adieu pour toujours
The French phrase for "goodbye forever" is adieu pour toujours.
adieu pour toujours is a highly dramatic expression. It is typically reserved for literature, film or extremely intense emotional situations, such as a permanent break in a relationship or death.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of adieu (farewell/to God) and pour toujours (for always).
Which one should you use?
While adieu pour toujours puts heavy emphasis on the finality of the parting, the single word adieu already carries a strong connotation of a permanent or very long-term parting compared to au revoir.
Did you know?
- Because adieu carries such a weight of finality, using it to mean a simple 'goodbye' in modern daily life can lead to serious misunderstandings about your intentions.
- The word toujours is built from 'all' and 'days', literally meaning 'all days' or 'without ceasing'.
- The phrase is so heavy that using it in a casual setting, like a minor disagreement between friends, would be seen as highly theatrical or even mocking.
Examples in context
- C'est avec une grande tristesse que je te dis adieu pour toujours.It is with great sadness that I bid you farewell forever.
- Je te dis adieu pour toujours.I say goodbye forever to you.
Example conversation
A couple is breaking up in a park.
- ManonJe ne peux plus rester avec toi, Lucas.I cannot stay with you anymore, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce que c'est vraiment la fin ?Is this really the end?
- ManonOui, adieu pour toujours.Yes, goodbye forever.
- LucasJe comprends, Manon. Adieu.I understand, Manon. Goodbye.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adieu, pour, toujours, CC BY-SA 4.0.
