English–Japanese
“goodbye” in Japanese
How to say “goodbye” in Japanese
“Goodbye” in Japanese is さようなら (sayōnara).
Expresses the closing of an interaction as the speaker and listener go their separate ways.
Example sentences with さようなら
帰る前にさようならと言います。kae ru mae ni sa yō na ra to i i ma su
I say goodbye before I leave.
授業が終わったら、先生にさようならと言います。ju gyō ga o wa tta ra sen sei ni sa yō na ra to i i ma su
When class is over, I say goodbye to my teacher.
Tips for using さようなら
- The English loanword sayonara often carries a dramatic farewell tone, so its use in English can sound stronger or more theatrical than an ordinary Japanese parting.
Other Japanese words for “goodbye”
友達との別れは寂しいです。tomo dachi to no waka re wa sabi shi i de su
It is sad to say goodbye to a friend.
帰る前に、さよならと言います。kae ru mae ni sa yo na ra to i i ma su
Before I leave, I say goodbye.