Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hej då | /ˈhɛjː doː/ (word by word) |
| adjö | /aˈjøː/ |
| hej | /ˈhɛjː/ |
| farväl | /fɑːrˈvɛːl/ /farˈvɛːl/ |
| på återseende |
The most common casual way to say goodbye is hej hej, though hej då is also frequently used for leaving. In many casual contexts, the word hej can function as both 'hi' and 'bye', but hej då is more specific for the act of departing. Other informal options include vi ses (see you) and ses snart (see you soon).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hej då literally translates to 'hello then', where då (then) functions as a particle to signal the end of the interaction.
Which one should you use?
While hej då is the standard for everyday, informal situations, adjö is a formal way to say goodbye that is much less common in casual conversation. Farväl is used for a more dramatic or formal 'farewell', often found in literature or when a long separation is implied.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɛjː doː/
When do people say it?
In Swedish culture, people tend to avoid excessive physical contact. Especially in formal settings, a handshake or a nod is more appropriate than a hug.
Did you know?
- The word hej first appeared in written records in 1541. It likely evolved from an ancient Germanic exclamatory sound used to get someone's attention.
- The phrase på återseende is a way to say 'until we see each other again', which is more formal and structured than the casual 'see you'.
Examples in context
- Säg farväl till livet!Say goodbye to life!This sentence shows how to use farväl in a dramatic context.Tatoeba #6364213 by SilasNordgren, translation #6317696 by carlosalberto
- Tom ville inte ta farväl.Tom didn't want to say goodbye.This sentence illustrates the use of farväl regarding a person's desire to say goodbye.Tatoeba #11269239 by Pineapple, translation #6530540 by CK
- Hej då.Goodbye.This sentence provides a simple example of the form hej då.Tatoeba #1387686 by Balamax, translation #2591566 by tanay
- Tack för mötet. Adjö!Thanks for the meeting. Goodbye!
- Hej då! Vi ses snart.Bye! See you soon.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alice and Oscar are parting ways after a coffee date.
- AliceDet var jättetrevligt att ses!It was really nice to see you!
- OscarJa, verkligen. Hej då!Yes, truly. Goodbye!
- AliceHej då, Oscar.Goodbye, Oscar.
- OscarVi hörs snart igen.We will talk again soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries hej då, adjö, hej, farväl, på återseende, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hej, då) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adjö, då, farväl, hej, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
