Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| adiós | /aˈdjos/ | |
| chau | /ˈt͡ʃau/ | alternative form |
| chao | /ˈt͡ʃaw/ | |
| agur | /aˈɡuɾ/ | |
| abur | /aˈbuɾ/ | alternative form |
| bay | /ˈbai/ | Latin America |
The most common way to say bye in Spanish is adiós. Other common expressions include hasta luego (see you later), nos vemos (we'll see each other) and hasta pronto (see you soon).
Which one should you use?
While adiós can be used casually, it is the standard, more formal way to say goodbye compared to the more colloquial chao. In the Southern Cone, the spelling chau is frequently used instead of chao.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chao is an informal, colloquial way to say bye and is commonly used among friends and family. In contrast, adiós is the standard, more formal way to say goodbye. For even more formal or respectful situations, you can use que le vaya bien (may things go well for you) or buen día (have a good day).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin-America, you may encounter the spelling bay. In the Southern Cone, specifically in regions like Argentina and Uruguay, chau is a very common spelling and pronunciation of chao. In Spain, locals often use hasta luego when saying goodbye and chao might be used casually in certain parts. In Mexico, nos vemos is a popular way to say see you informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈdjos/
Did you know?
- The word chao is a distant relative of the word esclavo meaning 'slave'.
- In many Spanish speaking cultures, it is common to accompany a goodbye with one or more air kisses on the cheeks.
- While adiós is the dictionary translation for 'bye', using it in some contexts can sound final, like saying 'farewell' forever.
Examples in context
- Se fue sin decir adiós.He went off without saying good-bye.This sentence shows how to use adiós in a sentence about leaving.Tatoeba #2160479 by Shishir, translation #290039 by CM
- ¡Hola y chao! Soy Nonong.Hello and bye! I'm Nonong.This sentence uses chao as a friendly greeting and farewell.Tatoeba #1393557 by marcelostockle, translation #1502382 by gleki
- Ya me tengo que ir. ¡Chao!I have to go now. Bye!This sentence demonstrates the use of chao when expressing the need to leave.Tatoeba #3182257 by marcelostockle, translation #2093311 by gleki
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are leaving a coffee shop.
- MaríaBueno, ya me voy. ¡Adiós, Alejandro!Well, I'm leaving now. Bye, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Adiós, María! Cuídate mucho.Bye, María! Take care.
- MaríaGracias, tú también.Thanks, you too.
- AlejandroHasta la próxima.Until next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bye” translations and entries adiós, chau, chao, agur, abur, bay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adiós, bay, chao, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
