adiós
/aˈdjos/
The Spanish phrase for "good bye" is adiós.
adiós is a common expression used when leaving someone or ending a conversation. It can be used both when you are leaving a person and when you are the one being left.
What does it mean word for word?
The word adiós is a contraction of the phrase a Dios, which literally means "to God".
Which one should you use?
While adiós can imply a permanent departure or a long period of time before seeing someone again, hasta luego (until later) is used for more certain, near-term departures.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal or polite goodbye, you can use hasta luego (until later) or the polite expression Que tenga un buen día (have a good day). For casual settings, nos vemos (we'll see each other) is an informal way to say goodbye and chao is a common informal way to say "bye".
Is it said differently in some regions?
chao is a common, informal way to say goodbye, especially in Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈdjos/
Did you know?
- The widely used informal word chao is actually a loanword from the Italian word 'ciao'.
- While it is the standard translation for 'goodbye', using adiós in a quick encounter or a shop can sometimes sound unexpectedly permanent, as if you do not intend to see the person ever again.
- The informal nos vemos functions as a social contract by implying a mutual intention to meet again.
Examples in context
- ¡Hasta luego!See you later!
- Adiós, que tengas un buen día.Goodbye, have a good day.
- Dijo adiós y se fue.He said goodbye and left.
- Solo un adiós rápido.Just a quick goodbye.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are finishing a phone call.
- DanielBueno, tengo que colgar.Well, I have to hang up.
- LucíaEstá bien, Daniel. Adiós.Okay, Daniel. Goodbye.
- DanielAdiós, Lucía.Goodbye, Lucía.
- LucíaHablamos luego.Talk to you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry adiós, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
