despedida
“despedida” means “farewell” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
farewell
Also: goodbye
📝 In Action
Nuestra despedida fue muy emotiva en el aeropuerto.
B1Our farewell was very emotional at the airport.
Ella se fue sin una despedida, solo dejó una nota.
A2She left without a goodbye; she only left a note.
Le di una rápida despedida antes de que cerraran la puerta.
A2I gave him a quick goodbye before they closed the door.
going-away party
Also: send-off, bachelorette/bachelor party
📝 In Action
La oficina organizó una gran despedida para el jefe que se jubilaba.
B1The office organized a big send-off for the boss who was retiring.
Vamos a planear una despedida de soltera inolvidable en Cancún.
B2We are going to plan an unforgettable bachelorette party in Cancun.
Hicimos una despedida sencilla con pizza y refrescos.
B1We had a simple going-away party with pizza and soda.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: despedida
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'despedida' to mean a celebration, not just the act of saying goodbye?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'despedir' (to dismiss or say goodbye), which traces its roots back to the Latin 'expetere' (meaning to seek out or ask for). Over time, it developed the sense of asking permission to leave or letting someone go, and 'despedida' captures the resulting moment or celebration.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as the verb form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'despedida' the same as 'adiós'?
Not exactly. 'Adiós' is the word you say (like 'goodbye'). 'Despedida' is the noun describing the whole action, moment, or event of parting. You might say 'Dije adiós durante la despedida' (I said goodbye during the farewell).
How do I specify a bachelor or bachelorette party?
You must add 'de soltero' (for a man) or 'de soltera' (for a woman). For example: 'despedida de soltera' is a bachelorette party.