adiós
/ah-dyos/
goodbye
Waving farewell—the common interjection used when saying goodbye.
📝 In Action
Adiós, ¡hasta mañana!
A1Goodbye, see you tomorrow!
Bueno, me tengo que ir. ¡Adiós a todos!
A1Well, I have to go. Goodbye everyone!
💡 Grammar Points
More Than Just 'Goodbye'
'Adiós' often implies a longer or more permanent separation than 'hasta luego' (see you later). Think of it as a more definite farewell, used when you don't know when you'll see the person next.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing 'Adiós' for Short Separations
Mistake: "Using 'adiós' every time you leave a room or end a short chat with someone you'll see again soon."
Correction: For temporary goodbyes, it's more natural to use 'hasta luego' or 'nos vemos'. Save 'adiós' for when you're leaving for the day or for a longer period.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Passing Greeting
In some places, like Mexico, you might hear people say 'adiós' as they pass each other on the street. It’s a quick way of saying 'hello-and-goodbye' all at once without stopping to chat.
The noun form, representing the event or act of a final farewell.
📝 In Action
Fue un adiós muy triste en la estación de tren.
B1It was a very sad goodbye at the train station.
No es un adiós, sino un hasta luego.
B2It's not a goodbye, but a see you later.
Le dio el último adiós en el funeral.
B2She gave him the last farewell at the funeral.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking About 'A Goodbye'
You can talk about 'a goodbye' as an event or an action. Because it's a noun (a 'thing' word) here, you'll see it with words like 'un' (a), 'el' (the), or 'su' (his/her).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: adiós
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'adiós' to mean the *act* of saying goodbye, not just the word itself?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'adiós' more final than 'hasta luego'?
Yes, generally. 'Adiós' can imply a longer separation, or that you don't know when you'll see the person again. 'Hasta luego' ('see you later') and 'nos vemos' ('see you') are much more common for everyday goodbyes to people you see regularly.
Why did someone say 'adiós' to me while just passing on the street?
That's a great observation! In some countries, especially Mexico, 'adiós' is used as a quick, polite greeting to strangers you pass by. It's like a friendly acknowledgement that combines 'hello' and 'goodbye' since you aren't stopping to talk.