Chau
casual, Uruguay
Uruguayans say Chau for "bye", the same spelling used across the River Plate area. It comes from Italian ciao. It is also called Hasta luego and Nos vemos.
Meaning: farewell (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| Chau | casual, Uruguay |
| Hasta luego | neutral |
| Nos vemos | casual |
| Cuidate | warm, voseo |
People finish a meeting with Chau, nos vemos. At a shop or office Hasta luego is the polite choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cuidate is the vos command, with the stress on the last syllable. Uruguayans use vos with friends, so you hear Cuidate more than Cuídate.
When do people say it?
Uruguay is known for its mate habit, and people often say goodbye after a long chat over a thermos and a mate gourd.
Did you know?
- Uruguay and Argentina share the vos form and the farewell chau, which is why a conversation in Montevideo can sound very close to one in Buenos Aires.
Examples in context
- Chau, nos vemos pronto.Bye, see you soon.
- Hasta luego, gracias por todo.See you later, thanks for everything.
- Cuidate, che.Take care, mate.
Example conversation
Joaquín says goodbye to his neighbor Mercedes after sharing mate on a sidewalk in Montevideo.
- JoaquínBueno, Mercedes, me voy yendo.Well, Mercedes, I am going now.
- MercedesChau, Joaquín. Cuidate.Bye, Joaquín. Take care.
- JoaquínChau, hasta mañana.Bye, until tomorrow.
