How to Say ‘Goodbye’ in Different Languages 🌍👋

Goodbye in the World’s Most Spoken Languages 

Goodbye in European Languages

Goodbye in Asian Languages 

Goodbye in African Languages 

Goodbye in Indigenous and Lesser-Known Languages 

Common Goodbye Phrases in English and Their Meanings

More Ways to Say Goodbye Around the World (Other Than Words) 

Not every culture says goodbye with words! Here are some non-verbal ways different cultures express farewell:

1. Waving 👋 – Universal

• Used in most Western countries and worldwide.

• Can be big and enthusiastic (friendly) or small and subtle (formal).

2. The Bow 🙇 – Japan, Korea

• In Japan and Korea, people bow to show respect when parting.

• A deeper bow = more respect.

3. The Nod & Eye Contact 👀 – Nordic & Eastern European Countries

• A simple head nod or eye contact is enough for a polite farewell.

4. The Cheek Kiss 💋 – France, Spain, Italy, Latin America

• One, two, or even three kisses on the cheek as a form of goodbye.

• In Argentina, it’s common even among male friends!

5. The Handshake 🤝 – Business & Formal Settings

• Used in Germany, the U.S., and many European countries for formal goodbyes.

6. The "Thumbs Up" 👍 – Informal Goodbye

• Common in the U.S., Australia, and Brazil when parting in a casual setting.

7. The "Salute" 👋💂 – Military & Formal Goodbyes

• Used in military settings in many countries as a formal farewell.

8. The “Shaka” 🤙 – Hawaii & Surfing Culture

• A relaxed, thumb-and-pinky-out hand gesture, meaning “Take care!”

📌 Did you know? In some Asian cultures, waving with your palm facing outward can be seen as a way to call someone over, not a goodbye!

Why Learn Multiple Ways to Say Goodbye? 

1️⃣ Shows Respect for Other Cultures

• Using the local way of saying goodbye makes people feel valued and respected.

2️⃣ Helps in Travel & Communication

• If you’re visiting a new country, knowing how to say goodbye can help you connect with locals.

3️⃣ Great for Business & Networking

• In international business, using the right farewell (formal or informal) can leave a positive impression.

4️⃣ Fun & Expands Your Language Skills

• Learning different goodbyes improves your language skills and cultural knowledge.

5️⃣ Avoids Misunderstandings

• Some cultures prefer non-verbal gestures, while in others, a formal goodbye is expected.

FAQs – Common Questions About Saying Goodbye

What is the most formal way to say goodbye in English?

• "Farewell" is the most formal and poetic way to say goodbye.

• "Goodbye" is neutral and works in both formal and informal settings.

What is the most common way to say goodbye in Spanish?

"Adiós" (formal) and "Chao" (or "Chau") (informal, used in Argentina and Chile).

Do all cultures wave to say goodbye?

No! Some cultures bow, nod, or shake hands instead of waving.

Why do the French kiss on the cheek when saying goodbye?

It’s a cultural tradition, showing friendship and warmth.

What is the friendliest way to say goodbye in any language?

Something casual like "See you later!" (English), "Hasta luego!" (Spanish), or "À bientôt!" (French) shows friendliness.