How to Say “Bye to Someone” in French

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au revoir
/o ʁə.vwaʁ/
In French, 'bye to someone' is expressed as au revoir.
au revoir is a common way to say goodbye when leaving. Other ways to say goodbye include à bientôt (see you soon), which is suitable for both formal and informal situations or à plus tard (see you later) if you expect to see the person again later that same day. You can also use à tout à l'heure (see you later/until later) when you expect to see someone again later in the day. When leaving, it is also common to wish someone a good time with bonne journée (have a good day) or bonne soirée (have a good evening).

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase au revoir literally translates to 'until seeing again'. It is composed of au (to the/until the) and revoir (seeing again).

Which one should you use?

While au revoir is the standard, neutral way to say goodbye, salut is a colloquial alternative used with friends and family that can mean both 'hi' and 'bye'. For a much more permanent or solemn parting, one might use adieu, which translates to 'farewell' or 'goodbye forever'.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

au revoir is the standard, polite and formal way to say goodbye, making it appropriate in almost any social or professional setting. In contrast, salut is informal and used among friends and peers, while ciao is a casual goodbye especially popular among the younger generation.

How do you pronounce it?

/o ʁə.vwaʁ/

Did you know?

  • The phrase adieu is rarely used in modern daily life because it implies a final parting, literally meaning 'to God'.
  • The phrase au revoir has a distant linguistic relative in the Bulgarian word довиждане (doviždane). Both words share a common ancestor that relates to the act of seeing.
  • While many English speakers use 'bye' as a quick, casual departure, using the formal au revoir in a very casual setting with close friends might actually sound strangely distant or stiff.

Examples in context

  • Au revoir, tout le monde.
    Goodbye, everyone.
  • Je m'en vais, au revoir !
    I am leaving, goodbye!
  • Au revoir, Monsieur.
    Goodbye, Sir.

Example conversation

Emma is leaving a small cafe where Gabriel is the waiter.

  1. Emma

    L'addition, s'il vous plaît.
    The check, please.
  2. Gabriel

    Voici, Madame.
    Here it is, Madam.
  3. Emma

    Merci, au revoir !
    Thank you, goodbye!
  4. Gabriel

    Au revoir, Madame.
    Goodbye, Madam.

Sources

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Jill Robyn
Jill RobynHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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