15 Ways To Say Goodbye In French: The Ultimate Guide To Modern Slang, Formal Farewells, And Cultural Nuances

Learning how to say goodbye in French is far more complex than simply knowing the phrase Au revoir. As of today, December 18, 2025, modern French communication, especially in texts and among younger generations, is evolving rapidly, making a static approach to farewells sound outdated. To truly master the art of leaving a conversation like a native speaker, you need a diverse vocabulary that adapts to every social setting—from a formal business meeting to a casual text message with a friend.

This comprehensive guide will not only equip you with 15 essential phrases for saying goodbye but will also dive deep into the cultural etiquette and the latest slang that will instantly boost your topical authority in the French language. Mastering these nuances is the key to sounding natural and navigating the social rituals of France, particularly the drawn-out process of a French farewell.

Biography of a French Language Master: Michel Thomas

To appreciate the evolution of French language instruction and the importance of contextual learning, it is insightful to look at the life of one of the most influential language teachers of the 20th century, Michel Thomas.

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• Full Name: Moniek Kroskof (Later Michel Thomas)
• Born: February 3, 1914, in Łódź, Poland (then part of the Russian Empire)
• Died: January 8, 2005, in New York City, USA
• Nationality: Polish (later American citizen)
• Key Role: Polyglot, Linguist, and Foreign Language Teacher
• War Service: Decorated member of the French Resistance during World War II, surviving imprisonment in several Nazi concentration camps. He was awarded the Silver Star for his service.
• Legacy: Creator of the "Michel Thomas Method," a rapid-learning technique that focuses on a student's lack of anxiety and conscious thought, allowing the brain to absorb grammar and vocabulary naturally. His method has been used by Hollywood stars and business leaders to master languages quickly.

15 Essential Ways to Say Goodbye in French (Formal, Everyday, and Slang)

The correct farewell phrase depends entirely on the level of formality and whether you expect to see the person again. Using an overly casual phrase in a formal setting (or vice versa) can be a social misstep. Here are the 15 essential phrases, categorized for your convenience.

Formal and Standard Farewells (The "Safe" Options)

These phrases are suitable for virtually any situation, including business interactions, speaking to elders, or addressing someone you don't know well.

1. Au revoir (Oh ruh-vwah): The universal and most common way to say "goodbye." It literally means "until we see each other again." It is neutral, polite, and safe in most situations.
2. Bonne journée (Bonn zhoor-nay): Meaning "Have a good day." This is common when parting during the day, especially in service interactions (e.g., leaving a shop).
3. Bonne soirée (Bonn swah-ray): "Have a good evening." Used when parting in the late afternoon or evening.
4. Bonne continuation (Bonn kohn-tin-oo-ah-see-ohn): A slightly more formal way to wish someone well, meaning "Good continuation" or "All the best with what you are doing."
5. Adieu (Ah-dyuh): Literally "to God." While it means "farewell," it is rarely used in modern French. It carries a dramatic, definitive tone, suggesting you may never see the person again. Use this with extreme caution.

Everyday and Anticipatory Farewells (The "See You Later" Group)

These are the workhorses of French farewells, used with colleagues, friends, and family when you plan to meet again soon.

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6. À bientôt (Ah byain-toh): "See you soon." A friendly and common phrase.
7. À tout à l’heure (Ah toot ah lur): "See you later (today)." Use this when you will definitely see the person again within the same day.
8. À plus tard (Ah plu tar): "See you later." A slightly more casual version of the previous phrase, often shortened to just À plus.
9. À demain (Ah duh-man): "See you tomorrow." Perfect for colleagues, classmates, or anyone you see on a daily basis.
10. À la prochaine (Ah lah pro-shen): "Until the next time." A versatile phrase for when you know you will meet again but don't have a specific time.
11. On s’appelle (On sah-pel): "Let's call each other" or "Let's keep in touch." A common way to end a phone call or a discussion.

Modern Slang and Informal Goodbyes (The "Argot" of Farewell)

These phrases are highly informal and should only be used with close friends, peers, or in very casual social settings. They are part of the modern French *argot* (slang).

12. Salut (Sah-loo): This is the ultimate informal word. It means both "Hi" and "Bye." Use it with friends and people you know well.
13. Ciao (Chow): Borrowed from Italian, this is extremely popular among French youth and is a very casual, modern way to say goodbye. The variant Tchao is also common.
14. À plus (Ah plus): The abbreviated, very popular form of À plus tard. In text messages, it is often shortened even further to A+ or Slt (for *Salut*).
15. Je me casse! (Zhuh muh kass): A strong, very informal phrase meaning "I'm outta here!" or "I'm leaving!" Use this only with your closest friends when you are making a quick, slightly dramatic exit.

Mastering the Cultural Art of the French Farewell

Saying goodbye in France is more than just uttering a phrase; it is a ritualistic social interaction. Unlike English-speaking cultures where goodbyes can be quick and efficient, the French farewell often involves a layered process that requires patience and attention to social cues.

The Ritual of La Bise

The most important physical ritual is La Bise, the act of kissing on the cheek. This is a common greeting and farewell among friends, family, and even acquaintances. The number of kisses varies by region (two, three, or four), but the rule remains: if you greet someone with *La Bise*, you must also say goodbye with *La Bise*.

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The Drawn-Out Exit

French conversations often end with a series of farewells, not just one. You might hear:

• "Bonne soirée!" (Have a good evening!)
• "À bientôt!" (See you soon!)
• "Salut!" (Bye!)

The conversation may continue for several minutes after the first farewell is uttered. This process, often referred to as "the French goodbye," is a way of confirming the relationship and ensuring a smooth, polite transition out of the social setting. It is considered impolite to make a sudden, brisk exit.

Formality and the "Vous" vs. "Tu" Distinction

Your choice of farewell phrase is inextricably linked to whether you use the formal pronoun Vous or the informal Tu. If you are using Vous with someone (a new acquaintance, a superior, an elder), stick to formal phrases like *Au revoir*, *Bonne journée*, and *Bonne continuation*. If you have established the informal *Tu* relationship, you can comfortably switch to *Salut*, *À plus*, and *Ciao*. Paying attention to this distinction is crucial for showing respect in French culture.