valē
The English phrase "bye" is expressed in Latin as valē.
valē is a common and versatile way to say goodbye in Latin.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word valē is the imperative singular form of the verb valēre, which means "be well" or "be strong".
Which one should you use?
Use the singular form valē when addressing only one person, whereas valēte is used for a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say goodbye to more than one person, use the plural form valēte instead of the singular valē.
Did you know?
- The Latin verb valēre is a direct ancestor of the English word 'valor' and the word 'valentines'.
- The English word 'valid' comes from the same root as valē, because something valid is literally 'strong' or 'effective'.
- Because it is an imperative verb, you are technically giving a command to the person you are leaving.
Examples in context
- Valē, amīce.Bye, friend.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are parting ways after a walk.
- JuliaQuinte, valē.Quintus, bye.
- QuintusValē, Iūlia.Bye, Julia.
- JuliaCrās nōs vidēbimus.We will see each other tomorrow.
- QuintusIta, valē.Yes, bye.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bye” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
