Don't say さようなら to friends
By the end you'll say goodbye to friends and family without sounding like you'll never see them again.
- 1
じゃあね
jaa ne
Casual 'see ya' between friends.
Use when parting from a friend after a casual hangout
じゃあね、また今度。
jaa ne, mata kondo.
See you, until next time.
Textbook version (sounds stiff)
さようなら
sayounara
Sounds like a serious goodbye, as if you may not see them for years.
- 2
バイバイ
bai bai
'Bye-bye', playful, between close friends or family.
Use when leaving someone you're very close to
バイバイ！
bai bai!
Bye-bye!
Textbook version (sounds stiff)
失礼いたします
shitsurei itashimasu
Used by hotel staff and lawyers; weird with a close friend.
- 3
またね
mata ne
'See you again', versatile and warm.
Use when parting from a friend with no fixed next meet
じゃ、またね。
ja, mata ne.
Alright, see you.
Textbook version (sounds stiff)
ごきげんよう
gokigenyou
Drama-school formal; nobody in your generation actually says this.
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