Japanese Conversation · Level 1
86 words
Japanese word
さよなら
Pronunciation
Romajisayonara
Meaning
- interjectiongoodbye
Example
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.
More examples
電話を切る前に、さよならと言います。den wa o ki ru mae ni sa yo na ra to i i ma su
Before hanging up, I say goodbye.
Core concept
Covers a spoken farewell at the point where people separate, from an ordinary parting to a more lasting goodbye.
Common phrases
さよなら、元気でsa yo na ra gen ki de
Goodbye, take care
さよならと言うsa yo na ra to yū
say goodbye
Similar words
またねmatane: An informal farewell that signals an expectation of meeting again.
じゃあねjāne: A casual spoken farewell used between people with a familiar relationship.
さらばsaraba: An old-fashioned or literary farewell that can mark a lasting separation.
バイバイbaibai: An informal farewell often used among children or close friends.
Definition in Japanese
人と別れて離れるときに言うあいさつ。hito to waka re te hana re ru to ki ni i u a i sa tsu
Word origin
さよなら (sayonara) comes from さようなら (sayōnara), shortened from さようならば (sayō naraba), "if that is so"; this conditional phrase developed into a parting expression.
Usage tips
- In English, さよなら (sayonara) is often used as a colorful or humorous farewell, while goodbye remains the neutral everyday choice.