再见
zàijiàn
The English phrase "until we meet again" is translated into Chinese as 再见 (zàijiàn).
再见 is the standard and most common way to say "goodbye" in any situation. While its literal meaning is "see you again," it functions as the primary way to bid farewell.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 再见 is composed of 再, meaning "again" and 见, meaning "to see" or "to meet".
Which one should you use?
While 再见 is neutral, you can use the informal 下次见 to mean "see you next time" among friends or acquaintances. For a very casual "see you when you turn back" sentiment among friends and colleagues, you might use 回头见. Additionally, 拜拜 is used for casual "bye bye" goodbyes, whereas 再见 remains appropriate for more formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
zàijiàn
Did you know?
- While 再见 is the standard translation for 'goodbye', Chinese speakers often avoid it in favor of practical instructions, such as 慢走 meaning 'walk slowly', to show care for the departing person.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, the casual 拜拜 is actually a transliteration of the English 'bye-bye' rather than a native Chinese word.
- In traditional Chinese culture, saying a direct 'goodbye' was sometimes avoided because it could be seen as unlucky or as suggesting a permanent parting.
Examples in context
- 今天和你们一起玩真开心。回头见！It was great hanging out with you today. Catch you later!
- 电影真好玩！我们很快再一起来吧。下次见！The movie was so much fun! Let's do it again soon. See you next time!
- 再会，保重。Until we meet again, take care of yourself.
- 老师，再见。Lǎoshī, zàijiàn.Goodbye, teacher.
- 同学们，再见。Tóngxuémen, zàijiàn.Goodbye, classmates.
Example conversation
Junjie and Yuting are leaving the park after a long walk.
- 俊杰 Junjie雨婷，今天很开心。Yǔtíng, jīntiān hěn kāixīn.Yuting, I had a great time today.
- 雨婷 Yuting我也很开心，俊杰。Wǒ yě hěn kāixīn, Jùnjié.I had a great time too, Junjie.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我们再见。Nà wǒmen zàijiàn.Then, goodbye.
- 雨婷 Yuting再见！Zàijiàn!Goodbye!
