Ways to say it
| Hungarian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| viszontlátásra | [ˈvisontlaːtaːʃrɒ] (narrow) | |
| viszlát | [ˈvislaːt] (narrow) | |
| agyő | dated |
The phrase is used to bid farewell, which can mean 'goodbye' or 'until we see each other again'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word viszontlátásra is a compound of viszont (again) and látásra (to seeing/upon seeing), which literally translates to 'until we see each other again'.
Which one should you use?
While viszontlátásra is the standard formal way to say goodbye, viszlát is a shortened, more casual version of the word used in colloquial settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
viszontlátásra is a formal way to say goodbye and is suitable for use in shops, restaurants or with people you do not know well. In contrast, viszlát is a colloquial and informal way to say goodbye or 'bye', often used among friends or in less formal settings. The form agyő is dated.
Related words
When do people say it?
When bidding farewell in a formal setting, you might also use Szép napot! to mean 'Have a nice day!' For informal group settings, Sziasztok! can be used to say 'Goodbye, everyone!'
Did you know?
- The formal phrase viszontlátásra is a calque of the German 'auf Wiedersehen'. It was first recorded in Hungarian in 1839.
- While Sziasztok! is used to say 'goodbye' to a group, it is the same word used to say 'hello' to a group.
- In a shop or restaurant, using the short viszlát instead of viszontlátásra can make you sound overly casual or even slightly rude to staff.
Examples in context
- Viszontlátásra és sok szerencsét!Goodbye and good luck.This sentence shows how to use viszontlátásra alongside a wish for good luck.Tatoeba #6620025 by mraz, translation #434818 by lukaszpp
- Sosem mondjuk egymásnak, hogy viszontlátásra.We never say goodbye to each other.This sentence illustrates the use of viszontlátásra in a negative context regarding saying goodbye.Tatoeba #3719029 by Aleksandro40, translation #2641583 by CK
- Viszlát!Goodbye!This sentence provides an example of the informal viszlát.Tatoeba #694774 by szaby78, translation #516745 by minshirui
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
László and Zsófia are finishing a formal meeting at an office.
- LászlóKöszönöm a segítségét, viszontlátásra!Thank you for your help, goodbye!
- ZsófiaSzívesen, viszontlátásra!You're welcome, goodbye!
- LászlóHolnap újra találkozunk.We will meet again tomorrow.
- ZsófiaIgen, várom. Viszontlátásra!Yes, I look forward to it. Goodbye!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries viszontlátásra, viszlát, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viszlát, viszontlátásra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
