valē
singular
The Latin phrase for goodbye is valē. Wiktionary also lists valēte and bene ambulā.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| valē | singular |
| valēte | plural |
| bene ambulā | singular |
| bene ambulāte | plural |
Depending on the number of people you are addressing, you will choose different forms of the word.
What does it mean word for word?
The word valē is the imperative form of the verb valēre, which means to be well or to be strong.
Which one should you use?
You should use valē when speaking to a single person. If you are addressing more than one person, use the plural form valēte.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice between the singular and plural forms depends on the number of people you are addressing: use valē for one person and valēte for multiple people.
Did you know?
- The root of valē is also the source of the English word 'valedictorian'. It comes from valedicere, which literally means to say 'farewell'.
- The phrase bene ambulā literally translates to 'walk well', which functions as a way to wish someone a safe journey.
- The word valē is a cognate of the English word 'value'. Both derive from the idea of being strong, healthy and having worth.
Examples in context
- Valē, amīce.Goodbye, friend.
- Valē, canis.Goodbye, dog.
- Valē, mater.Goodbye, mother.
Example conversation
Quintus and Julia are parting ways after a walk.
- QuintusHodiē bene conversāvimus.We had a good talk today.
- JuliaIta, ego quoque.Yes, I did too.
- QuintusValē, Iūlia!Goodbye, Julia!
- JuliaValē, Quinte!Goodbye, Quintus!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
