tạm biệt
[taːm˧˨ʔ ʔɓiət̚˧˨ʔ]
The English phrase "bye bye" can be expressed in Vietnamese using tạm biệt.
In Vietnamese, you can use the standard term tạm biệt to say goodbye or you can use the English loanword bye bye for a very casual effect. While tạm biệt is the proper term, bye bye is much more common in casual, everyday social settings, often among friends or when speaking to children.
Which one should you use?
tạm biệt is the proper term for goodbye. In contrast, bye bye is a loanword from English used for much more casual interactions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tạm biệt is the standard, more formal way to say goodbye. The English loanword bye bye is used very casually in Vietnamese, often among friends or when speaking to children. For a formal and polite way to say goodbye, you may use Chào tạm biệt.
Did you know?
- While tạm biệt is the standard term, many Vietnamese people simply say đi nhé when leaving, which literally means 'I am going, okay?'
- If you use tạm biệt with a stranger or an elder, it can sometimes feel unnecessarily heavy or dramatic, as if you are implying a long, significant separation.
- When using the loanword bye bye, Vietnamese speakers often use a slightly higher, sing-song pitch than native English speakers to make it sound more affectionate.
Examples in context
- Tạm biệt nhé!Bye bye!
- Tạm biệt, hẹn gặp lại sau.Bye bye, see you later.
Example conversation
Lan is leaving Hùng after a quick chat at a cafe.
- LanEm phải về bây giờ. Tạm biệt anh nhé!I have to go now. Bye bye!
- Hùng HungỪ, tạm biệt em.Okay, bye bye.
- LanHẹn gặp lại anh vào ngày mai.See you tomorrow.
- Hùng HungĐược, tạm biệt Lan.Sure, bye bye Lan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tạm biệt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
