French Conversation · Level 50
74 words
French word
adieu
Pronunciation
IPA/adjø/
Meaning
- masculine noungoodbye
Example
Ils ont fait un adieu émouvant.
They said an emotional goodbye.
More examples
Elle a dit adieu à sa grand-mère.
She said goodbye to her grandmother.
Core concept
A solemn farewell at the edge of a lasting separation.
Common phrases
dire adieu à quelqu'un
say goodbye to someone
un adieu émouvant
a moving farewell
Similar words
au revoir: A routine farewell greeting said with the expectation of meeting again.
salut: A casual greeting that can also serve as a brief farewell.
Definition in French
Signifie une séparation définitive ou un dernier salut, généralement exprimé sur un ton solennel.
Word origin
Adieu comes from Old French à Dieu, literally entrusting the departing person to God, and the phrase became a noun for a solemn farewell.
Usage tips
- In ordinary conversation, au revoir is usual, while adieu sounds markedly solemn and can suggest a final parting.