さようなら、友達
Sayounara, tomodachi
The English phrase "goodbye friend" is translated into Japanese as さようなら、友達 (Sayounara, tomodachi).
The phrase is used as a parting expression to say farewell to a friend. However, while it is grammatically correct, the phrase さようなら、友達 sounds somewhat unnatural or dramatic in spoken Japanese, as people rarely address their friends by the noun 'friend' during a farewell.
Which one should you use?
In casual settings, friends are much more likely to use じゃあね (see ya) instead of さようなら (goodbye). The word さようなら is a formal or heavy way to say goodbye, often implying a long-term or permanent parting and is rarely used between close friends in casual daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
Sayounara, tomodachi
Did you know?
- The word さようなら is a contraction of a phrase meaning 'it is as you say'. This reflects a historical cultural value of agreeing with the other person to ensure a harmonious parting.
- In Japanese culture, addressing a friend as 友達 (friend) when speaking to them directly can feel cold or overly clinical, as people typically use the person's name or a nickname instead.
- In schools, students use さようなら to address their teachers, but they almost never use it with their classmates, preferring casual slang.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are saying goodbye at the train station.
- 結衣 Yui電車が来たよ。さようなら、友達。Densha ga kita yo. Sayounara, tomodachi.The train is here. Goodbye, friend.
- 蓮 Renうん、気をつけてね。Un, ki o tsukete ne.Yeah, take care.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう。またね！Arigatou. Mata ne!Thanks. See you!
- 蓮 Renまたね、結衣！Mata ne, Yui!See you, Yui!
