adiós
/aˈdjos/
The English phrase "bye in different ways" can be expressed in Spanish using several terms, most commonly adiós.
While adiós is the standard translation for "goodbye", it can sometimes sound more final or formal than other ways to say goodbye in casual conversation. Other common options include nos vemos for "see you", chao for a casual "bye" and hasta pronto for "see you soon".
Which one should you use?
Use hasta mañana specifically when you know you will see the person the following day. Use nos vemos for a very common and casual "see you" or "see you around". For a simple, informal "bye", you can use chao. While adiós is a standard "goodbye", it may feel more final than the more casual alternatives.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word chao is a widely used, informal way to say "bye" in many Spanish-speaking countries, having been borrowed from the Italian "ciao".
How does it change in a sentence?
In phrases such as hasta luego or hasta mañana, the word hasta literally means "until".
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈdjos/
Did you know?
- The word adiós actually contains a religious blessing, as it literally translates to 'to God'.
- While chao is used across the Spanish-speaking world, its usage is significantly more frequent in Colombia and Argentina than in Spain.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using adiós can unintentionally imply that you do not expect to see the person again for a long time.
Examples in context
- Adiós, que tengas un buen día.Bye, have a good day.
- Fue un placer, adiós.It was a pleasure, goodbye.
- Tengo que irme, adiós.I have to go, bye.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are leaving a coffee shop after meeting.
- ElenaMe alegra mucho verte, Alejandro.I am very happy to see you, Alejandro.
- AlejandroYo también, Elena. ¡Adiós!Me too, Elena. Bye!
- ElenaAdiós, nos vemos la próxima semana.Bye, see you next week.
- AlejandroHasta luego.See you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry adiós, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adiós, CC BY-SA 4.0.
