How to say "Goodbye" in French

Meaning

A standard farewell used when leaving or ending a conversation.

Usage

Commonly used in both casual and polite contexts. In very casual settings, 'Salut' or 'Ciao' may be used instead. For formal farewells, 'Adieu' (goodbye forever) is an option, but it's less common in everyday speech.

Example sentences

• I need to go now. Goodbye!

  Je dois y aller maintenant. Au revoir !

• Goodbye, see you tomorrow!

  Au revoir, à demain !

• She waved and said goodbye.

  Elle a fait un signe de la main et a dit au revoir.

Related expressions

• Salut— Hi/Bye (casual)

  Used in informal settings among friends or peers.

• Ciao— Bye (informal, borrowed from Italian)

  Often used in casual conversations, especially among younger people.

• Adieu— Goodbye forever (formal/literary)

  Rarely used in daily speech; implies a long or permanent separation.