paalam
/paˈʔalam/
The English phrase goodbye is translated into Tagalog as paalam. Wiktionary also lists babay.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
Ways to say it
| Tagalog | IPA |
|---|---|
| paalam | /paˈʔalam/ (Standard Tagalog) |
| babay | /ˈbabaj/ (Standard Tagalog) |
The word paalam is used to express farewell and can also function as a noun meaning an utterance of goodbye. In natural conversation, speakers often add the particle na to create paalam na, which softens the departure and makes the phrase sound more natural.
Which one should you use?
While paalam is the standard or formal way to say goodbye, often used for more permanent or serious partings, babay is a colloquial, informal version derived from the English 'bye-bye'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈʔalam/
When do people say it?
In formal settings, it is common to use parting greetings like Magandang araw po (have a good day) to end an interaction politely.
Did you know?
- Using paalam in a text message to a close friend might actually make you sound like you are angry or declaring a permanent end to the relationship.
- In many Filipino households, a goodbye is accompanied by mano, a gesture where a younger person takes the elder's hand and touches it to their own forehead.
- The formal word paalam is etymologically linked to the concept of 'permission' or 'knowledge'.
Examples in context
- Bakit ka nasasabi ng paalam?Why are you saying goodbye?This sentence shows how to use the word paalam in a question.Tatoeba #8276550 by jenardcabilao, translation #1126721 by CK
- Paalam na, Sayoko.Goodbye, Sayoko.This sentence demonstrates a simple use of paalam when addressing someone.Tatoeba #11268439 by qwertzu, translation #54013 by CN
- Hanggang sa muli, paalam!Until then, goodbye!This sentence uses the formal phrase Hanggang sa muli alongside paalam.
- Paalam po. Hanggang sa muli!Goodbye. Until next time!
- Salamat po. Magandang araw!Thank you. Have a good day!
- Kita kits mamaya sa bahay.See you later at my house.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Christina and Mark are parting ways at the train station.
- ChristinaPaalam na, Mark.Goodbye now, Mark.
- MarkPaalam din sa iyo, Christina.Goodbye to you too, Christina.
- ChristinaMag-ingat ka palagi.Always take care.
- MarkSalamat, paalam.Thank you, goodbye.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goodbye” translations and entries paalam, babay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babay, paalam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
