do widzenia
/dɔ‿viˈd͡zɛ.ɲa/
The Polish phrase for "until we meet again" is do widzenia.
do widzenia is a standard polite expression used when saying goodbye, particularly in settings like leaving shops, restaurants or formal meetings. It is used when you expect to see the person again.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase do widzenia literally translates to "to seeing".
Which one should you use?
While do widzenia is used when you expect to see someone again, the term żegnam is a more formal and final goodbye used when you might not see the person for a long time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
do widzenia is the standard polite way to say goodbye. For informal situations with friends, you can use cześć, na razie (meaning "for now" or "see you soon") or the friendly farewell pa used among peers in certain areas.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɔ‿viˈdzɛ.ɲa/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The informal goodbye pa is not native to Poland but was borrowed from the Italian 'ciao' via other European influences.
- The Polish do widzenia shares a structural ancestor with the French 'au revoir', as both literally mean 'until the seeing'.
- While do widzenia focuses on the act of 'seeing', the related word 'widzieć' (to see) shares a root with the English word 'vision'.
Examples in context
- Dziękuję za spotkanie, do zobaczenia ponownie.Thank you for the meeting, until we meet again.
- Do widzenia, mam nadzieję, że do zobaczenia.Goodbye, I hope to see you soon.
- Dziękuję za pomoc i do widzenia.Thank you for the help and goodbye.
Example conversation
Katarzyna and Krzysztof are leaving a small cafe after a quick meeting.
- KatarzynaDziękuję za kawę, Krzysztofie.Thank you for the coffee, Krzysztof.
- KrzysztofNie ma za co, Katarzyno.You are welcome, Katarzyna.
- KatarzynaDo widzenia!Goodbye!
- KrzysztofDo widzenia, do zobaczenia wkrótce.Goodbye, see you soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry do widzenia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries do, do widzenia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
