How to say "Goodbye" in French

In France, saying goodbye is rarely just a functional sign-off; it is a social ritual that signals respect and warmth. The most critical cultural rule for beginners is the tu/vous distinction. Using the informal tu with someone you do not know well, or with someone significantly older or in a position of authority, can be perceived as rude or overly familiar. Conversely, using vous with close friends or young children can seem cold or distant. Your choice of farewell often mirrors this dynamic, shifting from the standard polite form to casual slang depending on your relationship with the listener.

1. Standard and Polite Farewell

The default phrase for most situations is Au revoir. It is safe to use with strangers, colleagues, shopkeepers, and people you address with vous. It literally means "until we see each other again." You can also use À bientôt (See you soon) if you expect to meet the person again in the near future, which adds a layer of warmth and continuity to the interaction.

• Au revoir, Madame.
  "Goodbye, Madam."

• À bientôt, Monsieur Dupont.
  "See you soon, Mr. Dupont."

2. Casual and Informal Farewell

Among friends, family, and peers with whom you use tu, Au revoir can sound a bit stiff or formal. Instead, French speakers often use Salut. This is a versatile word that serves as both "Hi" and "Bye." It is relaxed and friendly. Another very common option is Ça va ? (How's it going?), used as a shorthand for "Take care" or "See ya." Note that Ça va ? is strictly informal and should not be used in professional or formal settings.

• Salut, je vais à la boulangerie.
  "Bye, I'm going to the bakery."

• Ça va ! On se revoit demain.
  "Bye! We'll see each other tomorrow."

3. Leaving for the Night

When ending a conversation in the evening or night, the time of day dictates the phrase. You should say Bonne nuit (Good night) only when going to sleep or leaving a social gathering late at night. Using Bonne nuit during the day is incorrect. For daytime departures, stick to Au revoir or À bientôt.

• Bonne nuit, dors bien.
  "Good night, sleep well."

Quick Cheat Sheet

👉 Most useful for daily life: Memorize Au revoir. It is the universal default that works in shops, offices, and with acquaintances. You will rarely offend anyone by using it, whereas using Salut or Ça va ? with a stranger or boss can backfire. Once you are comfortable, add À bientôt to sound more natural and friendly.