Saying goodbye is more than just walking away, it’s an important part of Vietnamese communication that reflects respect and relationship. Depending on who you’re speaking to, how close you are, and the situation, there are many ways to say farewell. In this guide, Jellyfish will show you how to say goodbye in Vietnamese in both formal and casual situations so you can leave a great impression every time.
1. The Standard Way to Say Goodbye: “Tạm biệt”
Tạm biệt : This is the direct translation of “good bye” in Vietnamese and works well in most situations.
Examples:
- Tạm biệt, hẹn gặp lại! → Goodbye, see you again!
- Tạm biệt anh/chị! → Goodbye, sir/ma’am!
Cultural note: While commonly taught in textbooks, tạm biệt is not always used in casual everyday interactions, locals often use softer phrases.
2. Casual Ways to Say Goodbye to Friends
When speaking to friends or people your age, more relaxed expressions are often used:
- Bye nhé! → Bye! (casual, friendly)
- Hẹn gặp lại nhé! → See you again!
- Gặp lại sau nhé! → Catch you later!
- Đi trước nha! → I’ll go ahead! (used when leaving first)
Example: Tớ về trước nha, mai gặp lại! → I’m heading out, see you tomorrow!
If you want to sound natural when learning how to say goodbye in Vietnamese, these phrases are perfect for everyday use.
3. Formal and Respectful Ways to Say Goodbye
When speaking with teachers, bosses, elders, or in professional settings, you should show respect in your farewell.
Try these:
- Em chào anh/chị ạ. → Goodbye, sir/madam. (used by a younger person)
- Con chào bố mẹ ạ. → Goodbye, Mom and Dad.
- Cháu chào ông/bà. → Goodbye, Grandpa/Grandma.
- Xin phép tôi về trước. → Excuse me, I’ll leave now.
These polite expressions are essential for mastering how to say good bye in Vietnamese respectfully.
4. How to Say Goodbye in Vietnamese on the Phone or in Online Chats
When ending a call, message, or online chat, people often say:
- Chào anh/chị nhé. → Bye, sir/madam.
- Tạm biệt nhé, nói chuyện sau! → Bye, talk later!
- Mình off trước nha! → I’m logging off now! (casual online slang)
Vietnamese speakers like to end interactions kindly — so even when texting, a friendly goodbye matters.
5. Saying Goodbye Before a Long Separation
When someone is moving away, going abroad, or leaving for a long time:
- Chúc bạn thượng lộ bình an. → Wish you a safe journey.
- Bảo trọng nhé. → Take care.
- Tạm biệt, mong sớm gặp lại. → Goodbye, hope to see you again soon.
- Giữ gìn sức khỏe nhé. → Take care of your health.
These are used in emotional or meaningful farewells.
6. Funny or Trendy Goodbye Phrases (Slang)
Among younger people or close friends, fun and humorous ways to say goodbye are sometimes used:
- Đi đây! → I’m out!
- Tạm biệt cuộc đời FA! → Goodbye, single life! (funny use after finding a lover)
- Về nhà ngủ đây! → Off to sleep! (used in group chats)
These phrases are informal and not suitable for formal situations, but they make you sound very local.
7. Summary Table: How to Say Good Bye in Vietnamese
To make it easier for learners, we’ve compiled a concise summary table below. It highlights common expressions, their meanings, and when to use them, helping you quickly grasp how to say goodbye in Vietnamese in different contexts.
| Vietnamese Phrase | Meaning | Use Context |
| Tạm biệt | Goodbye | General/formal |
| Bye nhé / Gặp lại sau nhé | Bye / See you later | Casual, friendly |
| Hẹn gặp lại | See you again | Formal & friendly |
| Em/Con/Cháu chào anh/chị/bố mẹ… | Polite goodbye | To elders, family, teachers |
| Chúc thượng lộ bình an | Have a safe trip | Before travel |
| Mình off trước nha! | I’m logging off | Online/informal chats |
| Đi đây / Về ngủ đây | I’m out / Off to bed | Slang/funny/friends only |
See more: 12 COMMON GREETINGS IN VIETNAMESE
Knowing how to say goodbye in Vietnamese is essential for daily life, work, and relationships. From formal farewells to playful goodbyes, each phrase reflects the respect and friendliness that Vietnamese culture values. Choose the right phrase for the right person and you’ll always leave with a good impression.
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