Saying goodbye is just as important as saying hello.
But how do you say goodbye in Chinese?
Whether you’re leaving a casual gathering or a formal event, knowing the right phrases can help you sound more natural and polite.
In this guide, you’ll learn different ways to say goodbye in Chinese Mandarin and Traditional Chinese, including pronunciation tips and formal expressions.
Also read:
- Gratitude in Mandarin: How to Express Thanks Like a Native
- How Are You in Chinese? Spoiler Alert: You’re Probably Saying It Wrong
What Does Goodbye Mean in Chinese?
In Chinese, saying goodbye isn’t just about leaving — it reflects cultural values and relationships.
The most common phrase, 再见 (zài jiàn), literally means “see you again,” showing a hopeful expectation of meeting in the future.
Unlike in English, where “goodbye” can sometimes feel final, many Chinese expressions for farewell carry warmth and optimism.
Depending on the context, different phrases are used, ranging from casual to highly respectful. Understanding these variations can help you communicate more naturally in Chinese-speaking environments.
How Do You Say Goodbye in Chinese?
| # | Goodbye in Chinese | Pronunciation | English Meaning | Cultural Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 再见 | zài jiàn | See you again | Common and widely used in both formal and casual settings. |
| 2 | 拜拜 | bái bái | Bye-bye | Borrowed from English, informal and friendly. |
| 3 | 走了 | zǒu le | I’m leaving | Informal, used among close friends. |
| 4 | 下次见 | xià cì jiàn | See you next time | Neutral and can be used in various contexts. |
| 5 | 回头见 | huí tóu jiàn | See you later | Used when expecting to see someone again soon. |
| 6 | 以后见 | yǐ hòu jiàn | See you later | Casual and friendly. |
| 7 | 明天见 | míng tiān jiàn | See you tomorrow | Common among classmates and colleagues. |
| 8 | 先走了 | xiān zǒu le | I’m heading out first | Common in work or group settings. |
| 9 | 再联系 | zài lián xì | Keep in touch | Used when expecting further communication. |
| 10 | 期待再见 | qī dài zài jiàn | Looking forward to seeing you again | Polite and warm, good for formal and friendly situations. |
| 11 | 祝你好运 | zhù nǐ hǎo yùn | Wish you good luck | Used when parting with well wishes. |
| 12 | 慢走 | màn zǒu | Take care (literally “walk slowly”) | Polite, often said by hosts when guests leave. |
| 13 | 祝你平安 | zhù nǐ píng ān | Wish you peace and safety | Often used for farewells when someone is traveling. |
| 14 | 一路顺风 | yī lù shùn fēng | Have a smooth journey | Common when someone is traveling. |
| 15 | 祝你一路顺风 | zhù nǐ yī lù shùn fēng | Wishing you a safe journey | Often said when someone is going on a long trip. |
| 16 | 保重 | bǎo zhòng | Take care | Used when concerned about someone’s well-being. Traditional way to say it, common in ancient settings. |
| 17 | 敬礼 | jìng lǐ | Respectful farewell | Formal, often used in official settings. |
| 18 | 再會 | zài huì | See you again (Taiwanese usage) | More common in Taiwan than in mainland China. |
What Do Chinese People Gift Now When Saying Goodbye in Chinese?
Ever wondered what gifts people exchanged during farewells in ancient China versus today? Let’s crack open this cultural treasure chest.
What Did “Goodbye” Gifts Look Like 1,000 Years Ago?
Back then, gifts weren’t just stuff — they carried deep meanings.
- Jade Pendants (玉佩): Given to friends or lovers as a promise of loyalty. Jade symbolized purity and eternal bonds.
In some cases, a man would give a family heirloom jade pendant to his beloved, promising. This symbolized not only commitment but also the hope for a prosperous future together, reflecting the deep cultural importance placed on scholarly success and lifelong devotion.
- Folded Fans (折扇): Painted with poems or landscapes,” Perfect for literati parting ways. Some scholars even wrote their own farewell messages or poetry on the fan before gifting it, making it a deeply personal keepsake. A fan carrying the words of a dear friend or mentor was not just an object — it was a memory preserved in ink.
- Willow Branches (柳枝): In ancient China, willows were deeply symbolic in farewell rituals. The word 柳 (liǔ) sounds like 留 (liú), meaning “stay,” which made giving a willow branch a poetic way to say, “I wish you could stay.”
This custom expressed longing, nostalgia, and an emotional connection to the departing person.
Many ancient dramas and historical stories feature farewell scenes under willow trees, creating an evocative setting that enhances the sorrow of separation. Scholars, friends, and lovers often exchanged willow branches, reinforcing the idea that their bond would endure despite the distance.
What Do Chinese People Gift Now When Saying Goodbye?
Today’s gifts blend practicality with cultural soul.
- Tea Sets (茶具): High-quality oolong or pu’er tea says, “Let’s share one last cup.” Ties back to ancient tea ceremonies but fits modern kitchens.
- Calligraphy Kits (书法套装): A trendy twist on old-school scrolls. Friends might write “一路平安” (“Safe travels”) on handmade paper.
- Local Specialty (家乡特产): Packaged spicy duck neck or sweet mooncakes scream, “Take a taste of home with you!”
- Fun fact: Students often gift classmates lucky keychains before studying abroad—think pandas or red strings for good fortune.
Some also choose symbolic fridge magnets, like ones featuring pandas, the Great Wall, or Mahjong, to keep a piece of home with them wherever they go.
When friends part ways with foreign visitors, it’s common to exchange souvenirs that carry cultural meaning. A small, thoughtful gift — such as a traditional Chinese bookmark, a hand-painted fan, or a box of local tea—can serve as a lasting memory of their time together. The exchange of these farewell gifts reflects the deep appreciation for friendships formed across cultures and the hope of meeting again in the future.
Choosing the Right Goodbye
Mastering the right way to say goodbye in Chinese allows you to connect more deeply with native speakers and show cultural appreciation.
Whether you’re casually saying “拜拜 (bái bái)” to friends or offering a respectful “敬礼 (jìng lǐ)” in a formal setting, these expressions help make parting more meaningful.
If you’re learning Chinese, try incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations. Have a favorite goodbye phrase? Share it in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share this post with your friends who are learning Chinese too — it might help them find the perfect farewell phrase.