How to Say Goodbye in Chinese

As sad as it is to see friends leave, the day comes when we must bid a tearful "farewell" to those we knew... Or they might just be going to work, and you'll see them in a few hours, at which time you can continue binge-watching Netflix together.
Whatever the case, it is helpful to know how to say goodbye in Chinese:

1. 再见
Zàijiàn
 Goodbye

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Literally meaning "see you again", 再见 is appropriate for all occasions. However, among the younger generation this is considered a bit formal.
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If you want to be specific about when you will see the person again, you can replace "再" with a time.

For example:
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明天见。
Míngtiān jiàn
See you tomorrow.
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下周见。
Xià zhōu jiàn
See you next week.

 

2. 慢走
Màn zǒu
 Take care

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This phrase is used by the host/hostess at the guest's departure. (You may have heard this in restaurants or stores.) 慢走 literally means "walk slowly".

3. 保重
Bǎozhòng
 Take care of yourself

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This expresses concern for someone's health and wellbeing. 保重 was originally part of a longer phrase in a Taoist text, though in modern Chinese it was shortened to just two characters.

4. 拜拜
Bàibài
Bye-bye!

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拜拜 comes from English and is very popular among the younger generation (but you will probably hear people of all ages using it).
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As you might guess, 拜拜 is a very informal way to say goodbye.

 

5. 下次再会
Xiàcì zàihuì
See you next time!

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Let's break this down.下次 means "next time" and 再 means "again". 会 is short for 会面, which means "to meet".

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We have heard this broadcast on high-speed trains as we get off. Keep your ears peeled next time you take a train and see if you can pick it out!

 

6. 回头见
Huítóu jiàn
 See you soon

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回头 literally means "to turn one's head", though colloquially it means "later".
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This is also a casual way to say goodbye. Although you might not know exactly when, you will see each other around.