chao
casual, Colombia
In Colombia "bye" is chao, and it is used all the time. Hasta luego is also the standard way to say goodbye, even if you may not see the person again soon. It is also called que le vaya bien.
Meaning: farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chao | casual, Colombia |
| que le vaya bien | polite |
| hasta luego | everyday, Colombia |
Colombians often combine them: bueno, hasta luego, chao. Que le vaya bien is a polite wish used with older people or in shops.
Which one should you use?
Chao is relaxed and works with friends and strangers. Adding -ito to make chaíto sounds warm and a bit playful.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many countries hasta luego means "see you soon", but in Colombia it is a general goodbye.
Did you know?
- Colombians use chao much like Italians use ciao, and the Spanish form most likely comes from Italian.
Examples in context
- Chao, nos vemos mañana.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Hasta luego, que le vaya bien.Goodbye, take care.
- Chaíto, mi amor.Bye, my love.
Example conversation
Natalia leaves a store in Medellín after buying shoes from a Vendedora.
- NataliaMuchas gracias por todo.Thank you very much for everything.
- VendedoraA usted. Que le vaya bien.To you. Take care.
- NataliaHasta luego.Goodbye.
- VendedoraChao, que esté muy bien.Bye, take care.
