Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| пока́ | poká |
| бай-ба́й | baj-báj |
| ча́о | čáo |
| уви́димся | uvídimsja |
The primary way to say "bye" is through informal expressions used with friends, family and peers. While the English "bye" can sometimes be used in semi-formal settings, the Russian пока́ is strictly for friends, family and peers.
Which one should you use?
The form уви́димся literally means "we will see each other" and is used when there is a definite or implied intention to meet again. The forms бай-ба́й and ча́о are both loanwords used in casual contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Most of the forms provided are informal. пока́ is the most common way to say "bye" among friends and acquaintances, but it should not be used with superiors or strangers. бай-ба́й is used in a playful or childish manner, and ча́о is used in casual, trendy or youthful circles. For formal situations, you should use the phrase До свидания.
How do you pronounce it?
poká
Did you know?
- Russian speakers often use the word давай (meaning 'give' or 'come on') as a way to say 'bye' or 'take care' when ending a phone call.
- The formal 'goodbye', До свидания, contains a hidden promise of a future meeting. The word свидания comes from the root for 'date' or 'rendezvous'.
- While ча́о comes from Italian, it became so popular in the Soviet era that it is often associated with the 'intelligentsia' or urban elites of that time.
Examples in context
- До свидания! Удачи вам!Goodbye! Best of luck to you!
- Всё, я пошёл. Пока́!Vsyo, ya poshol. Poká!That's it, I'm off. Bye!
- Мария, пока́!Mariya, poká!Bye, Maria!
- Ну, пока́, до завтра.Nu, poká, do zavtra.Well, bye, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Alexander is leaving Maria's apartment after a short visit.
- Александр AleksandrМне пора, Мария. Пока́!Mne pora, Mariya. Poká!I have to go, Maria. Bye!
- Ольга OlgaПока́, Александр! Хорошего пути.Poká, Aleksandr! Khoroshego puti.Bye, Alexander! Have a good trip.
- Александр AleksandrСпасибо. Увидимся!Spasibo. Uvidimsya!Thanks. See you!
- Ольга OlgaДо встречи!Do vstrechi!Until next time!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bye” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
