When it comes to saying goodbye on the phone in Japanese, there are several formal and informal expressions to choose from. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to bid farewell in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say Goodbye
1. さようなら (Sayōnara)
This is the most commonly used and formal way to say goodbye on the phone in Japanese. It can be used both in professional and personal situations. While it directly translates to “goodbye,” it carries a sense of finality and is more commonly used when parting ways for a longer period of time or to say a permanent farewell.
Example: さようなら、お電話ありがとうございました。
(Sayōnara, odenwa arigatō gozaimashita.)
“Goodbye, thank you for the call.”
2. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu)
This phrase is often used to politely excuse oneself from the conversation. It can be used when ending a formal phone call or when leaving a professional setting.
Example: 失礼します。お時間いただきありがとうございました。
(Shitsurei shimasu. Ojikan itadaki arigatō gozaimashita.)
“Excuse me. Thank you for your time.”
3. では、お先に失礼します (Dewa, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
This phrase is a more polite way to say goodbye when leaving a phone conversation. It implies that the speaker is leaving before the other person and is often used in professional situations.
Example: では、お先に失礼します。
(Dewa, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu.)
“Well then, please excuse me for leaving ahead of you.”
Informal Ways to Say Goodbye
1. またね (Mata ne)
This is a casual and commonly used way to say goodbye on the phone in Japanese between friends or family members. It translates to “see you later” or “bye for now”.
Example: じゃあ、またね！
(Jā, mata ne!)
“Well then, see you later!”
2. じゃあ、また (Jā, mata)
Similar to “mata ne,” this informal expression is used when you expect to meet or talk to the person again soon. It translates to “see you” or “bye”.
Example: じゃあ、また！
(Jā, mata!)
“Okay, see you!”
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used across Japan, there are a few regional variations when it comes to saying goodbye on the phone. Here are some examples:
- 北海道弁 (Hokkaido dialect):
- いしゃきします (Ishaki shimasu) – Similar to “shitsurei shimasu,” this phrase is commonly used in the Hokkaido region to say goodbye on the phone.
- 沖縄方言 (Okinawan dialect):
- がんじゅうびら (Ganjūbira) – In Okinawa, this phrase is used to say goodbye on the phone. However, it is only applicable within the region and may not be understood in other parts of Japan.
Tips for Saying Goodbye on the Phone in Japanese
1. Consider the formality: Make sure to choose the appropriate expression based on the level of formality required for the situation.
2. Politeness matters: Using polite language such as “shitsurei shimasu” or “osaki ni shitsurei shimasu” shows respect and acknowledges the hierarchy present in professional settings.
3. Gauge the relationship: When saying goodbye to friends or family, opt for casual expressions like “mata ne” or “mata” to maintain a friendly tone.
4. Mimicking the other person: If the other person uses a specific expression to say goodbye, you can use the same phrase in response to mirror their level of formality.
5. Practice makes perfect: As with any language, practicing these phrases will help improve your fluency and make your goodbyes on the phone feel more natural.
Saying goodbye on the phone in Japanese can vary depending on the situation and the level of formality required. Using appropriate phrases will not only show your respect to the other person but also enhance your overall communication skills. Remember, it’s always important to be polite and considerate when saying goodbye, regardless of the language you’re speaking.
