What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of adiós (goodbye) and chicos (guys/boys/children).
Which one should you use?
adiós, chicos is more casual than using adiós a todos (goodbye to everyone), which is more neutral.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of chicos makes this phrase informal and suitable for friends, peers or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
While chicos is grammatically used for mixed-gender groups, if the group consists entirely of females, you must change the masculine chicos to the feminine chicas. You can explicitly mention both genders for emphasis or clarity by saying adiós, chicos y chicas.
When do people say it?
Que tengan un buen día/tarde/noche is a courteous way to end a conversation and wish the group well. Other informal ways to say goodbye to a group include ¡Hasta pronto, gente! (See you soon, folks!), ¡Nos vemos luego, muchachos/muchachas! (See you later, guys/girls!) or the friendly and informal farewell expression ¡Que les vaya bien! (Take care! / All the best!).
Did you know?
- The word adiós is a contraction of the phrase 'a Dios', which literally means 'to God'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a goodbye is accompanied by a beso (kiss) on the cheek, even when addressing chicos in a group.
- In very informal settings, the adiós in adiós, chicos is often shortened to just chao, a loanword from the Italian 'ciao'.
Examples in context
- Adiós, chicos, nos vemos mañana.Goodbye, guys, see you tomorrow.
- Ya me voy, adiós, chicos.I'm leaving now, goodbye, guys.
- ¡Adiós, chicos! Que tengan un buen fin de semana.Goodbye, guys! Have a good weekend.
Example conversation
Alejandro is leaving a small group of friends at a cafe.
- AlejandroBueno, ya es tarde, adiós, chicos.Well, it's late, goodbye, guys.
- SofíaEstá bien, Alejandro, cuídate mucho.Okay, Alejandro, take care.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía, nos vemos pronto.Thanks, Sofía, see you soon.
- Sofía¡Hasta luego!See you later!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adiós, CC BY-SA 4.0.
