How to Say Goodbye in Spanish: Formal, Informal & Regional Variations

How to Say Goodbye in Spanish: Formal, Informal & Regional Variations

Just like greetings, saying goodbye in Spanish has multiple options. The right goodbye depends on the situation, your relationship with the person, and the region you're in.

This guide covers all the ways to say goodbye in Spanish, from formal to casual, with cultural notes and example dialogues.

The Most Common: Adiós

Adiós (pronounced "ah-dee-OHS") is the most basic way to say "goodbye" in Spanish. It literally means "to God" and works in almost any situation.

When to use it:

• When saying goodbye to anyone (formal or informal)
• When you won't see someone for a while
• In professional settings
• With strangers or acquaintances

Examples:

• "Adiós, fue un placer verte." (Goodbye, it was a pleasure to see you.)
• "Adiós, que te vaya bien." (Goodbye, hope it goes well for you.)
• "Adiós, hasta pronto." (Goodbye, see you soon.)

Casual & Friendly: Hasta Luego

Hasta luego (pronounced "AHS-tah loo-EH-goh") literally means "until later." It's more casual than "adiós" and implies you'll see the person again soon.

When to use it:

• When you'll see someone again soon (same day or next day)
• In casual, informal settings
• With friends, colleagues, or people you see regularly
• When leaving work or school

Examples:

• "Hasta luego, amigo." (See you later, friend.)
• "Hasta luego, nos vemos mañana." (See you later, see you tomorrow.)
• "Hasta luego, que disfrutes." (See you later, enjoy yourself.)

Very Casual: Nos Vemos

Nos vemos (pronounced "nos VEH-mos") literally means "we'll see each other." It's very casual and friendly, implying you'll see the person again soon.

When to use it:

• With close friends or family
• In very casual settings
• When you definitely will see the person again soon
• Among young people or in informal groups

Examples:

• "Nos vemos, hermano." (See you, brother.)
• "Nos vemos mañana." (See you tomorrow.)
• "Nos vemos en la fiesta." (See you at the party.)

Very Casual: Chao

Chao (pronounced "CHOW") comes from Italian "ciao" and is very casual and friendly. It's common in Latin America.

When to use it:

• With close friends
• In very casual, informal settings
• Among young people
• In Latin American countries (especially common)

Examples:

• "Chao, amigo." (Bye, friend.)
• "Chao, nos vemos." (Bye, see you.)
• "Chao, que te vaya bien." (Bye, hope it goes well.)

Formal Variations

For more formal situations, use these goodbyes:

• "Adiós, fue un placer." (Goodbye, it was a pleasure.)
• "Adiós, que le vaya bien." (Goodbye, hope it goes well for you.) - Formal "you"
• "Hasta pronto, señor." (See you soon, sir.)
• "Fue un honor conocerle." (It was an honor to meet you.)
• "Que tenga un excelente día." (Have an excellent day.)

Goodbyes with Well-Wishes

You can add well-wishes to make your goodbye warmer:

• "Que te vaya bien." (Hope it goes well for you.)
• "Que disfrutes." (Enjoy yourself.)
• "Que descanses." (Rest well.)
• "Que tengas un excelente día." (Have an excellent day.)
• "Cuidate." (Take care of yourself.)
• "Que te vaya bonito." (Hope things go beautifully for you.) - Latin America

Key Differences

Regional Variations

Spain: "Adiós," "hasta luego," and "hasta pronto" are common. "Chao" is less common.

Mexico: "Adiós," "hasta luego," "nos vemos," and "chao" are all common.

Argentina: "Chao" is very common. "Adiós" and "hasta luego" are also used.

Colombia: "Adiós," "hasta luego," and "chao" are used interchangeably.

Example Dialogues

Dialogue 1: Formal Business Meeting

Person A: "Fue un placer conocerle."

Person B: "Igualmente, que le vaya bien."

Person A: "Adiós, hasta pronto."

Dialogue 2: Casual Meeting with Friends

Person A: "Bueno, me tengo que ir."

Person B: "Está bien, nos vemos mañana."

Person A: "Dale, chao, hermano."

Dialogue 3: Leaving Work

Person A: "Bueno, me voy. Hasta luego."

Person B: "Hasta luego, que disfrutes."

Person A: "Gracias, tú también."

Dialogue 4: Saying Goodbye at the Airport

Person A: "Bueno, me tengo que ir. Fue un placer verte."

Person B: "Sí, fue excelente. Que tengas un buen viaje."

Person A: "Gracias, adiós. Nos vemos pronto."

How to Respond to a Goodbye

When someone says goodbye to you, respond with:

• "Adiós, que te vaya bien." (Goodbye, hope it goes well.)
• "Hasta luego, amigo." (See you later, friend.)
• "Nos vemos, hermano." (See you, brother.)
• "Chao, que disfrutes." (Bye, enjoy yourself.)
• "Que tengas un excelente día." (Have an excellent day.)

Related Phrases

For more greeting and farewell phrases, see our guides on how to say hello and essential Spanish words.

The Bottom Line

"Adiós" is the safest choice for any goodbye. "Hasta luego" is more casual and implies you'll see the person soon. "Nos vemos" and "chao" are very casual and best used with close friends. Master all four, and you'll be able to say goodbye appropriately in any situation.