さようなら
sayōnarastandard, formal
The textbook word for goodbye is さようなら (sayōnara). In anime it is used for a real parting. Friends use じゃあね (jā ne) or またね (mata ne) instead. It is also called さらば (saraba).
Meaning: farewell (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| さようなら | sayōnara | standard, formal |
| じゃあね | jā ne | casual |
| さらば | saraba | dramatic |
| またね | mata ne | casual, see you |
さようなら (sayōnara) feels final and is also what students say to a teacher at the end of the day. またね (mata ne) means "see you" and is lighter.
Which one should you use?
さらば (saraba) is a dramatic, old-fashioned goodbye, often said by a hero or villain who is leaving for good.
Did you know?
- Many Japanese speakers say さようなら (sayōnara) rarely in daily life, because it can sound very final.
Examples in context
- さようなら、先生。Sayōnara, sensei.Goodbye, teacher.
- さらば！Saraba!Farewell!
- またね、元気でね。Mata ne, genki de ne.See you, take care.
Example conversation
A traveler, called Traveler here, says farewell to the village girl Rin at the station.
- Travelerさようなら、リン。Sayōnara, Rin.Goodbye, Rin.
- Rinまた会えるよね？Mata aeru yo ne?We will see each other again, right?
- Travelerああ、きっと。Ā, kitto.Yes, for sure.
