【Learn Chinese】Different Ways to Say Bye in Chinese (Part 2)

This is part two of our article of different ways how to say bye in Chinese. Let’s continue.

Sometimes, when you’re saying goodbye, you want to show it isn’t goodbye forever. You might even want to express a particular time that you will see that person again. In Chinese, this can be expressed with ‘Time + 见’. Remember, 见 (jiàn) means ‘to meet’.

#10 明天见  míngtiān jiàn
明天 míngtiān means tomorrow, so altogether this phrase means see you tomorrow! This is a great phrase for colleagues, classmates and teachers who you see regularly.

#11 下周见  xià zhōu jiàn
This phrase means ‘See you next week!’ Let’s break it down word by word: 下 (xià): next, 周 (zhōu): week, 见 (jiàn): meet.

#12 一会儿见 yīhuǐ’er jiàn
This is a useful phrase if you’re going to see someone soon, even as soon as the same day. 一会儿 (yīhuǐ’er) means ‘a moment’ or ‘a little while’. So altogether, this means ‘See you in a moment!’ or ‘See you soon!’

#13 下次见  xià cì jiàn
下次见 (xià cì jiàn) means ‘see you next time’. This is a great phrase for someone you meet up with regularly (e.g. a tutor, language exchange partner or personal trainer). It indicates that you plan to see them again without having to specify a particular time.

Useful Chengyu
For slightly more advanced learners, you’ll already know that 成语 (chéngyǔ) are four character phrases that carry a metaphorical meaning. You can find a Chengyu for almost any situation – and saying goodbye is no exception!

#14 一路平安 yīlù píng’ān
This is a great Chengyu to use when someone is saying goodbye to go on a journey or trip somewhere. It means ‘have a safe trip’. 一路 (yīlù) means throughout the journey and 平安 (píng’ān) means safe and sound.

#15 一路顺风  yīlù shùnfēng
This Chengyu can also be used to wish someone a safe and pleasant journey. 顺风 (shùnfēng) actually means ‘favourable winds’ but is used to mean successful or smooth.

#16 生离死别  shēng lí sǐ bié
This Chengyu means to part ways and never reunite – in other words, goodbye forever. Literally, it means ‘separated in life and death’ – yikes. Maybe best not said as you leave the office!

#17 劳燕分飞  láo yàn fēn fēi
Last but not least, let’s end on one more depressing Chengyu! 劳燕分飞 (láo yàn fēn fēi) means ‘two birds flying in different directions’ and is used to describe the breakup of a couple. Hopefully not a form of goodbye you’ll be using anytime soon!