خداحافظ
xudāhāfiz/xu.daː.haː.ˈfiz/
The Persian phrase for "bye bye" is خداحافظ (xudāhāfiz).
خداحافظ is the standard, polite and versatile way to say goodbye in almost all social settings. While the English "bye bye" can sometimes sound childish, خداحافظ is used by adults of all ages in both formal and informal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of khodā (God) and hāfez (protector/guardian), literally meaning "God be your protector".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Although the English "bye bye" is very casual, the Persian خداحافظ is a standard and neutral term used in both formal and informal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is xudāhāfiz. The syllables are xu-dā-hā-fiz, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA is /xu.daː.haː.ˈfiz/.
When do people say it?
The phrase carries the sentiment "May God be your Guardian".
Did you know?
- The second part of the word, hāfez, is the same root found in the name of the famous 14th-century Persian poet, Hafez.
- In Classical Persian, the phrase was a full sentence: خدا حافظت باشد, meaning 'may God be your protector'.
- In very casual speech, the four-syllable khodāhāfez is often compressed into a much shorter, two-syllable version: khodāfez.
Examples in context
- خداحافظ!Bye-bye!This example shows how to use خداحافظ to say "Bye-bye!"Tatoeba #11115336 by sinakd, translation #6714881 by maaster
- خداحافظ، فعلاً!khodahafez, fe'lan!Bye, for now!
- خداحافظ، میبینمت فردا.khodahafez, mibinamet farda.Bye, I will see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Reza and Sara are leaving a cafe after meeting.
- رضا Rezaخداحافظ سارا، روز خوبی داشته باشی.khodahafez sara, ruz-e khubi dashte bashi.Bye Sara, have a good day.
- سارا Saraمرسی رضا، خداحافظ!mersi reza, khodahafez!Thanks Reza, bye!
- رضا Rezaبه امید دیدار.be omid-e didar.Hope to see you soon.
- سارا Saraباشه، فعلاً.bashe, fe'lan.Okay, bye for now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry خداحافظ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries خداحافظ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
