Saying Goodbye
Here are some natural ways to end a conversation and say goodbye in French, ranging from quick casual departures to polite farewells.
Key Phrases
Au revoir.
neutralGoodbye.
The most standard way to say goodbye in any situation.
Salut !
casualBye!
Used with friends and family; it can mean both 'hi' and 'bye'.
Bonne journée !
neutralHave a good day!
Very common to add this after 'au revoir' when leaving a shop or saying goodbye during the day.
Je vous souhaite une excellente journée.
politeI wish you an excellent day.
More formal, often used in professional contexts or by service staff.
À bientôt.
neutralSee you soon.
Used when you know you will see the person again, but not necessarily today.
À la prochaine !
casualUntil next time!
A friendly, relaxed way to say you'll see them around.
À tout à l'heure.
neutralSee you later.
Only used when you will definitely see the person later on the same day.
À toute !
casualSee ya later!
The informal abbreviation of 'à tout à l'heure'.
Il faut que j'y aille.
neutralI have to go.
Uses the subjunctive mood; a very natural way to announce your departure.
Bon, je vous laisse.
casualWell, I'll leave you to it.
A common phrase to gently end a conversation before walking away.
Prenez soin de vous.
politeTake care of yourself.
A warm and polite way to say goodbye to someone you address with 'vous'.
Prends soin de toi.
casualTake care of yourself.
Used with someone you address with 'tu', like friends or close colleagues.
On s'appelle ?
casualLet's call each other?
A casual way to say 'we'll be in touch' before parting ways.
Rentrez bien.
neutralGet home safe.
Commonly said to someone who is leaving to go back to their house.