How to Say Goodbye in Spanish: 16 Farewells for Every Situation
Quick Answer
The most common way to say goodbye in Spanish is 'Adiós' (ah-dee-OHS). It works everywhere and in any situation. But native speakers more often reach for softer, temporary farewells like 'Hasta luego' (see you later), 'Nos vemos' (we'll see each other), or the Latin American favorite 'Chao', each carrying a different shade of meaning about when you expect to meet again.
The Short Answer
The most common way to say goodbye in Spanish is Adiós (ah-dee-OHS), but native speakers overwhelmingly prefer softer farewells like Hasta luego (see you later) in everyday life. The goodbye you choose tells the listener whether you expect to see them in five minutes, next week, or possibly never again.
Spanish is spoken by approximately 559 million people across 21 countries, according to Ethnologue's 2024 data. With that geographic spread, how people say goodbye varies dramatically, from Chao in Colombia to Nos vemos in Mexico to Cuídate in virtually any heartfelt parting. The Real Academia Española (RAE) traces Adiós back to the phrase a Dios vos acomiendo ("I commend you to God"), a farewell once reserved for journeys so dangerous you might not return.
"Spanish farewells encode a social contract: the choice between 'Adiós' and 'Hasta luego' is not arbitrary. It signals the speaker's expectation of future contact and the emotional weight of the parting."
(Francisco Moreno Fernández, Variedades de la lengua española, Routledge, 2020)
This guide covers 16 essential Spanish farewells organized by category: universal, casual, formal, regional, and workplace. Each includes pronunciation, formality level, an example sentence, and cultural context so you know exactly which goodbye fits the moment.
Quick Reference: Spanish Goodbyes at a Glance
Universal Farewells
These goodbyes work across every Spanish-speaking country. Whether you are in Madrid, Mexico City, or Buenos Aires, they will be understood and appropriate.
Adiós
/ah-dee-OHS/
Literal meaning: To God
“Adiós, señora López. Fue un gusto verla.”
Goodbye, Mrs. López. It was nice seeing you.
The quintessential Spanish goodbye. Works everywhere, but can feel more final than casual alternatives. Often used for passing greetings on the street, a quick 'Adiós' to someone you walk past is common in small towns.
Adiós is the first farewell every Spanish learner picks up, and for good reason: it is universally understood. According to Ralph Penny's A History of the Spanish Language (Cambridge University Press), it evolved from the medieval phrase a Dios vos acomiendo ("I commend you to God"), reflecting a time when saying goodbye carried real weight.
In modern usage, Adiós occupies an interesting middle ground. It is perfectly polite and never inappropriate, but native speakers often perceive it as slightly more definitive than Hasta luego. A quick Adiós when passing someone on the street in a Spanish village, however, functions more like a greeting than a farewell, a social acknowledgment that is less about parting and more about courtesy.
🌍 The Street 'Adiós'
In small towns across Spain and Latin America, it is common to say Adiós to strangers you pass on the street, sidewalk, or trail. This is not actually a goodbye; it is a brief greeting that acknowledges the other person. Think of it as the Spanish equivalent of a nod or a quick "hey."
Hasta luego
/AHS-tah LWEH-goh/
Literal meaning: Until later
“Bueno, me voy. ¡Hasta luego!”
Well, I'm heading out. See you later!
The most common everyday farewell across all Spanish-speaking countries. Implies you expect to see the person again, though the timeframe is vague. Works in both casual and semi-formal settings.
If Adiós is the "goodbye" of Spanish, Hasta luego is the "see you later," and it dominates daily conversation. You will hear it at the end of phone calls, when leaving shops, after meals with friends, and in practically every workplace interaction.
The beauty of Hasta luego is its flexibility. You do not need to actually have plans to see the person again. It simply leaves the door open, making the farewell feel warmer and less final. This is why Spanish speakers instinctively reach for it instead of Adiós in most everyday situations.
Buenas noches
/BWEH-nahs NOH-chehs/
Literal meaning: Good nights
“Buenas noches, que descanses.”
Good night, rest well.
Unlike English, 'Buenas noches' serves as both a greeting (hello in the evening) and a farewell (goodnight). As a farewell, it is appropriate from around 8 PM onward, often paired with 'que descanses' (rest well).
English speakers sometimes forget that Buenas noches pulls double duty: it means both "good evening" when you arrive and "good night" when you leave. As a farewell, it is the natural choice when parting ways in the evening hours, especially when someone is heading home or to bed.
Casual and Everyday Goodbyes
These are the farewells you will hear most among friends, family, and coworkers. They are warm, informal, and carry specific nuances about when you expect to reconnect.
Hasta pronto
/AHS-tah PROHN-toh/
Literal meaning: Until soon
“No te preocupes, esto es un hasta pronto, no un adiós.”
Don't worry, this is a 'see you soon,' not a goodbye.
Implies the next meeting will happen relatively soon but without a specific time. Warmer than 'Hasta luego' because it conveys eagerness to meet again.
Hasta pronto carries more emotional warmth than Hasta luego because pronto (soon) signals you actively want to see the person again. It is a favorite at the end of dinners with close friends and when saying goodbye to family you do not see often enough.
Hasta mañana
/AHS-tah mah-NYAH-nah/
Literal meaning: Until tomorrow
“Me voy a dormir. ¡Hasta mañana!”
I'm going to sleep. See you tomorrow!
Used when you know you will see the person the next day -- coworkers at end of shift, classmates, housemates. The 'ñ' in 'mañana' is pronounced like the 'ny' in 'canyon.'
Straightforward and specific: you will see each other tomorrow. This is the standard end-of-workday farewell among colleagues, and students use it constantly when leaving class. The hasta + time formula is highly productive in Spanish, and you can extend it to Hasta el lunes (See you Monday), Hasta la próxima semana (See you next week), or Hasta las tres (See you at three).
💡 The 'Hasta + Time' Formula
The structure Hasta + [time reference] works for any timeframe: Hasta el viernes (See you Friday), Hasta las vacaciones (Until the holidays), Hasta la próxima (Until the next one). It is one of the most productive patterns in Spanish farewells.
Nos vemos
/nohs VEH-mohs/
Literal meaning: We see each other
“Bueno, nos vemos el sábado en la fiesta.”
Alright, see you Saturday at the party.
Extremely common across all of Latin America and Spain. Reflexive form literally means 'we'll see each other.' Can stand alone or combine with a time: 'Nos vemos mañana,' 'Nos vemos luego.'
Nos vemos is a beloved casual farewell throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Its reflexive construction (literally "we see ourselves") gives it a mutual, friendly feel. You will hear it constantly in conversations among friends, and it pairs naturally with a time reference: Nos vemos el jueves (See you Thursday).
Nos hablamos
/nohs ah-BLAH-mohs/
Literal meaning: We'll talk to each other
“Perfecto, nos hablamos la semana que viene.”
Perfect, we'll talk next week.
The phone-era equivalent of 'Nos vemos.' Implies future communication rather than an in-person meeting. Common when ending phone calls or when the next interaction will likely be a call or message.
Where Nos vemos promises a face-to-face meeting, Nos hablamos promises continued communication, by phone, text, or however you stay in touch. It has become even more common in the age of messaging apps and video calls.
Cuídate
/KWEE-dah-teh/
Literal meaning: Take care of yourself
“Bueno, cuídate mucho. Ya sabes que aquí estamos.”
Well, take good care. You know we're here for you.
A warm, affectionate farewell that shows genuine concern. Adding 'mucho' (a lot) intensifies the emotion. Common among close friends and family, especially when someone is going through a difficult time.
Cuídate adds a layer of genuine care to a goodbye. It is the farewell you choose when you want the other person to know you are thinking about their well-being. After a friend shares bad news, when a family member is traveling, or simply as a warm sign-off between people who care about each other. Adding mucho makes it even more heartfelt.
Formal and Professional Farewells
Essential for business settings, professional relationships, and situations where showing respect matters. For more on navigating formal registers in Spanish, our Spanish learning hub covers these distinctions with interactive practice.
Que te vaya bien
/keh teh VAH-yah bee-EHN/
Literal meaning: May it go well for you
“Que te vaya bien en la entrevista de mañana.”
Hope the interview goes well for you tomorrow.
A warm, well-wishing farewell. Use 'Que le vaya bien' for formal situations (usted form). Extremely common in Mexico and Central America as a standard polite farewell to shopkeepers and service workers.
This farewell is a genuine well-wish. In Mexico and Central America, you will hear it constantly. A shopkeeper might say it as you leave, a taxi driver as you exit the car, a receptionist as you walk out. The formal version, Que le vaya bien, substitutes le for te to match the usted register.
Ha sido un placer
/ah SEE-doh oon plah-SEHR/
Literal meaning: It has been a pleasure
“Ha sido un placer conocerle. Espero que volvamos a coincidir.”
It's been a pleasure meeting you. I hope we cross paths again.
Reserved for formal occasions: business meetings, conferences, first-time professional encounters. Often followed by a handshake. The ultimate polished farewell in Spanish.
The most formal farewell in common use. It signals professionalism and respect, making it ideal for ending business meetings, conference interactions, or any situation where you want to leave a polished impression. Often accompanied by a firm handshake.
Que tenga un buen día
/keh TEHN-gah oon bwehn DEE-ah/
Literal meaning: May you have a good day
“Gracias por su visita. Que tenga un buen día.”
Thank you for your visit. Have a good day.
The formal 'Have a good day.' Uses the subjunctive 'tenga' (usted form). You can substitute the time of day: 'Que tenga buena tarde' (good afternoon), 'Que tenga buena noche' (good evening).
The Spanish equivalent of a formal "Have a good day." You will hear it from receptionists, hotel staff, bank tellers, and anyone in a service role. Like the Hasta + time formula, you can swap the time: Que tenga buena tarde, Que tenga buena noche.
Nos mantenemos en contacto
/nohs mahn-teh-NEH-mohs ehn kohn-TAHK-toh/
Literal meaning: We keep in contact
“Excelente reunión. Nos mantenemos en contacto para los próximos pasos.”
Excellent meeting. We'll stay in touch about next steps.
The professional version of 'Nos hablamos.' Standard in business contexts, networking events, and after professional meetings. Signals ongoing professional interest.
The professional cousin of Nos hablamos. Where Nos hablamos is casual and between friends, Nos mantenemos en contacto belongs in boardrooms, networking events, and LinkedIn conversations. It signals ongoing professional interest without being overly personal.
Regional Farewells: Spain vs. Latin America
As the Instituto Cervantes reports in its annual survey of the Spanish language, regional vocabulary differences are among the most noticeable markers of dialect. Goodbyes are no exception. For a deeper dive into regional Spanish through film, check out the best movies to learn Spanish on our blog.
Chao / Chau
/CHOW/
Literal meaning: Bye (from Italian 'Ciao')
“¡Chao, nos vemos mañana!”
Bye, see you tomorrow!
Borrowed from Italian 'Ciao.' 'Chao' dominates in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador. 'Chau' is preferred in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Less common in Spain and Mexico, where 'Adiós' and 'Hasta luego' dominate.
The Italian Ciao crossed the Atlantic and settled deeply into Latin American Spanish, though it split into two spellings along the way. Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador overwhelmingly favor Chao. Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay prefer Chau, the spelling that better reflects the Italian original.
In Spain, Chao is understood but far less common. Spaniards tend to rely on Adiós and Hasta luego. In Mexico, Chao is used occasionally but lacks the everyday dominance it has further south. This single word is one of the quickest tells of a speaker's regional origin.
| Region | Preferred Spelling | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Ecuador | Chao | Very common |
| Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay | Chau | Very common |
| Spain | Chao (occasional) | Uncommon |
| Mexico, Central America | Chao (occasional) | Uncommon |
Hasta la vista
/AHS-tah lah VEES-tah/
Literal meaning: Until the sight / Until we see each other
“Bueno, amigos, hasta la vista. Fue genial.”
Well, friends, see you around. It was great.
Famous worldwide thanks to Terminator 2, but genuinely used in Spanish -- particularly in Spain. Less common in Latin America, where 'Nos vemos' fills the same role. Carries a slightly playful, lighthearted tone.
Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger made it famous, but Hasta la vista is a genuine Spanish farewell, particularly in Spain. It means roughly "until we see each other" and carries a lighthearted, sometimes playful tone. In Latin America, Nos vemos fills this semantic space more naturally, so Hasta la vista can sound slightly cinematic there.
Buen viaje
/bwehn bee-AH-heh/
Literal meaning: Good trip
“¡Buen viaje! Mándanos fotos cuando llegues.”
Have a good trip! Send us photos when you arrive.
Used across all Spanish-speaking countries when someone is about to travel. Universal, warm, and always appropriate. Can be extended: 'Buen viaje y que te vaya muy bien' (Have a good trip and may it go well for you).
The natural farewell when someone is heading on a journey, whether a weekend getaway or an international move. It is used universally across the Spanish-speaking world and always sounds warm and sincere.
How to Respond to Spanish Goodbyes
Knowing how to respond is just as important as knowing how to initiate. Here are the most common goodbye-response pairs.
| They Say | You Say | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adiós | Adiós / Hasta luego | Echo or soften with a casual alternative |
| Hasta luego | Hasta luego / Nos vemos | Echo or use an equivalent |
| Hasta mañana | Hasta mañana / Nos vemos mañana | Echo the time reference |
| Nos vemos | Nos vemos / Hasta luego | Echo with a smile |
| Chao | Chao / Nos vemos | Casual echo |
| Cuídate | Igualmente / Tú también | "Likewise" or "You too" |
| Que te vaya bien | Gracias, igualmente | "Thanks, likewise" |
| Ha sido un placer | Igualmente / El placer es mío | "Likewise" / "The pleasure is mine" |
| Buenas noches | Buenas noches / Que descanses | Echo or add "rest well" |
💡 The Power of 'Igualmente'
When someone offers a well-wish farewell like Que te vaya bien or Ha sido un placer, responding with Igualmente (likewise) is always safe and appropriate. It works across all formality levels and regions.
🌍 Physical Farewell Customs
Spanish goodbyes often involve physical contact. In Spain, two cheek kisses (right cheek first) are standard between women, and between men and women. In most of Latin America, one kiss on the right cheek is the norm. Among men, handshakes and back pats are universal. In professional settings, a handshake suffices everywhere. Let the local person initiate and match their lead.
Workplace Goodbyes: A Quick Guide
Office culture adds its own layer to Spanish farewells. Here is what to expect in professional environments across the Spanish-speaking world.
| Situation | What to Say | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving for the day | Hasta mañana / Hasta luego | Standard, low-key |
| End of a meeting | Ha sido un placer / Nos mantenemos en contacto | Professional and polished |
| Friday afternoon | ¡Buen fin de semana! (Have a good weekend!) | Universally used |
| Colleague going on vacation | ¡Buen viaje! / Que descanses | Warm and appropriate |
| Someone leaving the company | Te deseo lo mejor / Mucho éxito | "I wish you the best" / "Much success" |
| Client farewell | Que tenga un buen día / Ha sido un placer | Formal and courteous |
Practice With Real Spanish Content
Reading about farewells gives you the knowledge, but hearing them in natural conversation is what builds real fluency. Spanish-language films and series are packed with goodbyes that reveal regional differences. Listen for Chao in Colombian telenovelas, Nos vemos in Mexican cinema, and Venga, hasta luego in Spanish shows.
Wordy lets you watch Spanish movies and shows with interactive subtitles, so you can tap on any farewell to see its meaning, pronunciation, and context instantly. Instead of memorizing phrases from a list, you absorb them from real conversations with authentic intonation and emotion.
For more Spanish content, explore our blog for guides on everything from the best movies to learn Spanish to greetings, slang, and beyond. You can also visit our Spanish learning page to start practicing today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way to say goodbye in Spanish?
What's the difference between 'Adiós' and 'Hasta luego'?
Do people in Latin America say 'Chao' or 'Adiós'?
How do you say goodbye formally in Spanish?
Is 'Adiós' rude or too strong?
What do you say when someone is going on a long trip in Spanish?
Sources & References
- Real Academia Española (RAE) — Diccionario de la lengua española, 23rd edition
- Instituto Cervantes — El español en el mundo, 2024 annual report
- Ethnologue: Languages of the World — Spanish language entry (2024)
- Moreno Fernández, F. (2020). 'Variedades de la lengua española.' Routledge.
- Penny, R. (2002). 'A History of the Spanish Language.' Cambridge University Press.
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