How To Say Goodbye In Chinese

Learn the most useful ways to say goodbye in simplified Chinese: 告别 gàobié, from the classic 再见 zàijiàn to casual lines real people actually use.

Most beginners learn 再见 zàijiàn first, which is great. It is also a bit like learning only one screwdriver and calling yourself a full toolbox.

Chinese has lots of goodbye phrases for different situations: casual chats, work emails, phone calls, leaving a party, or telling someone you need to run. This guide gives you the useful stuff, with pinyin, English meanings, and real example sentences you can actually steal for daily life.

Start Here: The Tiny Rule That Saves You

Use 再见 zàijiàn when you want the safe, standard “goodbye.” Use 拜拜 bàibài with friends. Use phrases with 见 jiàn when you expect to see the person again, like 明天见 míngtiān jiàn or 回头见 huítóu jiàn. Easy. Civilized. No dramatic farewell speeches required.

Visual Cards: The Goodbye Phrases You Will Use First

再见 zàijiàn

Goodbye
Example: 我先走了，再见。 wǒ xiān zǒu le, zàijiàn.
“I’m heading out first, goodbye.”

拜拜 bàibài

Bye-bye / bye
Example: 我到家给你发消息，拜拜。 wǒ dào jiā gěi nǐ fā xiāoxi, bàibài.
“I’ll message you when I get home, bye.”

回头见 huítóu jiàn

See you later
Example: 我先去开会，回头见。 wǒ xiān qù kāihuì, huítóu jiàn.
“I’m going to a meeting first, see you later.”

明天见 míngtiān jiàn

See you tomorrow
Example: 今天就到这儿吧，明天见。 jīntiān jiù dào zhèr ba, míngtiān jiàn.
“Let’s stop here for today, see you tomorrow.”

先走了 xiān zǒu le

I’m off / I’m leaving first
Example: 你们慢慢聊，我先走了。 nǐmen mànman liáo, wǒ xiān zǒu le.
“You all keep chatting, I’m heading out first.”

路上小心 lùshang xiǎoxīn

Take care on the way
Example: 天黑了，路上小心。 tiān hēi le, lùshang xiǎoxīn.
“It’s dark now, take care on the way.”

Useful Phrases And Real-Life Sentences

再见 zàijiàn — goodbye
我们下周再见。 wǒmen xià zhōu zàijiàn. — “See you next week.”
拜拜 bàibài — bye-bye / bye
我先挂了，拜拜。 wǒ xiān guà le, bàibài. — “I’m hanging up now, bye.”
回头见 huítóu jiàn — see you later
我去买杯咖啡，回头见。 wǒ qù mǎi bēi kāfēi, huítóu jiàn. — “I’m going to grab a coffee, see you later.”
回见 huíjiàn — see you later
我先去上课，回见。 wǒ xiān qù shàngkè, huíjiàn. — “I’m going to class first, see you later.”
待会儿见 dàihuìr jiàn — see you in a little while
我先接个电话，待会儿见。 wǒ xiān jiē ge diànhuà, dàihuìr jiàn. — “I need to take a call first, see you in a bit.”
一会儿见 yíhuìr jiàn — see you in a moment / soon
我马上下来，一会儿见。 wǒ mǎshàng xiàlái, yíhuìr jiàn. — “I’m coming down right away, see you soon.”
明天见 míngtiān jiàn — see you tomorrow
早点休息，明天见。 zǎodiǎn xiūxi, míngtiān jiàn. — “Get some rest early, see you tomorrow.”
下次见 xià cì jiàn — see you next time
今天聊得很开心，下次见。 jīntiān liáo de hěn kāixīn, xià cì jiàn. — “I had a great time talking today, see you next time.”
周一见 zhōuyī jiàn — see you Monday
文件我周一带来，周一见。 wénjiàn wǒ zhōuyī dài lái, zhōuyī jiàn. — “I’ll bring the documents on Monday, see you Monday.”
晚上见 wǎnshang jiàn — see you tonight
我们下班后吃饭，晚上见。 wǒmen xiàbān hòu chīfàn, wǎnshang jiàn. — “We’re eating after work, see you tonight.”
学校见 xuéxiào jiàn — see you at school
我先回家换衣服，学校见。 wǒ xiān huí jiā huàn yīfu, xuéxiào jiàn. — “I’m going home to change first, see you at school.”
公司见 gōngsī jiàn — see you at the office
地铁有点挤，公司见。 dìtiě yǒudiǎn jǐ, gōngsī jiàn. — “The subway is crowded, see you at the office.”

Common Confusions That Trip People Up

再见 zàijiàn is neutral and safe. 拜拜 bàibài is more casual. 先走了 xiān zǒu le is not literally “goodbye,” but people use it all the time when leaving. And phrases ending in 见 jiàn usually imply “see you again,” so they work best when you actually expect to meet again. Shocking concept, really.

Table Of Words: Everyday Goodbyes

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
再见	zàijiàn	goodbye	我们明天再见。	wǒmen míngtiān zàijiàn.	See you tomorrow.
拜拜	bàibài	bye	我先走啦，拜拜。	wǒ xiān zǒu la, bàibài.	I’m off now, bye.
回头见	huítóu jiàn	see you later	我先忙一下，回头见。	wǒ xiān máng yíxià, huítóu jiàn.	I need to deal with something first, see you later.
回见	huíjiàn	see you later	我先去吃饭，回见。	wǒ xiān qù chīfàn, huíjiàn.	I’m going to eat first, see you later.
待会儿见	dàihuìr jiàn	see you in a bit	我去停车，待会儿见。	wǒ qù tíngchē, dàihuìr jiàn.	I’m going to park the car, see you in a bit.
一会儿见	yíhuìr jiàn	see you soon	我马上到，一会儿见。	wǒ mǎshàng dào, yíhuìr jiàn.	I’ll be there soon, see you soon.
明天见	míngtiān jiàn	see you tomorrow	今天先这样，明天见。	jīntiān xiān zhèyàng, míngtiān jiàn.	Let’s leave it here for today, see you tomorrow.
下次见	xià cì jiàn	see you next time	谢谢你请客，下次见。	xièxie nǐ qǐngkè, xià cì jiàn.	Thanks for treating me, see you next time.
晚上见	wǎnshang jiàn	see you tonight	晚饭后见，晚上见。	wǎnfàn hòu jiàn, wǎnshang jiàn.	See you after dinner, see you tonight.
周末见	zhōumò jiàn	see you this weekend	演唱会见，周末见。	yǎnchànghuì jiàn, zhōumò jiàn.	See you at the concert, see you this weekend.
回头聊	huítóu liáo	talk later	我现在开会，回头聊。	wǒ xiànzài kāihuì, huítóu liáo.	I’m in a meeting now, talk later.
回头联系	huítóu liánxì	let’s get in touch later	我整理好资料再回头联系。	wǒ zhěnglǐ hǎo zīliào zài huítóu liánxì.	I’ll contact you later after organizing the materials.
有空再聊	yǒu kòng zài liáo	let’s chat when free	我先忙，有空再聊。	wǒ xiān máng, yǒu kòng zài liáo.	I’m busy now, let’s chat when we’re free.
改天见	gǎitiān jiàn	see you another day	今天太晚了，改天见。	jīntiān tài wǎn le, gǎitiān jiàn.	It’s too late today, see you another day.
回去吧	huíqù ba	head back	不早了，你先回去吧。	bù zǎo le, nǐ xiān huíqù ba.	It’s getting late, you should head back first.

Table Of Words: Leaving Politely

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
先走了	xiān zǒu le	I’m leaving first	你们继续，我先走了。	nǐmen jìxù, wǒ xiān zǒu le.	You all continue, I’m leaving first.
我得走了	wǒ děi zǒu le	I have to go	时间到了，我得走了。	shíjiān dào le, wǒ děi zǒu le.	Time’s up, I have to go.
我先撤了	wǒ xiān chè le	I’m gonna head out	明天早起，我先撤了。	míngtiān zǎoqǐ, wǒ xiān chè le.	I need to get up early tomorrow, I’m heading out.
我先闪了	wǒ xiān shǎn le	I’m off / I’m out	老板来了，我先闪了。	lǎobǎn lái le, wǒ xiān shǎn le.	The boss is here, I’m out.
我先告辞了	wǒ xiān gàocí le	I’ll take my leave first	时间不早了，我先告辞了。	shíjiān bù zǎo le, wǒ xiān gàocí le.	It’s getting late, I’ll take my leave first.
失陪了	shīpéi le	excuse me for leaving	我还有点事，先失陪了。	wǒ hái yǒudiǎn shì, xiān shīpéi le.	I still have something to do, excuse me for leaving first.
慢走	màn zǒu	take care / take it easy going	路上堵车，慢走啊。	lùshang dǔchē, màn zǒu a.	There’s traffic on the way, take care.
走好	zǒu hǎo	take care on your way	天冷，走好。	tiān lěng, zǒu hǎo.	It’s cold, take care on your way.
路上小心	lùshang xiǎoxīn	be careful on the way	下雨了，路上小心。	xiàyǔ le, lùshang xiǎoxīn.	It’s raining, be careful on the way.
一路平安	yílù píng’ān	have a safe trip	你要出差了，一路平安。	nǐ yào chūchāi le, yílù píng’ān.	You’re going on a business trip, have a safe journey.
一路顺风	yílù shùnfēng	have a smooth trip	飞机快起飞了，祝你一路顺风。	fēijī kuài qǐfēi le, zhù nǐ yílù shùnfēng.	Your flight is about to take off, wish you a smooth trip.
保重	bǎozhòng	take care	最近很忙，你要保重。	zuìjìn hěn máng, nǐ yào bǎozhòng.	You’ve been busy lately, take care.
照顾好自己	zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ	take good care of yourself	天气变冷了，照顾好自己。	tiānqì biàn lěng le, zhàogù hǎo zìjǐ.	The weather is getting colder, take good care of yourself.
早点休息	zǎodiǎn xiūxi	get some rest early	别熬夜了，早点休息。	bié áoyè le, zǎodiǎn xiūxi.	Don’t stay up late, get some rest early.
晚安	wǎn’ān	good night	到家告诉我，晚安。	dào jiā gàosu wǒ, wǎn’ān.	Let me know when you get home, good night.

Table Of Words: Phone, Text, And Online Goodbyes

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
我先挂了	wǒ xiān guà le	I’m hanging up now	电梯到了，我先挂了。	diàntī dào le, wǒ xiān guà le.	The elevator is here, I’m hanging up now.
挂了啊	guà le a	I’m hanging up, okay	信号不好，我先挂了啊。	xìnhào bù hǎo, wǒ xiān guà le a.	The signal is bad, I’m hanging up now.
先这样吧	xiān zhèyàng ba	let’s leave it at that for now	今天先这样吧，明天再说。	jīntiān xiān zhèyàng ba, míngtiān zài shuō.	Let’s leave it there for today and talk tomorrow.
有事再联系	yǒushì zài liánxì	contact me if anything comes up	文件发你了，有事再联系。	wénjiàn fā nǐ le, yǒushì zài liánxì.	I’ve sent you the file; contact me if anything comes up.
微信聊	wēixìn liáo	let’s chat on WeChat	电话里说不清，微信聊。	diànhuà lǐ shuō bu qīng, wēixìn liáo.	It’s hard to explain on the phone, let’s chat on WeChat.
回聊	huí liáo	talk later	我现在在外面，回聊。	wǒ xiànzài zài wàimiàn, huí liáo.	I’m outside right now, talk later.
下线了	xiàxiàn le	I’m logging off	太困了，我先下线了。	tài kùn le, wǒ xiān xiàxiàn le.	I’m too sleepy, I’m logging off first.
先不聊了	xiān bù liáo le	let’s stop chatting for now	我要开车了，先不聊了。	wǒ yào kāichē le, xiān bù liáo le.	I’m about to drive, let’s stop chatting for now.
有空微信我	yǒu kòng wēixìn wǒ	message me on WeChat when free	你忙完以后有空微信我。	nǐ máng wán yǐhòu yǒu kòng wēixìn wǒ.	Message me on WeChat when you’re free after work.
先忙你的	xiān máng nǐ de	go do your thing first	你先忙你的，我们晚点聊。	nǐ xiān máng nǐ de, wǒmen wǎndiǎn liáo.	Go do your thing first, we’ll talk later.

Table Of Words: Work And Formal Goodbyes

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
再会	zàihuì	goodbye / till we meet again	感谢您的时间，再会。	gǎnxiè nín de shíjiān, zàihuì.	Thank you for your time, goodbye.
回头再谈	huítóu zài tán	let’s discuss later	这个问题回头再谈。	zhège wèntí huítóu zài tán.	Let’s discuss this issue later.
改日再会	gǎirì zàihuì	let’s meet again another day	今天先到这里，改日再会。	jīntiān xiān dào zhèlǐ, gǎirì zàihuì.	Let’s stop here today; let’s meet again another day.
后会有期	hòuhuì yǒuqī	we’ll meet again someday	山高水长，后会有期。	shān gāo shuǐ cháng, hòuhuì yǒuqī.	We’ll meet again someday.
回头见面聊	huítóu jiànmiàn liáo	let’s talk in person later	邮件里说不清，回头见面聊。	yóujiàn lǐ shuō bu qīng, huítóu jiànmiàn liáo.	It’s hard to explain by email; let’s talk in person later.
祝您一路平安	zhù nín yílù píng’ān	wish you a safe trip	会议结束了，祝您一路平安。	huìyì jiéshù le, zhù nín yílù píng’ān.	The meeting is over; wish you a safe trip.
辛苦了	xīnkǔ le	thanks for your hard work	今天大家都辛苦了，明天见。	jīntiān dàjiā dōu xīnkǔ le, míngtiān jiàn.	Everyone worked hard today, see you tomorrow.
明天继续	míngtiān jìxù	let’s continue tomorrow	今天先这样，明天继续。	jīntiān xiān zhèyàng, míngtiān jìxù.	Let’s stop here for today and continue tomorrow.
改天再约	gǎitiān zài yuē	let’s make plans another day	这周太忙了，改天再约。	zhè zhōu tài máng le, gǎitiān zài yuē.	This week is too busy; let’s make plans another day.
保持联系	bǎochí liánxì	keep in touch	你回国以后也要保持联系。	nǐ huíguó yǐhòu yě yào bǎochí liánxì.	Keep in touch after you go back home.

Table Of Words: Sweet, Warm, And Situational Goodbyes

Hanzi	Pinyin	Meaning	Example (ZH)	Example (Pinyin)	Translation (EN)
到家告诉我	dào jiā gàosu wǒ	tell me when you get home	天晚了，到家告诉我。	tiān wǎn le, dào jiā gàosu wǒ.	It’s late; tell me when you get home.
早点回家	zǎodiǎn huí jiā	go home early	别太晚，早点回家。	bié tài wǎn, zǎodiǎn huí jiā.	Don’t stay out too late; go home early.
回家慢点	huí jiā màn diǎn	take it slow on the way home	外面路滑，回家慢点。	wàimiàn lù huá, huí jiā màn diǎn.	The road is slippery outside, take it slow going home.
祝你一路顺利	zhù nǐ yílù shùnlì	wish you a smooth trip	第一次出国，祝你一路顺利。	dìyī cì chūguó, zhù nǐ yílù shùnlì.	It’s your first trip abroad; wish you a smooth trip.
祝你好运	zhù nǐ hǎoyùn	good luck	明天面试，祝你好运。	míngtiān miànshì, zhù nǐ hǎoyùn.	Good luck on your interview tomorrow.
加油	jiāyóu	you can do it / keep it up	考试加油，考完再聊。	kǎoshì jiāyóu, kǎo wán zài liáo.	Good luck on the exam; we’ll talk after it.
玩得开心	wán de kāixīn	have fun	周末旅行玩得开心。	zhōumò lǚxíng wán de kāixīn.	Have fun on your weekend trip.
好梦	hǎo mèng	sweet dreams	别想工作了，好梦。	bié xiǎng gōngzuò le, hǎo mèng.	Stop thinking about work; sweet dreams.
回头给我消息	huítóu gěi wǒ xiāoxi	send me a message later	你办完事回头给我消息。	nǐ bàn wán shì huítóu gěi wǒ xiāoxi.	Send me a message later when you’re done.
我们保持联系吧	wǒmen bǎochí liánxì ba	let’s keep in touch	你搬家以后，我们保持联系吧。	nǐ bānjiā yǐhòu, wǒmen bǎochí liánxì ba.	Let’s keep in touch after you move.

Variants Table: Which Goodbye Fits Which Situation?

Situation	Best Phrase	Pinyin	Why It Works
Safe default	再见	zàijiàn	Neutral, standard, works almost anywhere.
Friends	拜拜	bàibài	Casual and friendly.
Leaving a group	先走了	xiān zǒu le	Very natural when you are the first to leave.
Will meet later	回头见	huítóu jiàn	Shows you expect to see them again soon.
Tomorrow	明天见	míngtiān jiàn	Specific and common.
Phone call	我先挂了	wǒ xiān guà le	Natural way to end a call.
Business or polite exit	我先告辞了	wǒ xiān gàocí le	More formal and respectful.
Travel	一路平安	yílù píng’ān	Warm and appropriate for someone going somewhere.
At night	晚安	wǎn’ān	Use it when the day is really done.
Warm goodbye	保重	bǎozhòng	Shows care, not just exit-door efficiency.

Quick Practice

Pick the best goodbye for each situation. Then say the full sentence out loud. Yes, out loud. Your brain likes that more than silent staring.

You are ending a normal conversation with a teacher.
再见 zàijiàn
老师，再见。 lǎoshī, zàijiàn.
“Goodbye, teacher.”
You are leaving a dinner while your friends stay longer.
先走了 xiān zǒu le
你们继续吃，我先走了。 nǐmen jìxù chī, wǒ xiān zǒu le.
“You all keep eating, I’m heading out first.”
You are hanging up after a short phone call.
我先挂了 wǒ xiān guà le
我到站了，我先挂了。 wǒ dào zhàn le, wǒ xiān guà le.
“I’ve arrived at the station, I’m hanging up now.”
You will see your coworker tomorrow morning.
明天见 míngtiān jiàn
资料我明天带来，明天见。 zīliào wǒ míngtiān dài lái, míngtiān jiàn.
“I’ll bring the materials tomorrow, see you tomorrow.”
Your friend is going on a trip.
一路平安 yílù píng’ān
到那边给我发消息，一路平安。 dào nàbian gěi wǒ fā xiāoxi, yílù píng’ān.
“Send me a message when you get there, have a safe trip.”

Common Mistakes And Fast Fixes

Mistake: Using only 再见 zàijiàn for every single situation.
Fix: Learn at least three more: 拜拜 bàibài, 先走了 xiān zǒu le, and 明天见 míngtiān jiàn.
Mistake: Saying 明天见 míngtiān jiàn when you are not seeing the person tomorrow.
Fix: Use 下次见 xià cì jiàn or 改天见 gǎitiān jiàn instead.
Mistake: Using very casual phrases like 我先闪了 wǒ xiān shǎn le with teachers or bosses.
Fix: Choose 再见 zàijiàn or 我先告辞了 wǒ xiān gàocí le.
Mistake: Forgetting warm add-ons.
Fix: Add 路上小心 lùshang xiǎoxīn, 保重 bǎozhòng, or 晚安 wǎn’ān when the moment fits.

Quick Reference Summary

再见 zàijiàn = the standard “goodbye.”
拜拜 bàibài = casual “bye.”
先走了 xiān zǒu le = “I’m leaving first.” Very natural.
回头见 huítóu jiàn = “see you later.”
明天见 míngtiān jiàn / 下次见 xià cì jiàn = specific “see you” phrases.
我先挂了 wǒ xiān guà le = ending a phone call.
一路平安 yílù píng’ān / 路上小心 lùshang xiǎoxīn = warm travel goodbyes.
晚安 wǎn’ān = good night, not general goodbye.

Final Yak Box

If you remember only five goodbye phrases today, make them 再见 zàijiàn, 拜拜 bàibài, 先走了 xiān zǒu le, 明天见 míngtiān jiàn, and 路上小心 lùshang xiǎoxīn. That tiny set already makes your Chinese sound more natural, less robotic, and much less like a textbook fell on your head.