What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of さようなら, which means "goodbye" (literally translating to "if it be so" or "if that is the case") and the verb 言う, which means "to say".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The specific word さようなら is suitable for formal situations or when parting from someone for an extended period. In casual daily conversation, Japanese speakers are much more likely to use じゃあね instead of さようならを言う to say goodbye to friends. じゃあね is an informal way to say see you later among friends or close acquaintances, and またね is a casual way of saying see you later. For leaving a formal gathering or excusing oneself politely, one might use 失礼します.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase さようならを言う, the particle を marks さようなら as the direct object of the verb 言う, which means "to say".
How do you pronounce it?
sayōnara o iu
Did you know?
- Japanese has a unique concept called en referring to the invisible tie or fate that connects two people. When saying goodbye, some believe that a certain type of parting can sever this en.
- In many Japanese households, a child might say 行ってきます when leaving for school, which means 'I will go and come back', rather than a word for 'goodbye'.
- In Japanese schools, students often say さようなら to their teachers, but it is rare for a teacher to say it back. Instead, the teacher might simply nod or use a different expression to maintain the social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- さようなら、先生。Goodbye, teacher.
- 失礼します。お先に失礼します。Excuse me. I'll take my leave first.
- じゃあね、また明日。See you later, see you tomorrow.
- またね、おやすみ。See you later, goodnight.
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are at the airport.
- 結衣 Yuiもう行かなくちゃ。さようならを言うね。Mou ikanakucha. Sayounara o iu ne.I have to go now. I'll say goodbye.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん。気をつけてね。Un. Ki o tsukete ne.Yeah. Take care.
- 結衣 Yuiまたすぐに会おうね。Mata sugu ni aou ne.Let's meet again soon.
- 大翔 Hirotoもちろん。またね、結衣。Mochiron. Mata ne, Yui.Of course. See you later, Yui.
