Learning Mandarin can be easy and fun when you start with small steps like greetings. While many learners begin with “hello,” knowing how to say goodbye in Chinese is just as important. Farewell expressions help you communicate naturally in different social settings—whether casual or formal. In this article, we’ll explore 15 ways to say goodbye in Mandarin Chinese, including common, polite, and playful options you can start using right away.
1. 再见 Zài jiàn - See you
Zài jiàn is a common way of saying goodbye in Mandarin Chinese. It means “see you again” and is a polite greeting that you can use on most formal and informal occasions.
It comprises two Mandarin Chinese characters: 再 zài (“again”) and 见 jiàn (“to see”). It is always better to say, “see you again” than directly say “goodbye.”
2. 回头见 Huí tóu jiàn - See you later
This form is slightly different from Zài jiàn. It means “see you later.” You can say Huí tóu jiàn when you meet a person regularly or when you know you will meet them in a while. When you want to say “see you later” in Mandarin Chinese, there are two expressions you can use:
回头见. 回头 translates to “turn one’s head around” and symbolically means “later”, so when you join them together, it means “see you later”.
一会儿见. Here, 一会儿 yī huǐ er means “a little while,” so 一会儿见 very simply means “see you in a little while.”
3. 告别 Gào bié - Goodbye
Gào bié means goodbye in Mandarin Chinese. It is ideal to use this greeting when you know that you will not meet the person you are bidding farewell to for a long time. People prefer it on formal occasions over informal ones.
You could say gào bié to a business acquaintance or an older relative respectfully. It is the most direct way of saying goodbye in Mandarin Chinese, and people could misinterpret it if said to a close relative or friend.
4. 明天见 Míng tiān jiàn - See you tomorrow
This phrase is a very informal or personal way of saying goodbye in Mandarin Chinese. You say míng tiān jiàn to someone you see every day, or you know you will meet the next day.
A typical example would be saying “see you tomorrow” to a colleague or a classmate. It has an element of affection that may be unsuitable for formal occasions.
Whenever your interaction is about to end, and you are ready to part ways, you can say míng tiān jiàn.
5. 拜拜 bài bài - Bye-bye
Mandarin Chinese borrows this word from the English dictionary. The most common and friendly way to say goodbye in Mandarin Chinese is bài bài: It sounds familiar because it is a common way to say goodbye in English. We can pronounce it the same as in English.
Bye-bye is casual and informal, but people now use it for multiple occasions in China. 拜拜 originated in Taiwan, but you will be able to hear it everywhere in China now.
It is so versatile that you can thoughtlessly say it to your friend, boss, or anybody else.
6. 再联系 Zài lián xi - Let us catch up later
You usually say this goodbye when the interaction is to be continued sometime soon in the future.
Occasionally, a conversation might get interrupted suddenly, and it might remain incomplete. The Mandarin Chinese phrase zài lián xi will fit the occasion perfectly during such a parting. It signifies that you desire to catch up with them later with the other person and finish the conversation. Alternatively, it shows that you wish to stay in touch.
The expression zài lián xi is composed of the words: 再, which means “again,” and 联系 – lián xi – which means “contact” or “in touch with.”
7. 失陪了 Shī péi le - Excuse me, I must leave
Shī péi le is a sudden goodbye in Mandarin Chinese. It is a formal and polite way of leaving on short notice due to some unpredicted event. You can also use it informally when you suddenly leave a friend’s company.
You must understand that shī péi le has a particular usage and cannot be used interchangeably with any other goodbye in Mandarin Chinese.
8. 后会有期 Hòu huì yǒu qī - Farewell
To say “farewell” instead of just goodbye has a dramatic tone to it. It is a pompous way to bid farewell when people go their way. They do not know whether they will meet in the near future.
9. 祝你愉快 Zhù nǐ yú kuài - I wish you happiness
This one is something you do not hear as often in English as you do in Mandarin Chinese. It has the same connotation as “have a pleasant day” or “have a nice day.”
The people of China believe in good luck and blessings. “I wish you happiness” is a way of giving each other blessings before going separate ways. This is a generous way of saying goodbye in Mandarin Chinese.
In English, it is similar to wishing someone health and happiness. It makes the separation bitter-sweet.
10. 保重 bǎo zhòng - Take care
“Take care” is one way to say goodbye in Mandarin Chinese without actually saying goodbye. It indicates that you wish the person that you are parting with well. You can say it as an addition to goodbye as well. It shows affection and care towards the other person.
You can use it as an independent phrase for goodbye in an informal interaction such as with friends or family.
You must use it carefully in formal situations. However, there is no way that it can mean any harm.
11. 慢走 Màn zǒu – Take it easy / Walk slowly
This is a very common and warm way to say goodbye in Chinese, often used when someone is leaving your home or company. It literally means “walk slowly,” but culturally it conveys care and politeness, similar to “take care on your way.”
12. 下次见 Xià cì jiàn – See you next time
This phrase is straightforward and friendly. It means you hope to meet again in the future, but without specifying when. Perfect for acquaintances, classmates, or casual friends when the next meeting is uncertain.
13. 一路顺风 Yí lù shùn fēng – Have a safe trip
Literally “may the wind be smooth on your journey,” this expression is often used when someone is traveling. It’s a thoughtful farewell that goes beyond a simple bye in Chinese, wishing the traveler safety and good fortune.
14. 改天见 Gǎi tiān jiàn – See you another day
This phrase implies you’ll meet again at a later date, though not immediately. It’s less exact than 明天见, and works well when schedules are flexible or undecided. Often used among friends or colleagues.
15. 保持联系 Bǎo chí lián xì – Keep in touch
Similar to 再联系, this phrase emphasizes staying in communication. It is warm and friendly, suitable for parting with classmates, colleagues, or new acquaintances you’d like to connect with again.
FAQ: Goodbye in Chinese
1. What is the most common way to say goodbye in Chinese? The most common phrase is 再见 (zài jiàn), which means “see you again” and is suitable for almost all occasions.
2. How do you say “see you later” in Chinese? You can say 回头见 (huí tóu jiàn) or 一会儿见 (yī huǐr jiàn) depending on how soon you expect to meet again.
3. Is “bye bye in Chinese” too casual for formal settings? Not really. While 拜拜 (bài bài) started as casual slang, it is now widely used in both casual and semi-formal situations in China.
4. What’s the difference between 再见 and 告别?
再见 = “see you again,” casual and versatile.
告别 = “farewell,” more serious and often formal.
5. How do you say “take care” instead of goodbye in Chinese? You can say 保重 (bǎo zhòng) to show care and good wishes when parting.
6. Which phrases are too formal for everyday use? Expressions like 告别 (gào bié) and 后会有期 (hòu huì yǒu qī) are formal or literary, so they’re less common in casual daily conversations.
There are many ways to say goodbye in Chinese, from the casual bye bye in Chinese to the formal goodbye in Mandarin expressions like 告别. By choosing the right phrase for the right situation, your conversations will sound more natural and culturally appropriate. Saying goodbye is not just an ending—it’s also a way to show warmth, care, and respect.
If you wish to learn more about everyday Chinese greetings, you may read 12 Ways To Say Hello In Chinese
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