How to Say Goodbye in Spanish
Learn how to say goodbye in Spanish. 'Adiós' is the classic, but 'Hasta luego' and 'Chao' are often more common. Pronunciation guide + all the ways to say bye in Spanish.
Published · 1 min read · Free · No sign-up
Quick answer
To say goodbye in Spanish, say 'Adiós' (ah-Dee-OHS). However, for casual everyday goodbyes Spanish speakers more often use 'Hasta luego' (see you later), 'Hasta pronto' (see you soon), 'Nos vemos' (see you), or 'Chao/Chau' (bye). 'Adiós' can feel quite final, so the 'see you' phrases are preferred when you'll meet again.
Adiós
/ah-Dee-OHS/ — Spanish
How to Say Goodbye in Spanish
Spanish has a goodbye for every occasion — from the slightly final Adiós to the warm, casual Chao. Knowing which to use makes your farewells natural.
The Classic: Adiós
Adiós — pronounced ah-Dee-OHS
The stress falls on the final syllable (note the accent on ó). Adiós derives from a Dios (“to God”), which is why it can carry a sense of finality.
Copy the Phrase
The Spanish word for “goodbye” is Adiós (ah-Dee-OHS).
The Most Common Goodbyes
Interestingly, casual Spanish often prefers “see you” phrases over adiós:
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Adiós | ah-Dee-OHS | Goodbye (can feel final) |
| Hasta luego | AHS-tah loo-EH-go | See you later |
| Hasta pronto | AHS-tah PRON-to | See you soon |
| Hasta mañana | AHS-tah man-YAH-na | See you tomorrow |
| Nos vemos | nos VEH-mos | See you (we’ll see each other) |
| Chao / Chau | chow | Bye (casual, friendly) |
| Cuídate | KWEE-dah-teh | Take care |
| Hasta la vista | AHS-tah lah VEES-tah | Until we meet again (dramatic) |
The “Hasta” Family
Hasta means “until,” and it forms many goodbyes:
- Hasta luego — until later (see you later)
- Hasta pronto — until soon (see you soon)
- Hasta mañana — until tomorrow
- Hasta la próxima — until next time
- Hasta siempre — until always (a poignant, lasting farewell)
Adiós vs. Hasta Luego
The key nuance:
- Adiós — more final; fits longer or definite goodbyes (“to God,” a real parting)
- Hasta luego / Nos vemos — casual; implies you’ll meet again soon
For everyday goodbyes between people who’ll see each other again, hasta luego or nos vemos feel more natural than adiós.
Casual & Warm Goodbyes
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Chao / Chau | Bye (from Italian ciao) |
| Nos vemos | See ya |
| Cuídate | Take care (informal) |
| Que te vaya bien | May it go well for you |
| Nos hablamos | We’ll talk (soon) |
Formal Farewells
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Que tenga un buen día | Have a good day (formal) |
| Que le vaya bien | May it go well for you (formal) |
| Fue un placer | It was a pleasure |
| Hasta pronto | See you soon |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Adiós?
'Adiós' is pronounced ah-Dee-OHS. 'A' = ah, 'diós' = dee-OHS with the stress on the final syllable (note the accent on ó). The 'd' is soft (almost 'th'), and the 's' is clear. Avoid 'ADD-ee-os' — the stress is on the END: ah-dee-OHS.
Is Adiós too final or dramatic?
'Adiós' can carry a sense of finality — it originally implies 'a Dios' (to God), like a more permanent farewell. While it's perfectly normal for everyday goodbyes, many Spanish speakers prefer 'Hasta luego' (see you later) or 'Nos vemos' (see you) for casual partings where you'll meet again soon. 'Adiós' fits goodbyes that are more definite or longer-term.
What does Hasta luego mean?
'Hasta luego' (AHS-tah loo-EH-go) means 'see you later' (literally 'until later'). It's one of the most common casual goodbyes. The 'hasta' (until) family includes: 'Hasta pronto' (see you soon), 'Hasta mañana' (see you tomorrow), 'Hasta la vista' (until we meet again — though this sounds slightly dramatic/dated to native speakers, popularized by the movie line).
Is it Chao or Chau in Spanish?
Both — it's borrowed from the Italian 'ciao' and spelled 'chao' or 'chau' in Spanish (pronounced 'chow'). It's a very common, casual, friendly goodbye throughout Latin America and Spain, especially among friends. 'Chao' is informal and warm, like the English casual 'bye.'
How do you say goodbye formally in Spanish?
For formal farewells: 'Adiós' works, as does 'Hasta luego.' More formal/polite: 'Que tenga un buen día' (have a good day — usted), 'Que le vaya bien' (may it go well for you), 'Fue un placer' (it was a pleasure), 'Hasta pronto' (see you soon). In professional contexts, pairing a goodbye with a good-wish ('Que tenga buen día') is courteous.