Japanese Conversation · Level 33
90 words
Japanese word
別れ
Pronunciation
Romajiwakare
Meaning
- noungoodbye
Example
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.
More examples
駅で先生に別れを告げました。eki de sen sei ni waka re o tsu ge ma shi ta
I said goodbye to my teacher at the station.
Core concept
It describes the transition from sharing time or a relationship with someone to going separate ways, whether temporarily or permanently.
Common phrases
別れの言葉waka re no koto ba
parting words
別れを告げるwaka re o tsu ge ru
say goodbye
別れを惜しむwaka re o o shi mu
regret the parting
Similar words
お別れowakare: A polite term for parting from someone or ending time together.
Definition in Japanese
ともにいた人と離れること。また、その際に告げるあいさつ。to mo ni i ta hito to hana re ru ko to ma ta so no sai ni tsu ge ru a i sa tsu
Word origin
The noun 別れ (wakare) is formed from the native Japanese verb 別れる (wakareru), meaning "to part" or "to separate".
Usage tips
- English speakers often connect "goodbye" only with a spoken expression, but 別れ (wakare) also labels the separation between people or the end of their time together.