Saying goodbye in Japanese is more than just a simple parting phrase; it reflects the culture’s deep respect for relationships and social harmony. Whether engaging in a formal conversation or chatting with close friends, the Japanese offer a variety of ways to bid farewell that match the situation perfectly. From the classic “sayonara” to more casual options like “mata ne,” each expression carries its meaning and tone.
List of Different Ways to Say ‘Goodbye’ in Japanese
- Sayonara (さよなら)
- Mata ne (またね)
- Jaa ne (じゃあね)
- Bai bai (バイバイ)
- Otsukaresama deshita (お疲れ様でした)
- Anata ni ai ni ikimasu (あなたに会いに行きます)
- Ki o tsukete (気を付けて)
- Shitsurei shimasu (失礼します)
- Genki de ne (元気でね)
- Ittekimasu (行ってきます)
- Itterasshai (行ってらっしゃい)
- Oai dekite ureshikatta desu (お会いできて嬉しかったです)
- Gokurousama deshita (ご苦労様でした)
- Mōsugu (もうすぐ)
- Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい)
- Ato de ne (あとでね)
- Chotto matte ne (ちょっと待ってね)
- Aitakute tamaranai (会いたくてたまらない)
- Kōyō no shukufuku o (紅葉の祝福を)
- Yoi tabi o (良い旅を)
1. Sayonara (さようなら)
Sayonara is one of the most common ways to say goodbye in Japanese, often used for formal or semi-formal settings. It carries a sense of finality, implying that you won’t be seeing the person for a while. Be mindful that it’s not typically used for casual or short-term farewells.
Scenario:
Subject: Farewell for Now
Hi Darcy,
I wanted to write and let you know how much I’ve enjoyed working with you these past few years. As you know, I’m moving to another country soon, so I’m not sure when we’ll meet again. For now, I suppose it’s time to say sayonara.
I’ll definitely keep in touch and hope we cross paths again someday. Best of luck with all your future endeavors!
Warmest regards,
Elizabeth
2. Mata Ne (またね)
Mata ne is an informal way to say goodbye, translating to “see you later” or “see you soon.” It’s a friendly phrase used between friends or people of the same age and status. It implies that you expect to see the person again.
Scenario:
Subject: Catch You Soon
Hey Darcy,
It was so fun hanging out today! I’m glad we got to spend time together, even if it was short. I know we’re both busy with work, but let’s plan something again soon, okay?
For now, mata ne. Take care, and I’ll be in touch!
Talk soon,
Elizabeth
3. Shitsurei Shimasu (失礼します)
Shitsurei shimasu is a very polite and formal way to excuse yourself when leaving a room or conversation. It can be translated as “Excuse me for leaving” and is often used in workplace or formal environments. It’s respectful and indicates that you are taking your leave.
Scenario:
Subject: Signing Off the Meeting
Dear Darcy,
Thank you so much for your time during today’s meeting. I feel like we made great progress on the project, and I’m confident we’ll meet the deadline.
Since I have another meeting scheduled, I’ll need to end this email with a formal shitsurei shimasu. Please feel free to reach out if you need anything else from me.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
4. Ja Ne (じゃあね)
Ja ne is a casual way to say goodbye, typically used among close friends. It’s equivalent to saying “See ya!” in English. While informal, it’s still polite and friendly.
Scenario:
Subject: Take Care, Talk Soon!
Hey Darcy,
I know you’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow, so I won’t keep you. Thanks for the great chat tonight! We should definitely do this more often.
Until next time, ja ne!
Best,
Elizabeth
5. Otsukaresama Deshita (お疲れ様でした)
This phrase is used to acknowledge someone’s hard work and is typically said at the end of the workday or after completing a project. Otsukaresama deshita translates to “Thank you for your hard work” and is a respectful way to bid farewell in professional settings.
Scenario:
Subject: Great Work Today
Hi Darcy,
Just wanted to say you did an amazing job on today’s presentation. Your insights were invaluable, and I think the client was really impressed.
As we wrap things up, I’ll leave you with otsukaresama deshita—well done!
Looking forward to working together again,
Elizabeth
6. Ittekimasu (行ってきます)
Ittekimasu means “I’m leaving” or “I’m going now” and is often used when leaving your house. It doesn’t translate to a final goodbye but more like “I’ll be back.” It’s commonly used when someone leaves home or an office with the expectation of returning.
Scenario:
Subject: Heading Out
Hey Darcy,
I just wanted to quickly let you know that I’m about to head out for the weekend trip we talked about. I’ve packed everything, and I’m feeling ready for some adventure!
So, for now, ittekimasu! I’ll send updates once I’m there.
Take care,
Elizabeth
7. Itterasshai (いってらっしゃい)
Itterasshai is a phrase you say to someone leaving the house, often translated as “Take care” or “Have a good trip.” It’s typically said in response to ittekimasu and is a way of wishing someone well on their journey.
Scenario:
Subject: Safe Travels!
Dear Darcy,
I know you’re heading off on your business trip soon. Just wanted to wish you a smooth journey and successful meetings while you’re away.
Itterasshai, and take good care of yourself! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
8. Osaki ni Shitsurei Shimasu (お先に失礼します)
This phrase is often used when leaving work earlier than others, and it translates to “Excuse me for leaving before you.” It’s a polite way to excuse yourself and acknowledge the efforts of those still working.
Scenario:
Subject: Heading Out Early
Hi Darcy,
I just wanted to inform you that I’ll be heading out early today as I have an appointment. Thank you so much for holding down the fort in my absence.
For now, osaki ni shitsurei shimasu. I’ll be back tomorrow to help finish the project!
Best regards,
Elizabeth
9. Jaa Mata (じゃあまた)
Jaa mata is a slightly less formal version of mata ne and is commonly used among friends or in less formal situations. It translates to “See you later.”
Scenario:
Subject: Until Next Time
Hey Darcy,
It was so good catching up today! I always appreciate our conversations and the positive energy you bring.
For now, jaa mata, and I’ll be in touch soon!
Best,
Elizabeth
10. Saraba (さらば)
Saraba is an older, more dramatic way of saying goodbye, akin to “farewell” in English. It has a historical feel and isn’t used in everyday conversation, but you might see it in literature or hear it in films.
Scenario:
Subject: Farewell for Now
Dear Darcy,
I feel like this is the perfect time for an old-fashioned farewell. Our paths are leading us in different directions for now, but who knows what the future holds?
Until we meet again, saraba.
All the best,
Elizabeth
11. Tadaima (ただいま)
Tadaima means “I’m back,” and though it’s not used as a goodbye, it often follows ittekimasu when someone returns home. It’s part of the routine greetings in Japanese culture.
Scenario:
Subject: Back from the Trip!
Hey Darcy,
Just wanted to let you know I’m back from my trip! Everything went smoothly, and I’ve returned safe and sound.
Tadaima, and let’s catch up soon!
Best,
Elizabeth
12. Go Kigenyo (ごきげんよう)
Go kigenyo is a very formal and polite way to say goodbye, usually reserved for more sophisticated or elegant situations. It’s somewhat old-fashioned, but it conveys respect and refinement.
Scenario:
Subject: Wishing You Well
Dear Darcy,
I wanted to thank you for your kindness and hospitality during my stay. It was truly a pleasure, and I appreciate all your efforts.
As I depart, I wish you the best with a heartfelt go kigenyo.
With warm regards,
Elizabeth
13. Bāi Bāi (バイバイ)
This is the Japanese version of “Bye-bye” and is often used between children, close friends, or in very casual contexts. It’s playful and friendly, making it perfect for informal farewells.
Scenario:
Subject: Quick Goodbye
Hey Darcy,
I know we’re keeping this short today, so I just wanted to say bāi bāi for now! We’ll catch up more next week.
Take care,
Elizabeth
14. Genki De (元気で)
Genki de is a way to say “Take care” or “Be well.” It’s often used when you’re saying goodbye to someone you won’t see for a while, wishing them good health.
Scenario:
Subject: Until Next Time, Stay Well
Hi Darcy,
I know you’ll be leaving for your new job soon, and I just wanted to wish you all the best in your new role. Please take care of yourself and enjoy this new adventure.
Genki de, and I’ll be thinking of you!
Warmly,
Elizabeth
15. Oai Dekite Ureshikatta Desu (お会いできてうれしかったです)
This phrase means “It was nice to meet you,” and while not a direct goodbye, it’s often used as part of a farewell after meeting someone for the first time.
Scenario:
Subject: A Pleasure Meeting You
Dear Darcy,
It was such a pleasure to meet you during this week’s conference. Your insights were both valuable and thought-provoking, and I hope we’ll have the chance to collaborate again in the future.
For now, I’ll say oai dekite ureshikatta desu. Looking forward to our next encounter.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
16. Gokurousama Deshita (ご苦労様でした)
Gokurousama deshita is another phrase used to express appreciation for someone’s hard work. It’s similar to otsukaresama deshita, but it’s generally used by a superior to thank a subordinate.
Scenario:
Subject: Thanks for the Hard Work
Hi Darcy,
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work on this project. You’ve been diligent, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Gokurousama deshita—your dedication is truly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
17. Mōsugu (もうすぐ)
Mōsugu is a less common way of saying goodbye, and it’s often used when referring to something that is going to happen soon, like “See you soon.”
Scenario:
Subject: See You Soon
Hey Darcy,
Just a quick note to let you know I’ll be arriving at your place soon. I’m looking forward to catching up and spending time together!
For now, mōsugu, see you in just a bit.
Best,
Elizabeth
18. Kiyotsukete (気を付けて)
Kiyotsukete means “Take care” and is often used when someone is leaving for a trip or when you’re parting ways for a while. It’s a warm and caring way to say goodbye.
Scenario:
Subject: Safe Travels
Dear Darcy,
As you head off on your vacation, I just wanted to wish you safe travels. Please enjoy every moment of your trip, and most importantly, kiyotsukete!
Looking forward to hearing all about it when you return.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth
19. Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい)
Oyasuminasai means “Goodnight” and is commonly used at the end of the day when someone is going to bed. It’s a polite and thoughtful way to bid someone a peaceful rest.
Scenario:
Subject: Goodnight, Sweet Dreams
Hi Darcy,
I just wanted to say goodnight before I turn in for the day. I hope you have a restful evening and that tomorrow brings new opportunities.
For now, oyasuminasai, and we’ll talk tomorrow.
Best,
Elizabeth
20. Ato De Ne (あとでね)
Ato de ne means “See you later” and is a casual way to part, especially when you expect to see the person later in the day.
Scenario:
Subject: See You Later Today
Hey Darcy,
Just a quick note to say I’ll see you later this afternoon. Looking forward to our coffee catch-up!
Until then, ato de ne!
Best,
Elizabeth
Conclusion
Learning how to say goodbye in Japanese opens a deeper understanding of the culture and language. Whether it’s a formal farewell like sayonara, a casual mata ne, or a caring genki de, each phrase has its own nuances that can help you communicate more effectively and respectfully.
