adieu
/a.djø/
The French phrase for "adios" is adieu.
adieu is used in formal or poetic contexts to express a final farewell or a permanent departure.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables: /a.djø/.
Did you know?
- The phrase adieu is a contraction of the much longer Old French sentence a Dieu vos comant, which meant 'I commend you to God'.
- If you use adieu with a friend you see every day, they might think you are breaking up with them or moving away forever.
Examples in context
- Au revoirGoodbye
- À la prochaineUntil next time
Example conversation
Lucas is leaving for a long journey abroad.
- LucasC'est le moment de partir, Chloé.It is time to leave, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu reviendras un jour ?Will you ever come back?
- LucasJe ne sais pas. Adieu !I don't know. Farewell!
- ChloéBon voyage, Lucas.Have a safe trip, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry adieu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adieu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
