Ways to say it
| Bisaya | IPA |
|---|---|
| babay | /ˈbabaj/ |
| panamilit | |
| hangtod sa sunod |
You can use babay for a casual "bye," while hangtod sa sunod is a standard way to say "until next time." For a formal farewell, you might use Adios or the noun panamilit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hangtod sa sunod literally translates to "until the next," which implies the sentiment "until next time."
Which one should you use?
While babay is a casual parting, hangtod sa sunod is a more standard way to express the sentiment of "until next time." Additionally, Adios serves as a formal way to say goodbye meaning "farewell."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Babay is an informal, loanword-based way to say goodbye, similar to the English "bye-bye." The term panamilit is formal, used for a formal farewell or the act of bidding someone goodbye. For a formal "until next time," use Hangtod sa sunod whereas the informal version is Hangtud sa sunod.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word panamilit can function as both a verb meaning to say goodbye and as a noun meaning a farewell or an utterance of goodbye.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbabaj/
When do people say it?
When saying goodbye, you can use the informal phrase Ayaw'g kabalaka (don't worry) to reassure someone as you depart.
Did you know?
- While babay sounds like a loanword from 'bye-bye', it is also a homonym for the Bisaya word babaye, which means 'woman'.
- In many Bisaya-speaking communities, saying amping meaning 'take care' is more common than using a literal word for 'goodbye'.
- The use of Adios for formal farewells persists in Bisaya as a linguistic relic of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines.
Examples in context
- Wa'y sapayan. Hangtud sa sunod!You're welcome. Until next time!
- Salamat sa imong pagdumala. Adios!Thank you for your leadership. Farewell!
- Ayaw'g kabalaka. Magkita tang usab!Don't worry. We'll see each other again!
- Salamat gyud! Hangtod sa sunod!Thank you so much! Until next time!
- Babay na ko.I'm going to say goodbye now.
- Babay, magkita ta puhon!Goodbye, let's meet again soon!
- Sige, babay!Okay, goodbye!
Example conversation
Jose and Maria are leaving a party.
- JoseMaria, babay na ko.Maria, I'm saying goodbye now.
- MariaSige, Jose. Amping sa dalan.Alright, Jose. Take care on the road.
- JoseSalamat, babay!Thanks, goodbye!
- MariaBabay!Goodbye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries babay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babay, sa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
