vale
[ˈwa.ɫeː]
The Latin phrase vale means goodbye.
vale is most commonly used as a verb in the imperative mood to say goodbye, though it can also function as a noun meaning a farewell.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vale is the imperative singular form of the verb valere, which means to be well or to be strong.
Which one should you use?
vale is used when parting from a single person, whereas valete is used when addressing a group or multiple individuals.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use valete instead of vale if you are addressing more than one person.
Did you know?
- The word vale is the root of many English words related to strength and health, such as 'valiant' and 'valor'.
- The concept of 'being well' in the phrase implies that health is a form of power or force, rather than just a lack of sickness.
- In some Latin poetry, the phrase vale is used as a poignant literary device to signal the finality of death rather than a temporary parting.
Examples in context
- Valete, amici mei! In pace discedamus.Farewell, my friends! Let us depart in peace.
- Vale, carissime!Goodbye, my dearest!
- Vale, et alacriter redeas!Farewell, and return cheerfully!
- Vale, amice.Farewell, friend.
- Bene eveniat tibi, vale.May it go well for you, farewell.
- Iter bonum habe, vale.Have a good journey, farewell.
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are leaving the forum.
- ClaudiaTempus fugit, Gai.Time flies, Gaius.
- GaiusIta est, Claudia.It is so, Claudia.
- ClaudiaVale!Farewell!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vale, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
