If greetings open the door, goodbyes close it gently 🚪
In French, how you say goodbye depends on formality and tone — just like greetings.
1.4.1. The standard goodbye
Au revoir | Goodbye |
This is your safest choice. Polite, neutral, works everywhere.
1.4.2. Informal / friendly
Salut | Bye (same word as “hi”) |
À plus ! | See you later! |
À bientôt ! | See you soon! |
Use these with friends, classmates, people you know.
1.4.3. More specific expressions
À demain ! | See you tomorrow! |
À tout à l’heure ! | See you very soon (later today) |
Bonne journée ! | Have a good day! |
Bonne soirée ! | Have a good evening! |
These often come after “au revoir” or “salut” as a warm extra touch.
1.4.4. Formal / polite
Au revoir, Madame / Monsieur | Goodbye, ma’am / sir |
Common in stores, restaurants, or formal situations.
1.4.5. Mini example
A: Bon, je dois partir.
B: D’accord. À bientôt !
A: Oui, à bientôt. Bonne journée !
B: Merci, toi aussi. Au revoir !
A: Alright, I have to go.
B: Okay. See you soon!
A: Yes, see you soon. Have a good day!
B: Thanks, you too. Goodbye!
Key idea
French goodbyes are often in these categories:
👉 goodbye + future moment + well-wish
like Au revoir + à bientôt + bonne journée
It turns a simple exit into something warm and complete — like leaving the conversation with the light still on ✨