Inklingo

How to Say "farewell" in Spanish

English → Spanish

adiós

nounB1formal
Use 'adiós' when you are referring to the act of saying goodbye, especially in a more formal or final context, or when the goodbye feels significant.

Examples

Fue un adiós muy triste en la estación de tren.

It was a very sad farewell at the train station.

despedida

des-peh-DEE-dah/des.peˈði.ða/

nounA2
Use 'despedida' to describe the entire event or act of saying goodbye, emphasizing the social occasion or the emotions involved in parting.
Two figures standing outside, one waving goodbye to the other who is walking away, symbolizing a farewell.

Examples

Nuestra despedida fue muy emotiva en el aeropuerto.

Our farewell was very emotional at the airport.

Ella se fue sin una despedida, solo dejó una nota.

She left without a goodbye; she only left a note.

Le di una rápida despedida antes de que cerraran la puerta.

I gave him a quick goodbye before they closed the door.

It's always Feminine

Even though it comes from the verb 'despedir', 'despedida' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El despedida”

Correction: La despedida. Remember, nouns ending in -a are almost always feminine in Spanish.

bendición

interjectionC1traditional/familial
Use 'bendición' as a specific, traditional parting phrase, often used by a child to a parent, implying a request for a blessing or a respectful farewell.

Examples

¡La bendición, mamá!

Blessing, Mom! (A request for permission/farewell)

Adiós vs. Despedida

Learners often confuse 'adiós' and 'despedida'. Remember that 'adiós' is the actual word used for saying goodbye, often feeling more final or formal. 'Despedida' is the noun for the act or event of saying goodbye, like a 'farewell party'.

Related Translations

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