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How to Say Goodbye in 100 Different Languages
When it comes to travel, knowing how to say goodbye in the local language can make all the difference. It can show that you’ve made an effort to learn at least some of the language and culture, and it can help you avoid any awkwardness or misunderstandings as you depart.
But trying to memorize a long list of goodbyes in different languages can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a handy guide on how to say goodbye in 100 different languages, from Albanian to Zulu.
I’ve included pronunciation – cause there’s nothing worse than trying to say goodbye in different languages and finding out you’re just saying gibberish!
Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
Goodbye in Different Languages
1. English = Goodbye, Bye, Farewell, Ta, Cheers, See You Later
Where to Say It: The second most spoken language in the world, it’s an international language for solo travellers to use and be understood. It’s the official language of Canada, the UK, the United States, Australia, New Zealand.
2. French = Au Revoir
Where to Say It: Most popular in France, French is also widely spoken in other countries around the world. You’ll be understood in Quebec and most of Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Morocco, Tunisia, and Alergia. Additionally, French is spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Guinea, Gabon, and Mauritius. You’ll want to pick up a phrasebook to help with the complex grammar.
How to Pronounce it: oh-VWAHR
3. Spanish = Adios
Where to Say It: Spanish is the native language of Spain and Mexico. In most of South America and Central America, Spanish is the primary language. It is also the second most common language in the United States.
How to Pronounce it: ah-THYOHS
If you’re planning a trip to Spain and looking to learn even more Spanish, I highly recommend picking up this pocket phrasebook. It is the perfect guide to keep in your pocket/purse and use on the go and it’s affordable!
4. Italian = Arrivederci / Ciao
Where to Say It: Say ciao on your way out of a cafe with your espresso in Italy.
How to Pronounce it: ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee / CHOW
Learn the top 1000 common Italian phrases with this book to help you get to know locals – and maybe find love in Italy!
5. Portuguese = Adeus
Where to Say It: Portuguese is the language of Portugal and Brazil. It is still spoken in former colonies, like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, and Macau. You’ll also find linguistic roots in the Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: ah-deh-ooSH
6. Maori = Kia koa
Where to Say It: Kia Ora is the traditional greeting and goodbye of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand.
How to Pronounce it: kee-yah koh-wah
Maori pronunciations are really complicated. Avoid being laughed at for confusing your “f”s with “wh”s. This book helped me a lot.
7. Australian= Ta
Where to Say It: This informal greeting is used in Australia and New Zealand to say goodbye.
How to Pronounce it: t-ah
8. Greek = Yasou
Where to Say It: One of the many ways to say hello in the Greek language is geia. It can be used to greet people in Greece and Cyprus.
How to Pronounce it: YAH-soo
9. Serbian = Zdravo
Where to Say It: This Slavic language is spoken in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Croatia. It is similar to many other Slavic languages.
How to Pronounce it: z-drah-voh
10. Croatian = Doviđenja
Where to Say It: Croatian is best used in Croatia, but is also spoken in some parts of Bosnia and Serbia.
How to Pronounce it: doh-vee-JEN-ya
11. Russian = Do svidaniya
Where to Say It: Russian is the most common language in Eastern Europe. Say privet in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other Eastern European countries.
How to Pronounce it: do-sve-DAN-ya
12. Mandarin = Zài jiàn
Where to Say It: As the most spoken language in the world, it’s useful to know how to say hello in this language everywhere. It’s primarily spoken in China. If you’re visiting, you should pick up some books to learn Chinese Madarin before you arrive.
How to Pronounce it: tzai-JIEN
13. Cantonese = Joigin
Where to Say It: Many people think “Chinese” is a language, but Cantonese and Mandarin are very different. Cantonese is mostly spoken in Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
How to Pronounce it: JOI-gin
14. Hindi = Namaste
Where to Say It: Hindi is one of the official languages of India, but is most commonly spoken in Northern India.
How to Pronounce it: nah-mah-stay
15. Japanese = Sayōnara
Where to Say It: This is an easy way to say goodbye in Japan.
How to Pronounce it: sie-yon-are-ah
16. Turkish = Güle güle
Where to Say It: Turkish is spoken in Turkey and Cyprus. You’ll also find it in parts of Azerbaijan.
How to Pronounce it: gooleh gooleh
17. Korean = Annyeong
Where to Say It: North Korea and South Korea.
How to Pronounce it: AN-nyeong
18. Slovak = Dovidenia
Where to Say It: Primarily spoken in Slovakia.
How to Pronounce it: doh-vidjen-yeah
19. German = Auf Wiedersehen
Where to Say It: Say bye to people this way in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
How to Pronounce it: owf-VEE-der-zayn
This phrasebook helped me massively when I was trying to shop in Germany.
20. Dutch = Tot ziens
Where to Say It: Spoken by millions in the Netherlands and northern Belgium.
How to Pronounce it: tut-ZEENS
21. Polish = Żegnaj
Where to Say It: The official language of Poland, Polish is said to be one of the hardest languages to learn.
How to Pronounce it: dzen-NAI
22. Thai = Laa Gòn
Where to Say It: Sole language of Thailand.
How to Pronounce it: laa kawn
Want to learn Thai? I recommend this pocket phrasebook that you can easily carry with you. This way you won’t be stranded in a market with no idea how to order dinner – or what you’re ordering!
23. Hungarian = Viszlát
Where to Say It: Hungary is mostly spoken in Hungary, but parts of the Balkans also speak it.
How to Pronounce it: vee-sohnt-la-tah-shrah
24. Czech = Sbohem
Where to Say It: Mainly spoken in the Czech Republic.
How to Pronounce it: sbo-HEM
Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
25. Bengali = Bidāẏa
Where to Say It: The official language of Bangladesh.
How to Pronounce it: bi-die
26. Urdu = Khuda hafiz
Where to Say It: National language of Pakistan, with similarities to the Hindi language.
How to Pronounce it: koo-dah ha-fiz
27. Persian = Khodaa haafez
Where to Say It: Persian or Farsi is spoken is Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain.
How to Pronounce it: koo-dah ha-fiz
28. Ukrainian = Do pobachennia
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Ukraine.
How to Pronounce it: doh-poh-ba-CHAN-ya
29. Swedish = Adjö
Where to Say It: Language of Sweden and the Aland Islands.
How to Pronounce it: ah-YEU
30. Afrikaans = Totsiens
Where to Say It: Say goodbye this way in South Africa and Namibia. Some parts of Botswana and Zimbabwe also speak Afrikans.
How to Pronounce it: TOTE-seens
31. Romanian = La revedere
Where to Say It: Spoken in Romania and Moldova.
How to Pronounce it: LA-re-ve-DEH-re
32. Hebrew = Shalom
Where to Say It: Historically, the language of those in Israel and of the Jewish faith.
How to Pronounce it: shah-lohm
33. Armenian = Ts’tesut’yun
Where to Say It: Republic of Armenia and in Armenian Diaspora communities.
How to Pronounce it: ts-teess-uts-yun
34. Arabic = Ma’a as-salaama
Where to Say It: There are many dialects of Arabic throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Say hell in this Arabic in Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara, and Yemen.
How to Pronounce it: may ahsahlahmah
35. Punjabi = Alweda
Where to Say It: This 10th most spoken language in the world is a language spoken in India.
How to Pronounce it: al-ah-vee-dah
36. Javanese = Pamit
Where to Say It: Spoken in Java, Indonesia.
How to Pronounce it: pahmit
37. Malay/Indonesian = Selamat tinggal
Where to Say It: You’ll find this language in Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It is the official language of Malaysia and Brunei.
How to Pronounce it: sell-ah-maht teen-gahl
38. Vietnamese = Tạm biệt
Where to Say It: Primarily spoken in Vietnam.
How to Pronounce it: tahm bee-et
39. Basque = Agur
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Basque regions of Spain, located in Northern Spain and Southern France.
How to Pronounce it: ah-goor
40. Bavarian = Tschüss
Where to Say It: Regional dialect in Bavaria, Germany and Western Austria.
How to Pronounce it: ch-oos
41. Tagalog = Paalam
Where to Say It: Tagalog is the primary language of the Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: puh-AH-lam
42. Swahili = Kwaheri
Where to Say It: Swahili is mainly in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It is the secondary language in East Africa.
How to Pronounce it: kwaheri
43. Uzbek = Xayr
Where to Say It: Uzbek is the national language of Uzebekistan.
How to Pronounce it: hayir
44. Azerbaijani = Sagol
Where to Say It: Say hello this way in Azerbaijan. You’ll also find it in Northern Iran, southern Dagestan, Kvemo Kartli in Georgia, Eastern Turkey, and some parts of Iraq.
How to Pronounce it: saah-gohl
45. Kurdish = Bi xatre te
Where to Say It: Spoken by 30 million people in Western Asian, including Kurdistan, Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
How to Pronounce it: by scat-er teh
46. Nepali = Namaste
Where to Say It: Sole language of Nepal and one of the languages of India.
How to Pronounce it: nah-mah-stay
47. Haitian Creole = Orevwa
Where to Say It: Spoken in Haiti, along with French.
How to Pronounce it: oh-reh-vwah
48. Belarusian = Da pabačeńnya
Where to Say It: Spoken in Belarus and parts of Russia, Ukraine, and Poland.
How to Pronounce it: da pa-bach-jennja
49. Chichewa = Bayi
Where to Say It: Also called Nyanja, this Bantu language us spoken in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
How to Pronounce it: by-ee
50. Fijian = Moce
Where to Say It: Native language of Fiji.
How to Pronounce it: mothay
51. Hawaiian = Aloha
Where to Say It: Spoken in Hawaii.
How to Pronounce it: ah-loh-ha
52. Samoan = Tōfā
Where to Say It: Say goodbye to people in the Samoan Islands this way.
How to Pronounce it: toe-fah
53. Tongan = Alu a e
Where to Say It: Language of the Kingdom of Tonga.
How to Pronounce it: Ah-loo ah eh
54. Yiddish = Zay gezunt
Where to Say It: Historical language of the Ashkenazi Jewish peoples.
How to Pronounce it: zay gezunt
55. Welsh = Hwyl
Where to Say It: Spoken in Wales and routinely mocked in greater Britain for its abundance of consonants.
How to Pronounce it: hoo-eel
56. Norwegian = Hade
Where to Say It: Norway.
How to Pronounce it: HA-day
57. Lithuanian = Viso gero
Where to Say It: Lithuania.
How to Pronounce it: vee-saw gheh-raw
58. Latvian = Uz redzēšanos
Where to Say It: Official language of Latvia.
How to Pronounce it: ooz REHD-zehh-shuh-nohs
59. Icelandic = Bless
Where to Say It: Spoken only in Iceland.
How to Pronounce it: bleh-s
60. Scottish Gaelic = Mar sin leat
Where to Say It: Native to the Gaels of Scotland. It is now rarely spoken in Scotland.
How to Pronounce it: mar shin lat
61. Irish = Slan
Where to Say It: The Irish Gaelic language is spoken in Ireland.
How to Pronounce it: slawn
62. Estonian = Nägemist
Where to Say It: Estonia.
How to Pronounce it: nahgehmist
63. Bosnian = Zdravo
Where to Say It: Bosnia.
How to Pronounce it: zdrah-voh
64. Tibetan = Kah-leh pheb
Where to Say It: Official language of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China. Spoken across the Himalayas.
How to Pronounce it: kah-leh pheb
65. Lao = La khon
Where to Say It: Main language of Laos.
How to Pronounce it: la gon
66. Georgian = Nakhvamdis
Where to Say It: Georgia (the country, not the US state).
How to Pronounce it: nakhvamdis
67. Sesotho = Sala hantle
Where to Say It: Basotho in Lesotho, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
How to Pronounce it: sala hant-l
68. Esperanto = Adiaŭ
Where to Say It: Artificial language created to be a widely spoken language in the world.
How to Pronounce it: ah-dee-oh
69. Maltese = Addiju
Where to Say It: Matla, Gozo, and Comino in the Mediterranean.
How to Pronounce it: a-dee-joh
70. Bahaman = Goodbye
Where to Say It: Bahamas.
71. Igbo = Ka ọ dị
Where to Say It: Nigeria.
How to Pronounce it: kah oh dee
72. Luxembourgish = Äddi
Where to Say It: Luxembourg.
How to Pronounce it: ah-dee
73. Navajo = Hágooshį́į́
Where to Say It: Southwestern United States by the Navajo peoples.
How to Pronounce it: hah-goo-shee
74. Swiss German = Ade
Where to Say It: Upper German dialect name that’s spoken in Switzerland, Lichtenstein, parts of Germany, and Alsace, France.
How to Pronounce it: a-day
Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
75. Tahitian = Nānā
Where to Say It: Spoken in the Society Islands in French Polynesia.
How to Pronounce it: nah-nah
76. Albanian = Mirupafshim
Where to Say It: Albanian is the predominant language of Albania and Kosovo. You will find it in other regions of the Balkans as well.
How to Pronounce it: meer-oo-PAHF-sheem
77. Catalan =Adéu
Where to Say It: Official language of Andorra and the co-official language of some Spanish communities, like Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
How to Pronounce it: ah-deh-ou
78. Galician = Adeus
Where to Say It: Northwestern Spain.
How to Pronounce it: ah-dey-oos
79. Mongolian = Ba-yar-tye
Where to Say It: Mongolia, parts of Russia, and parts of Kyrgyzstan.
How to Pronounce it: bah-yar-tyeh
80. Wolof = Mangi dem
Where to Say It: Senegal.
How to Pronounce it: man-gee-dem
81. Wu (Shanghainese) = Zä wēi
Where to Say It: A variety of Wu Chinese spoken in the city of Shanghai and it’s surrounding areas.
How to Pronounce it: tse hue
82. Tamil = Parkkalaam
Where to Say It: Southern India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore.
How to Pronounce it: par-kahl-ahm
83. Pashto = Da khoday pa amaan
Where to Say It: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
How to Pronounce it: dah khod-ay pah ah-mahn
84. Kannada = Vidāya
Where to Say It: Southwestern India.
How to Pronounce it: vi-die-yah
85. Hausa = Sai wata rana
Where to Say It: Hausa is the native language of Niger and Northern Nigeria. It is also used in some countries in West and Central Africa.
How to Pronounce it: si wah-tah rah-nah
86. Burmese = Swarrtotmaal
Where to Say It: Myanmar, especially by the Bamar people.
How to Pronounce it: swar-toh-meal
87. Amharic = Chaw
Where to Say It: This is an informal way to say goodbye in the Amharic language in Ethiopia. You can also use it in Egypt and Eritrea.
How to Pronounce it: chaw
88. Breton = Kenavo
Where to Say It: Brittany in the Northwest of France.
How to Pronounce it: kenavoo
89. Oromo = Nagayattii
Where to Say It: This Cushitic language is spoken by millions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Egypt.
How to Pronounce it: nah-gah-tee
90. Manipuri = Kāi-nə-rə-shi
Where to Say It: Manipur in India.
How to Pronounce it: kay-nee-ree-shee
91. Cebuano = Paalam
Where to Say It: The Philippines.
How to Pronounce it: pah-lahm
92. Malagasy = Veloma
Where to Say It: Madagascar.
How to Pronounce it: veh-loh-mah
93. Finnish = Näkemiin
Where to Say It: Finland.
How to Pronounce it: nah-keh-meen
94. Khmer = Choum reap lear
Where to Say It: Cambodia.
How to Pronounce it: jom-REE-up-LEE-er
95. Sinhalese = Gihin ennan
Where to Say It: Sri Lanka.
How to Pronounce it: gihin ennan
96. Somali = Macsalaamo
Where to Say It: Somalia.
How to Pronounce it: macsalahmo
97. Taiwanese Hokkien = Chài-kiàn
Where to Say It: Taiwan.
How to Pronounce it: jaigen
98. Tswana = Go siame
Where to Say It: Botswana and South Africa.
How to Pronounce it: go see-ah-meh
99. Quechua = Tupananchikama
Where to Say It: Peru.
How to Pronounce it: too-pan-anchis-kama
100. Xhosa = Sala kakuhle
Where to Say It: Bantu language of South Africa.
How to Pronounce it: sah-lah kah-koo-leh
Closing Thoughts on Goodbye in Every Language
Knowing how to say goodbye in different languages can be a handy tool when traveling, as it shows that you’ve made an effort to learn at least some of the language and culture.
My guide provides 100 different ways to say goodbye, from Albanian to Zulu, with pronunciation guides so you can avoid saying gibberish!
Want to keep improving your language skills? Check out my other 100 language guides so you can know the essential words around the world!
Practice more languages with iTalki! iTalki will help you get ready to move abroad to any country by learning the language.
Get connected with real people who will help you learn a new language like you would while living abroad.
Click here to get started with iTalki today!
Read More About Languages Abroad
- How to Say Hello in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Yes and No in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say How Are You in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Goodbye in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Thank You in 100 Different Languages
- How to Say Cheers in 100 Different Languages + Pronunciation
- How to Say I Love You in 100 Different Languages
- New Zealand Slang: From Sweet As to Swear Words
- Guide to 100+ Canadian Slang: Unique Canadian Sayings and Phrases You Need to Know
- How to Say Water in 100 Different Languages + Pronunciations
- How to Say Please in 100 Different Languages
Pin this for later!
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
