totsiens
/tɔt͡siːns/
The English phrase 'bye' is translated into Afrikaans as totsiens.
totsiens is the standard way to say goodbye.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word totsiens is a compound of tot, meaning 'until' and siens, meaning 'seeing' or 'sight'.
Which one should you use?
While totsiens is the standard form, you can also use tot volgende keer to mean 'until next time'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
totsiens is a polite and standard expression suitable for both formal and semi-formal situations. For more informal settings, you can use Sien jou later (See you later) or Lekker dag (Have a nice day).
How do you pronounce it?
/tɔtsiːns/
Did you know?
- In very informal settings, an Afrikaans speaker might simply say doei, which is a phonetic adaptation of the English 'bye'.
- While totsiens means 'until seeing', some Afrikaans speakers use lekker dag not just as a farewell but as a way to wish someone a 'tasty' or 'pleasant' day.
- The word totsiens is actually a shortened version of the older and more formal phrases tot weersiens or tot wedersiens.
Examples in context
- Totsiens.Bye.This sentence demonstrates the use of totsiens.Tatoeba #13458251 by Pietpetoors, translation #1903709 by AsliAbbasi
- Dankie vir die insette. Tot weerziens.Thank you for the input. Goodbye.
- Baie dankie vir die uitnodiging. Tot siens.Thank you very much for the invitation. Goodbye.
- Sien jou later!See you later!
- Lekker dag!Have a nice day!
- Totsiens, sien jou môre.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Dit is tyd om te gaan, totsiens!It is time to go, bye!
Example conversation
Johan and Anika are finishing a conversation at a cafe.
- JohanEk moet nou loop, Anika.I must go now, Anika.
- AnikaGoed so, Johan. Totsiens!Alright, Johan. Bye!
- JohanSien jou later.See you later.
- AnikaJa, totsiens.Yes, bye.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry totsiens, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries totsiens, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
