Did you know that there are about fifteen different ways to say goodbye in French? From classic phrases to expressions that may seem strange at first glance ("a un de ces quatre"... what?!), you'll find here a complete list along with our pronunciation tips.
"Au revoir"
When in doubt, "au revoir" works in any situation to take leave of someone. You can use it with anyone, in any context, just like "goodbye" or "bye" in English.
Pronunciation
In the northern half of France, you'll likely hear it pronounced "au r'voir" because there's a tendency to contract words; however in the South, the "e" is pronounced, and "au revoir" will have three full syllables.
"A tout de suite"
"Tout de suite" means immediately. Only use "a tout de suite" if you're going to see the person again within the next few minutes. It's the equivalent of "see you shortly."
Pronunciation
Here too there's a North/South difference. People from Normandy, Paris, and Brittany will say "a tout d' suite," while those from Occitania and Provence will pronounce every letter.
"A tout a l'heure"
If you intend to see the person again later in the day, then "a tout a l'heure" is the expression to use. The classic "see you later."
Pronunciation
Watch out! Here you need to make the liaison between "tout" and "a," so the "t" is pronounced: a tout ͡ a l'heure.
"A plus tard"
Used in the same way as "a tout a l'heure," when another meeting is planned for the same day.
Pronunciation
Here the "s" is silent.
"A bientot" / "a tres bientot"
"Bientot" means "soon." So when you say "a bientot," you're saying "we'll see each other soon." Generally, no specific meeting is planned - you're simply expressing your wish to see the person again in the near future while remaining vague, just like "see you soon."
Pronunciation
The final "t" is silent.
"A ce soir" / "a demain" / "a la semaine prochaine"
These are ways to say goodbye when the next meeting has already been planned: "see you tonight," "see you tomorrow," "see you next week."
"Bonne journee" / "bonne soiree" / "bonne nuit"
These phrases let you wish someone a good day or evening ("have a good day / enjoy your evening").
Be careful not to confuse "bonne soiree" with "bonsoir," which is only used as a greeting.
Also note that "bonne nuit" has nothing to do with the English "have a good night." "Bonne nuit" is only used when going to bed and is the equivalent of "good night."
"Adieu"
It's best to avoid using "adieu." Even if you've read it in a novel or heard it in a movie, it's an old-fashioned and somewhat dramatic word. There's no exact equivalent in English - "farewell" is much less dramatic!
Informal register
Use these informal expressions to say goodbye to friends and family.
"Salut"
The quintessential informal goodbye, "salut" can also be used as a greeting when approaching someone you know - it really works everywhere! There's no equivalent word in English - just remember that "salut" is reserved for friends and family!
Pronunciation
Be careful, the final "t" is silent - a pronunciation mistake often made by English speakers.
If you want to stand out, try the following expressions, which will demonstrate a good grasp of the subtleties of the language.
"A la prochaine"
"A la prochaine" is a shortened form of "a la prochaine fois." Simply put, "see you next time."
"A un de ces quatre"
Another shortened expression, "a un de ces quatre" actually means "a un de ces quatre matins" (one of these four mornings). Why four mornings and not three or five? Simply because the number four is very common in French idioms (for example, "couper les cheveux en quatre" = "to split hairs"; "ne pas y aller par quatre chemins" = "not mince your words"). The number of mornings doesn't matter here - it literally means "see you at some point."
Pronunciation
There's another little contraction in the North that gives "a un d'ces quatre."
"A dans une heure"
Note that this expression is not grammatically correct, so it should be reserved for spoken conversation. It's very commonly used and can be adapted to any time frame: "a dans une semaine / un mois / une demi-heure."
Pronunciation
You need to make the liaison between "dans" and "une": "a dans ͡ une heure."
"A tout'"
A contraction of "a tout a l'heure."
Pronunciation
Pronounce the final "t" clearly.
"A plus"
A contraction of "a plus tard."
Pronunciation
Be careful - you do pronounce the "s"!
"Bye" / "Ciao"
These two words are borrowed from English and Italian by many languages. In French, unlike in Italian, "ciao" (sometimes spelled "tchao") is only used to say goodbye and not as a greeting.
Hoping these tips will be useful for your next conversations with French speakers, I'll say a bientot!