Chau
casual, Argentina
The everyday way to say "bye" in Argentina is Chau. It is spelled with -au there and comes from Italian ciao. It is also called Nos vemos and Hasta luego.
Meaning: farewell (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Chau | casual, Argentina |
| Nos vemos | casual |
| Hasta luego | neutral |
| Un abrazo | warm, written |
Argentines often say Chau, nos vemos when leaving. Nos vemos means "see you" and doesn't promise a date.
Which one should you use?
Hasta luego is more formal and used in shops and offices. Un abrazo means "a hug" and closes messages and calls between friends.
When do people say it?
Friends greet and part with one kiss on the cheek, and men who are close often do the same or a hug.
Did you know?
- The Italian immigration of the late nineteenth century left a strong mark on Buenos Aires Spanish, and chau is one of the words that stayed.
Examples in context
- Chau, nos vemos mañana.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Che, me voy. Chau.Hey, I am off. Bye.
- Hasta luego, que tengas buen día.See you later, have a good day.
Example conversation
Matías and Lucía say goodbye outside a café in Buenos Aires.
- MatíasBueno, me voy. Chau, Lucía.Well, I am off. Bye, Lucía.
- LucíaChau, Mati. Nos vemos el viernes.Bye, Mati. See you on Friday.
- MatíasDale, un abrazo.Okay, a hug.
