Saying goodbye in Japanese can vary depending on the formality of the situation, the relationship between the speakers, and the time of day. Here are some common ways to say goodbye in Japanese along with examples:
1. さようなら (Sayōnara)
- Usage: Formal, used when you may not see the person for a long time.
- Example: さようなら、また来年会いましょう。(Sayōnara, mata rainen aimashō.) – Goodbye, let’s meet again next year.
2. じゃあね (Jā ne)
- Usage: Informal, used among friends or peers.
- Example: じゃあね、また明日！(Jā ne, mata ashita!) – See you tomorrow!
3. またね (Mata ne)
- Usage: Informal, used among friends or peers, similar to “see you later” in English.
- Example: じゃあ、またね！(Ja, mata ne!) – Well then, see you later!
4. さよなら (Sayonara)
- Usage: Similar to さようなら (Sayōnara), but slightly less formal.
- Example: さよなら、またいつか会いましょう。(Sayonara, mata itsuka aimashō.) – Goodbye, let’s meet someday.
5. お疲れ様でした (Otsukaresama deshita)
- Usage: Formal, used typically in a workplace setting, to acknowledge someone’s efforts.
- Example: 今日もお疲れ様でした。(Kyō mo otsukaresama deshita.) – You’ve worked hard today as well.
6. ごきげんよう (Gokigen’yō)
- Usage: Formal, used in formal settings or when addressing someone of higher status.
- Example: ごきげんよう、お元気で。(Gokigen’yō, ogenki de.) – Goodbye, take care.
7. お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu)
- Usage: Formal, used when leaving before others, especially in a professional setting.
- Example: お先に失礼します、また次回お会いしましょう。(Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu, mata jikai o ai shimashou.) – I’ll excuse myself now, let’s meet again next time.
8. じゃまた (Ja mata)
- Usage: Informal, used among friends, similar to “see you later”.
- Example: じゃまた、楽しい時間をありがとう！(Ja mata, tanoshii jikan o arigatou!) – See you later, thanks for the fun time!
9 . お元気で (Ogenki de)
- Usage: Informal, used to wish someone well.
- Example: じゃあね、お元気でね。(Jā ne, ogenki de ne.) – Well then, take care!
Japanese culture places importance on politeness and respect, so it’s crucial to choose the appropriate expression based on the context and relationship with the person you’re addressing.