chao
informal, casual
The casual chao is a way to say "bye" in Spanish, borrowed from the Italian ciao. It is widely used in Latin America and also heard in Spain. It is also called hasta luego and adiós.
Meaning: informal goodbye (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| chao | informal, casual |
| hasta luego | neutral |
| adiós | standard |
Use chao with friends, family and people you know well, often at the end of a phone call or message. It is short and light, and it fits quick goodbyes.
Which one should you use?
Adiós is the standard goodbye and can feel more final. Hasta luego means "see you later" and works in most situations, formal or not.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling chao is the Spanish form. In Chile and Argentina it is very common, and some speakers also write chau, especially in Argentina.
Did you know?
- Chao and chau both come from Italian ciao, which began as a Venetian greeting meaning roughly "I am your slave".
Examples in context
- Chao, nos vemos mañana.Bye, see you tomorrow.
- Chao, mamá.Bye, mom.
- Bueno, chao, te llamo luego.Okay, bye, I will call you later.
Example conversation
Camila ends a phone call with her friend Javiera.
- CamilaBueno, me tengo que ir.Okay, I have to go.
- JavieraDale, hablamos mañana.Sure, we will talk tomorrow.
- CamilaChao, un abrazo.Bye, a hug.
