au revoir

/o ʁəvwaʁ/
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A polite farewell said when leaving someone.

Similar words

à bientôt
à plus tard
salut

Meanings

Everyday goodbye

social
neutral
Said when parting from someone, without implying that the separation is permanent.

Examples

  • Au revoir, à demain !
    Goodbye, see you tomorrow!
  • Elle a dit au revoir à ses amis.
    She said goodbye to her friends.
  • Avant de partir, dis au revoir à ta grand-mère.
    Before you leave, say goodbye to your grandmother.
  • Au revoir, monsieur, et merci pour votre aide.
    Goodbye, sir, and thank you for your help.
  • Ils se sont fait un signe d'au revoir à la gare.
    They waved goodbye to each other at the station.

Similar words

Etymology

The phrase joins au, a contraction of à le, with revoir, “to see again”, and points to a hoped-for next meeting.

FAQ

What does au revoir mean?

It means goodbye.

When is au revoir used?

It is said when leaving someone or ending a conversation.

Is au revoir polite?

Yes, it suits both everyday and polite situations.

Does au revoir mean a final goodbye?

Usually not. Adieu more strongly suggests a long or final separation.

Can au revoir be used as a noun?

Yes. Dire au revoir means to say goodbye, and un au revoir is a farewell.

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