat with a friend about upcoming exams, you might say, “Study smart and take it easy.” It’s a friendly reminder to stay calm and confident in challenging situations.
15. Adios “Adios” is a Spanish term for goodbye adopted by English speakers to add a bit of playfulness to farewells.
It is sometimes used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to acknowledge that the parting might be for a longer period of time.
16. Cheers This term in English can carry multiple meanings, depending on the context. It can signify congratulations or well wishes in a variety of situations.
As a goodbye, it's simply a playful and cheerful (of course) way to bid someone adieu.
17. TTYL Like “peace out,” “TTYL” (which stands for "talk to you later") is a casual and friendly way to say goodbye temporarily.
It is a quick and informal sign-off used in texting and online informal chats, indicating that you’ll reconnect with the person later.
18. Toodle-oo This is a playful and cheerful way to say goodbye, often used with children.
In “toodle-oo,” the vowel sound “oo” is pronounced like the sound in the word “boo.” It is a light and breezy farewell that is often delivered with a smile, adding a touch of whimsy to your departure.
19. Bye for now “Bye for now” is a gentle and temporary farewell, implying a sense of hope for future meetings. It suggests that the separation is not permanent, leaving an optimistic note in parting conversations.
20. Until next time This is a farewell filled with hope and anticipation, signaling an expectation of meeting again regardless of how much time passes.
This term differs from “bye for now,” which implies a short-term separation, whereas "until next time" may refer to a short or an extended time until the next encounter.
21. Keep in touch One of the more common English phrases, “keep in touch” is a friendly and encouraging way to suggest maintaining communication.
It’s a warm invitation to stay connected and maintain conversational relationships, irrespective of physical distance or busy schedules.
22. I must be going This is a classic phrase that signals your departure, politely letting others know it’s time for you to take your leave.
It indicates that you have other commitments to attend to, ensuring you don’t leave abruptly without giving them notice.
23. I’ve got to run This term is a spirited and informal way to express that you need to depart swiftly. It often implies urgency or a packed schedule, but it’s delivered in a light-hearted manner.
It conveys the same meaning as “I must be going,” but with a more casual tone.
24. Hasta la vista Americans really like to say goodbye using common phrases from other languages, it seems!
“Hasta la vista” is borrowed from Spanish , and it translates to “until the next time I see you.” Popularized by pop culture, this term also carries a fun and slightly dramatic flair, with hopes that you’ll see each other again.
25. Warm regards Ending with “warm regards” adds a touch of sincerity and warmth to your farewell. It’s a friendly and respectful way to sign off, conveying your goodwill and positive feelings toward the recipient.
This phrase is commonly used in professional and personal correspondence alike, making it a dependable choice for ending a letter or message.
26. Have a nice day This phrase is used to wish someone well as they continue with their day. It’s a warm way to say goodbye, hoping that the person’s day goes smoothly and pleasantly.
While this can easily be said between friends, colleagues, and family, it can also be used with strangers. If you're a customer service agent , for example, "have a nice day" is an excellent way to end an interaction with a client.
27. Catch you on the flip side This lengthy phrase may be a tad confusing for non-native speakers with no prior understanding of advanced American English phrases .
It is, however, one of the diverse ways to say bye in English, especially when at an informal gathering. While fun, this likely isn't one of the common English phrases you'd use with your boss, for instance.
28. Goodnight “Goodnight” is a polite and caring way to bid a person goodbye at the end of the day or before going to sleep.
29. Ciao Another borrowed term, Americans will commonly use the Italian "ciao" as a way to end an interaction in a light and friendly way.
Note that since this is a borrowed word, it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules . The "c" is pronounced as /tʃ/:
And the letters "iao" are pronounced as the diphthong /aʊ/:
30. Stay safe End your conversation with “stay safe” to express your care and genuine concern for their well-being. It is a thoughtful way to say goodbye and show that you care about their safety.
31. Good luck This phrase is often said before parting ways to encourage a person as they advance in future activities or challenges.
While it works as a goodbye, it requires the right context. For instance, if the person you're speaking with is on their way to write an exam or give an important presentation, "good luck" works perfectly.
32. Bon voyage This French phrase, meaning “good travels,” is used to wish someone a pleasant and safe trip.
It’s a way to say goodbye to someone about to travel, expressing hopes that their journey will be enjoyable.
33. Drive safe Saying “drive safe” as a farewell conveys genuine concern and care for someone’s well-being.
It is a thoughtful reminder to be cautious, expressing your hope that they arrive at their destination safely. Make sure to only use it if the other person will be driving, though!
34. Night Like "goodnight," “night” is a friendly and informal send-off, perfect for when you’re wrapping up a conversation or heading off to bed.
This simple, one-word farewell carries a touch of warmth and familiarity, wishing the other person a restful night ahead. It's more casual than the longer "goodnight."
35. I’m out This phrase is straightforward, often used to avoid lengthy farewells or to quickly and informally conclude an interaction. It implies that you are leaving or ending their participation in a situation or conversation.
Note that this phrase is best used in informal settings.
36. Until then Telling someone “until then” suggests that you acknowledge your parting for now, with the excitement of a specific future reunion already in mind.
This is in-line with the previously-mentioned "until [day/time]." If you have clearly-defined plans to see one another again in the relatively near future, you can simply part ways by saying "until then!"
37. Yours sincerely If you are a professional looking to thrive in your career , then you must know how to say goodbye in a formal email. This is especially because emails are the recognized means of communication in multiple organizations.
Assuming you’re going through a job interview process or need to send an email to a colleague at work, a formal “Yours Sincerely” would be more appropriate as a sign-off compared to "TTYL," for example.
38. Best wishes This expression conveys goodwill and positive sentiments towards someone. It is commonly used when bidding farewell or in written correspondence, like emails or written mail.
39. Keep well Use this phrase to wish someone good health and overall well-being as you bid farewell. It shows concern for the person’s physical and emotional state, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy and positive.
40. Sayonara Sayonara is a Japanese word translated as “goodbye.” It's a playful way to say goodbye when used in English, adding a bit of color and flair to the departure.
41. I’ve got to get going This phrase carries a sense of urgency and informs others that you need to start moving toward your next destination or task. It is a polite way to indicate that your time together is ending, but it’s often said with a hint of anticipation for what’s to come.
For example, “I’ve got to get going. My brother is waiting for me!”
42. I’m heading out “I’m heading out” can sometimes be perceived as abrupt, depending on the context and how it’s delivered.
However, it is often used in casual settings where a brief notice of departure is expected and acceptable.
43. So long “So long” is one of the more old-fashioned and friendly ways to say goodbye in English, often used in more relaxed and nostalgic settings where it might be a long period before meeting again.
It is less formal than “farewell,” but warmer than a simple “bye.”
44. Take care of yourself Telling someone “take care of yourself” expresses concern and well-wishes for the person’s well-being. It’s often used when saying goodbye to convey a sense of caring and to encourage the person to stay safe and healthy.
Although not explicitly stated, "take care of yourself" is most often used to say goodbye when it's assumed that you won't see the other person again. After a break up, for example, you might end with "take care of yourself" if there are no hard feelings.
45. Have a good evening This is a polite and friendly farewell, typically used in the late afternoon or evening hours. It’s a way to wish someone well as they continue with their evening activities or wind down for the day.
As you might have guessed, you can alter this based on the time of the day. After a lunch date, for instance, you could say "have a good afternoon" as you part ways.
46. I'll be seeing you Use this expression to express a casual farewell with an expectation or hope for future meetings or encounters. It is a friendly way to suggest that you look forward to seeing the person again soon.
47. BRB Using “BRB” is a quick and casual way to let someone know you’ll be away briefly.
It’s a friendly and informal shorthand that means “be right back,” and it is commonly used in text messages and casual conversations .
48. I’ve got to make tracks “I’ve got to make tracks” is an informal expression and somewhat advanced phrase used to leave promptly or begin your journey elsewhere.
It implies a sense of urgency or the need to move on to the next task or destination.
49. Don’t be a stranger When you use this phrase, you encourage continued connection and communication. It expresses a desire to maintain relationships and suggests an openness to future interactions.
50. It’s been a pleasure This phrase reflects genuine enjoyment and appreciation for the time spent together. It is used to wrap up an interaction on a positive note, acknowledging the value of the experience shared.
Advance Your English with BoldVoice Language is how we express our personality. Now, you have 50 different variations for "goodbye" to choose from to reflect the context of the interaction, your relationship with the other person, and your mood in the moment!
Whether in formal settings, casual conversations, or anything in between, these phrases will help you communicate more effectively and naturally. To further enhance your English proficiency and access more English vocabulary, take advantage of BoldVoice .
BoldVoice is an accent training and pronunciation app that can help you build your English vocabulary and improve your speech. With a fusion of technology and real-life lessons, BoldVoice offers advanced learning and resources to make your learning process way more efficient. Sign up on BoldVoice to enjoy a 7-day free trial and get started expanding your vocabulary bank today.
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