Inklingo

How to Say "bye" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bye” is “adiós” — use 'adiós' when you are saying goodbye, especially if you might not see the person again for a while, or in slightly more formal situations than 'chao'. It can also be used as a more definitive goodbye..

English → Spanish

adiós

interjectionA1
Use 'adiós' when you are saying goodbye, especially if you might not see the person again for a while, or in slightly more formal situations than 'chao'. It can also be used as a more definitive goodbye.

Examples

Adiós, ¡nos vemos la semana que viene!

Goodbye, see you next week!

chao

/chow//ˈtʃao/

interjectionA1informal
Use 'chao' for a very common, informal, and friendly goodbye, similar to 'bye' or 'see ya' in English. It's suitable for friends and casual acquaintances.
A person waving their hand as they walk away from a friend standing in a doorway.

Examples

Me tengo que ir. ¡Chao!

I have to go. Bye!

Bueno, me voy a casa. ¡Chao!

Well, I'm going home. Bye!

Chao, nos vemos el lunes.

Bye, see you on Monday.

Dile chao a tu abuela.

Say goodbye to your grandmother.

Always the same

This word doesn't change based on who you are talking to. Whether it's one person or a group, just say 'chao'!

Spelling confusion

Mistake: “ciao”

Correction: chao (in Spanish, we spell it phonetically with a 'ch')

Too formal?

Mistake: “Using 'chao' in a formal business meeting.”

Correction: Use 'adiós' or 'que tenga un buen día' instead, as 'chao' is very casual.

chau

/chow/ (rhymes with 'now')/ˈtʃau/

interjectionA1informal
Use 'chau' interchangeably with 'chao' for an informal and casual parting. It carries the same friendly and relaxed tone as 'chao'.
A friendly person waving goodbye with a smile.

Examples

Fue un placer. ¡Chau!

It was a pleasure. Bye!

Bueno, me voy. ¡Chau!

Well, I'm leaving. Bye!

Chau, mamá, nos vemos más tarde.

Bye, mom, see you later.

Le dije chau y colgué el teléfono.

I said bye to him and hung up the phone.

Using 'Chau' as a Greeting

Unlike the Italian 'ciao,' which can mean both hello and goodbye, the Spanish 'chau' is ONLY used when leaving or saying goodbye.

Don't use it to say 'Hello'

Mistake: “Using 'chau' when you arrive at a party.”

Correction: Use 'hola' for arriving and 'chau' for leaving.

Adiós vs. Chao/Chau

The most common mistake is using 'adiós' in every casual situation. While 'adiós' can be used casually, it can sometimes sound a bit too formal or even final. For everyday, friendly goodbyes among peers, 'chao' or 'chau' are generally safer and more natural choices.

Related Translations

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