24 Essential Japanese Goodbye Phrases You Need to Know

Saying goodbye in Japanese can feel just as warm and nuanced as the language itself.

Whether you’re parting ways with friends, coworkers, or strangers, having the right phrase ready adds a personal touch. It’s not just about words—it’s about the feeling behind them.

From casual chats to formal farewells, Japanese goodbye phrases cover a wide range of situations. And mastering a few key ones can make you sound natural and thoughtful.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 24 essential Japanese goodbye expressions that you need to know. These will help you connect better and leave a good impression wherever you go.

Learning these phrases is also a great way to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and social etiquette. Plus, it’s fun to see how different goodbyes fit different moments!

Ready to say “see you” like a pro? Let’s dive in and explore the essentials.

Understanding the Basics of Japanese Goodbyes

Before jumping into the phrases, it helps to get a quick overview of how farewells work.

Japanese goodbyes vary widely depending on formality, context, and relationship. Some are quick and casual, while others express gratitude or hope to meet again soon.

Knowing when and how to use them will make your partings feel natural and respectful.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These phrases are simple to learn but rich in meaning.

Once you get the hang of a few, you’ll find it easy to add more to your vocabulary as you go.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. じゃね (Ja ne) – “See ya!”

This is the go-to casual goodbye among friends and peers.

“じゃね” (Ja ne) literally means “well then” or “see you,” and it’s super informal. It’s perfect for quick partings after hanging out.

It’s easy to remember because it sounds like “ja” plus “ne,” which is a soft sentence-ending particle that makes it friendly.

Using this phrase shows closeness and comfort.

A related phrase is “じゃあね” (Jā ne), which is just a slightly longer version but means the same thing.

Try it next time you leave a casual meet-up to sound natural and friendly.

2. またね (Mata ne) – “See you later!”

“またね” (Mata ne) means “see you again,” implying you expect to meet soon.

It’s casual and very common among friends. Just remember “mata” means “again,” and “ne” softens the phrase.

Practicing by saying it when you part from friends helps embed the phrase comfortably.

One thing to avoid is overusing “ne” too much outside casual settings; it can sound too informal.

Example: After hanging out with friends, say “またね！” to show you look forward to next time.

Once you get this down, you’ll have a friendly, hopeful goodbye at your fingertips.

3. バイバイ (Bai bai) – “Bye bye!”

This is a fun, casual way to say goodbye, borrowed from English.

“バイバイ” (Bai bai) is easy to say and widely used, especially with kids and young people.

It’s great for light-hearted farewells and casual settings.

It feels very informal and friendly.

Be mindful that it’s not appropriate in formal or work contexts.

Use it with friends or when leaving a casual gathering to keep things upbeat and simple.

4. じゃあ、また (Jā, mata) – “Well then, see you again”

This phrase combines “じゃあ” (well then) and “また” (again) for a casual but slightly more complete goodbye.

It’s easy to remember because you’re just pairing two simple words.

It sounds natural when you want to signal you expect another meeting.

Don’t confuse it with too formal expressions; it’s best with friends or colleagues you’re on good terms with.

Example: Leaving work and telling colleagues “じゃあ、また！” to mean you’ll see them next time.

This phrase smoothly bridges casual and polite settings, making it versatile.

5. お疲れ様 (Otsukaresama) – “Thanks for your hard work”

While literally meaning “you must be tired,” this phrase is used as a casual farewell at work.

It’s a nice way to acknowledge effort and say goodbye.

Easy to remember because it’s often said at the end of the day or after a meeting.

Be careful not to overuse it outside work or formal settings.

Example: Saying “お疲れ様です” (Otsukaresama desu) when leaving the office shows respect and camaraderie.

This phrase is a must-know for anyone working or interacting in Japanese professional environments.

6. 気をつけて (Ki wo tsukete) – “Take care!”

This phrase literally means “take care of yourself.”

It’s casual but kind, perfect for wishing someone safety or well-being as they leave.

“気をつけて” (Ki wo tsukete) is straightforward and easy to practice daily.

One mistake is forgetting to say it when someone is heading into a risky or long journey—it adds warmth!

Example: Saying “気をつけてね！” to a friend as they head home.

It’s a nice way to show you care, making your goodbye more meaningful.

7. また明日 (Mata ashita) – “See you tomorrow”

This phrase is perfect for daily partings among classmates or coworkers.

“また” means “again” and “明日” (ashita) means “tomorrow.” Together, they create a friendly, hopeful goodbye.

Easy to remember because it’s just two common words.

Don’t use it if you don’t plan to see the person the next day.

Example: Saying “また明日！” as you leave school or work.

It’s a warm way to keep connections strong in daily life.

8. バイバイまたね (Bai bai mata ne) – “Bye bye, see you later”

This combines the fun “バイバイ” with “またね” for a cheerful and friendly farewell.

It’s casual, youthful, and very easy to say.

Use it with close friends or family for a bright send-off.

Avoid in formal settings where it might sound too playful.

Example: Saying “バイバイまたね！” after a casual hangout.

It’s a great phrase to keep in your casual goodbye toolkit.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. さようなら (Sayōnara) – “Goodbye”

“さようなら” (Sayōnara) is the classic formal goodbye.

It’s polite and often used when you don’t expect to see the person for a while.

Easy to remember because it’s one of the first Japanese words many learn.

Don’t use it casually among close friends because it can sound distant or final.

Example: Saying “さようなら” when leaving a formal event or after a business meeting.

Use it to show respect and formality in farewells.

10. 失礼します (Shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me/Goodbye”

This phrase literally means “I am being rude,” but it’s used as a polite way to excuse yourself.

It’s common in business or formal situations when leaving a room or ending a conversation.

Easy to remember because it’s often taught in workplace etiquette.

Be sure not to confuse this with casual goodbyes; it’s best reserved for formal contexts.

Example: Saying “失礼します” when you leave a meeting or visit someone’s office.

It’s a respectful way to say goodbye that shows good manners.

11. お先に失礼します (Osaki ni shitsurei shimasu) – “Excuse me for leaving first”

This is a polite phrase used when leaving work before others.

It literally means “Excuse me for leaving ahead.”

It’s easy to remember by breaking it down: “お先に” (before you), “失礼します” (excuse me).

Avoid using it outside work or formal group situations.

Example: Saying “お先に失礼します” as you leave the office before your coworkers.

It’s a must-know phrase for Japanese workplace culture.

12. では、失礼いたします (Dewa, shitsurei itashimasu) – “Well then, I will excuse myself”

This is a very formal and humble way to say goodbye.

It’s often used in business or with people of higher status.

“いたします” is the humble form of “します,” adding extra politeness.

Don’t use this casually—it’s best reserved for formal occasions.

Example: Saying “では、失礼いたします” at the end of a formal visit or meeting.

This phrase leaves a respectful and polished impression.

13. またお会いしましょう (Mata o ai shimashou) – “Let’s meet again”

This polite phrase expresses hope to meet again in the future.

It’s easy to remember by focusing on “また” (again) and “お会いしましょう” (let’s meet).

Perfect for formal or semi-formal goodbyes.

Don’t confuse it with casual “またね,” which is less formal.

Example: Saying “またお会いしましょう” after a business meeting.

It’s a phrase that builds goodwill and positive expectations.

14. ごきげんよう (Gokigenyou) – “Farewell (very formal)”

This is a very formal, somewhat old-fashioned farewell.

It’s often heard in formal speeches or traditional settings.

“ごきげんよう” literally means “be well” or “good spirits.”

Avoid using it in everyday conversation; it sounds very refined.

Example: Saying “ごきげんよう” at the end of a formal gathering or ceremony.

It’s a beautiful phrase that conveys respect and good wishes.

15. お元気で (Ogenki de) – “Take care/Be well”

This polite phrase wishes the other person good health.

“元気” means “health” or “energy,” and “で” is a particle meaning “in” or “with.”

It’s a warm way to say goodbye when you won’t see someone for a while.

Be careful not to use it too casually; it’s better suited for acquaintances or formal relationships.

Example: Saying “お元気で” when parting after a long trip or visit.

It’s a thoughtful phrase that shows you care about their well-being.

16. 失礼ですが (Shitsurei desu ga) – “Excuse me, but…” (polite parting phrase)

While more commonly used to politely interrupt, it can also lead into a formal goodbye.

It literally means “It’s rude, but…” and prepares the listener for a departure.

Use it when you want to excuse yourself politely before leaving.

Don’t use it casually, as it sounds quite formal.

Example: Starting a farewell with “失礼ですが、そろそろ失礼します” (Excuse me, but I will be leaving soon).

It’s a respectful way to signal your goodbye in formal settings.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. じゃあねー (Jā ne~) – “See ya!” (with a casual stretch)

This is a stretched, casual version of “じゃあね.”

The drawn-out “ねー” adds a relaxed, friendly vibe.

It’s a phrase that native speakers use naturally among close friends.

Be sure to keep it casual—it’s not for formal situations.

Example: Saying “じゃあねー” after a fun day out with friends.

It’s an easy way to sound like a native speaker in casual farewells.

18. バイバイまた明日 (Bai bai mata ashita) – “Bye bye, see you tomorrow”

This combines the playful “バイバイ” with “また明日.”

It’s very casual and perfect for young people or friendly settings.

Easy to remember because it’s just adding “また明日” to a familiar goodbye.

Avoid in formal or professional contexts.

Example: Saying “バイバイまた明日！” after school with friends.

It’s a lively and cheerful way to say goodbye when you’ll see them the next day.

19. じゃあ、またね！ (Jā, mata ne!) – “Well then, see you!”

This phrase is a very common casual goodbye.

“じゃあ” means “well then,” and “またね” means “see you again.”

It’s natural, easy, and perfect for everyday use.

Don’t overuse it in formal settings.

Example: Saying “じゃあ、またね！” when leaving a casual gathering.

It’s a friendly and inviting way to say goodbye.

20. また後で (Mata ato de) – “See you later”

“また後で” means “see you later” or “see you after.”

It’s casual but can be used in semi-formal situations.

Simple to remember as “また” (again) plus “後で” (later).

Don’t say it if you don’t have plans to meet later.

Example: Telling your coworker “また後で” before a break.

It’s a practical phrase for short-term partings.

21. バイバイ、気をつけてね (Bai bai, ki o tsukete ne) – “Bye bye, take care!”

This combines “バイバイ” with “気をつけてね,” adding care to a casual goodbye.

It’s friendly and shows concern.

Easy to remember by pairing a simple English loanword with a common phrase.

Don’t use it in formal contexts—it’s too casual.

Example: Saying this to a friend leaving on a trip.

It’s a great way to show warmth and friendliness.

22. じゃあ、また明日！ (Jā, mata ashita!) – “Well then, see you tomorrow!”

This is a casual but polite way to say you’ll see someone the next day.

“じゃあ” softens the phrase and “また明日” sets the timeframe.

It’s easy to say and sounds natural.

Don’t use if you’re unsure about meeting again tomorrow.

Example: Saying “じゃあ、また明日！” when leaving work.

It’s a nice way to close the day with a friendly goodbye.

23. バイバイ、またね！ (Bai bai, mata ne!) – “Bye bye, see you later!”

This phrase is cheerful and casual, perfect for friends.

It combines two simple goodbyes to emphasize warmth and friendliness.

Easy to say and remember.

Avoid using it in formal or professional situations.

Example: Saying “バイバイ、またね！” after hanging out.

It’s a great phrase to keep your farewells lively and fun.

24. じゃあね、またね！ (Jā ne, mata ne!) – “See ya, see you again!”

This is a very casual, friendly goodbye combining two popular phrases.

It’s perfect for close friends and informal settings.

Easy to remember because it repeats “ne” for emphasis.

Don’t use in formal conversations.

Example: Saying “じゃあね、またね！” when parting ways after a fun day.

It’s an expression full of warmth and the promise to meet again.

Concluding Thought

Learning Japanese goodbye phrases is a wonderful way to connect deeper with the language and culture.

Whether casual, polite, or formal, each phrase carries its own nuance and warmth.

So go ahead, practice these 24 phrases, and leave every farewell with a smile and confidence!