再见
zàijiàn
The English phrase "good bye" is translated into Chinese as 再见 (zàijiàn).
再见 is the standard expression used when parting from someone. While it is the most common way to say goodbye, it can sometimes feel slightly formal or even final in very close, casual friendships.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 再见 is composed of 再, meaning "again" and 见, meaning "to see". Literally, it translates to "see again".
Which one should you use?
While 再见 is the standard form, you may also encounter the informal expression 下次见, which means "see you next time" and is often used among friends or colleagues. Additionally, the transliteration of the English word "bye-bye" is used as 拜拜.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
再见 is the standard way to depart, though it may feel more formal than casual alternatives. In informal or casual settings, many people prefer using the transliteration 拜拜 when speaking with friends or acquaintances.
How do you pronounce it?
zàijiàn
Did you know?
- In some highly informal digital contexts, such as WeChat, users might replace the formal 再见 with a simple '88', which is a phonetic play on the English 'bye-bye'.
- In many parts of China, it is common to say 慢走 meaning 'walk slowly' when seeing a guest out. It is not a command to slow down, but a polite way of wishing the person a safe journey home.
- While 拜拜 sounds like a loanword from English, it is an accidental homophone for a Buddhist term meaning 'to worship'. In some traditional contexts, using this sound can feel unexpectedly religious.
Examples in context
- 再见，小明Goodbye, Xiao Ming
- 再见，感谢您的时间。Goodbye, thank you for your time.
- 下次见，记得给我打电话。See you next time, remember to call me.
- 哎呀，我走了！下次一起出去吃饭啊。Oh no, I'm leaving! Let's go out for a meal together next time.
- 老师，再见。Lǎoshī, zàijiàn.Goodbye, teacher.
- 我们下次再见。Wǒmen xiàcì zàijiàn.We will see each other again next time.
- 好了，再见吧。Hǎo le, zàijiàn ba.Okay, goodbye then.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are leaving a cafe after a meeting.
- 志强 Zhiqiang今天很高兴见到你。Jīntiān hěn gāoxìng jiàndào nǐ.It was very nice to see you today.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我也是，再见，志强。Wǒ yě shì, zàijiàn, Zhìqiáng.Me too, goodbye, Zhiqiang.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，再见。Xiǎowén, zàijiàn.Goodbye, Xiaowen.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen拜拜！Bàibài!Bye bye!
