Translation guide
How to say goodbye in Japanese depends heavily on the situation, relationship, and whether you will see the person again soon. Direct translations of 'goodbye' are often too formal or final for daily use.
Saying bye to friends, family, or close colleagues in everyday situations.
Very common casual goodbye among friends. Implies you'll see each other again soon.
See you tomorrow! Bye.
Literally 'again, right?'. Very common casual goodbye, like 'see you'.
That was fun. See you!
Casual, often used by younger people or with children. Sounds cute or informal.
Saying goodbye in polite or formal settings, such as at work, with acquaintances, or in customer service.
What you say when you leave the house and expect to return.
Literally 'I'm going and coming back'. Said when leaving home. The response is 行ってらっしゃい.
What you say when you come back home.
Ending a phone conversation politely.
Common way to end a phone call, especially in business. Often preceded by それでは.
Closing a letter or email.
Standard formal closing for letters, similar to 'Sincerely'.
さようなら is often taught as the standard 'goodbye', but it sounds very formal and final. In daily life, it's rarely used among friends or colleagues. Use じゃあね or またね instead.
バイバイ、また遊ぼうね。
Bye-bye, let's play again.
I'll be leaving now. (said when leaving work before others)
Formal 'goodbye'. Often implies a long separation or finality. Not used casually among friends.
Using さようなら with friends can sound distant or overly dramatic.
Goodbye, teacher.
Literally 'stay well'. Used when you won't see someone for a long time.
Well then, take care.
I'm off to school!
Response to 行ってきます. Means 'go and come back safely'.
See you later, be careful.
Literally 'just now'. Said when you arrive home. The response is おかえり(なさい).
I'm home!
Response to ただいま. Means 'welcome back'.
Welcome back. Dinner is ready.
Well then, goodbye. (on the phone)
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Casual email closing among friends.
Well, I'll be in touch.
If you say 'sayounara' to a friend, they might think it's strange.
When leaving your own home, use 行ってきます. When leaving someone else's place or a formal setting, use 失礼します. Mixing them up can sound odd.
When leaving a friend's house, you say 'Thanks for having me. Excuse me.'