How to Say Goodbye in Different Languages

"Goodbye" is among the first words you should learn in a foreign language.

When abroad, it is important to learn the basics of the language used in the geographic area of travel. Knowing simple words and phrases makes cross-cultural interaction easy and polite. Of such terms, a culture's word or phrase for 'goodbye' is one of the most important.

Instructions

Terms for Goodbye in Other Languages

1. Yiddish - Shalom
   Pronunciation: SHAL-OHM

2. Spanish - Adios
   Pronunciation: AH-DEE-OHSS

3. Japanese - Sayōnara
   Pronounced - SI-O-NA-RA

4. Russian- Do Svidaniya
   Pronounced - DAH SVEE-DAH-NEE-YAH

5. German - Auf Wiedersehen
   Pronounced: AUF-VI-DAZE-EN

6. Chinese - Zaijian
   Pronunciation: ZAY-GI-IN

7. Italian - Addio
   Pronunciation: AH-DEE-OH

8. Greek - Antío
   Pronunciation: AN-TEE-OH

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to the terms the native speakers use. Cultures adapt and use slang for common greetings and farewells, so there may be more colloquial terms for 'goodbye' that would be of use around familiar people.

References

• Google Translate
• Yahoo! Babel Fish
• Merriam-Webster Online