Goodbye in Chinese is more than just 再见 (zàijiàn)!
You’ve probably heard that 再见 – literal translation ‘see again’ – is the best way to say goodbye in Chinese.. It’s a great phrase you can always safely fall back on, especially in formal settings. But in day-to-day life? You can do better. Much better.
Are you ready to upgrade your Chinese with our new video? Watch Ms. Ma talk about different ways on how to say “Goodbye” in Chinese.
If you’d like to practise some more after the video, why not book a free trial class with one of our teachers? Online learning can get you HSK test ready!
1. 慢走 | mànzǒu
What does 慢走 (mànzǒu) mean?
Literally, it translates as “Walk slowly”. The actual meaning of this phrase is
慢慢走，注意安全 (Mànman zǒu, zhùyì ānquán, “Walk slowly, stay safe”).
When can I use 慢走 (mànzǒu)?
This phrase is most accurately used when someone else is leaving the place or event that you’re at.
Example
You have a guest at your place and he is about to leave. You can tell him:
“慢走！”
“Mànzǒu”
“Walk slowly!”
Naturally, you might not want to say this to your taxi driver who is still going to be sitting in his car after you’ve left!
2. 我先走了 | wǒ xiān zǒule
What does 我先走了 (wǒ xiān zǒule) mean?
Literally, it translates as “I-First-Leave”. The meaning of 先 xiān is “do sth. earlier”. So this phrase actually means “I’m leaving now”.
When can I use 我先走了 (wǒ xiān zǒule)?
Often, this phrase will be used when you leave the place/ event before others.
Example 1
Firstly, imagine your friends are still having a meal, but you have to go home. You can say:
“你们慢慢吃，我先走了”
“Nǐmen mànman chī, wǒ xiān zǒule”
“Take your time. I am leaving now”
Example 2
Additionally, you can say this as soon as you finish your classes/work, you can say:
“我先走了！明天见！”
“Wǒ xiān zǒule! Míngtiān jiàn!”
“I am leaving now! See you tomorrow!”
Goodbye in Chinese conclusion
It’s pretty simple right? We think so too!
Why not leave us a comment practising using the vocabulary? We’ll send any corrections back if necessary.
If you’re loving learning and looking for more useful blogs, why not check out our post about Chinese loan words or Chinese polyphones?
