How to say “Bye” in Chinese

When we first start learning Chinese, we are taught simple phrases such as 你好 (hello) and 再见 (bye). But apart from 再见, do you know how to say bye in Chinese any other ways?  

Want to master them all? Check out our video below after reading the explanations to help you practise your tones and pronuncation.

Simple Chinese structures and phrases are the best when you’re first learning Chinese! Especially if you’re planning to take the HSK test. However, as you learn more through immersion or classes, you’ll realise there are hundreds of ways to say different phrases! 

We have a handy little video below with audio and scenarios to show you how to say goodbye in Chinese, but read on for a brief introduction into two phrases you might have heard. You should definitely learn these if you’re often saying goodbye in Chinese!

How to say bye in Chinese like a native speaker

See you in a little while!

回见 
huíjiàn
See you in a little while!

If you’re wondering how to say bye in Chinese with a friendly, informal end to the conversation, you can try one of the phrases above. Simply say one of these at the end of your sentence (between friends) and you can go on with your day.

Take care!

保重
bǎozhòng
Take care!

Alternatively, pop a ‘take care’ onto the end of your conversation to signal the end of the conversation and well wishes to your friend. This phrase isn’t as formal as 再见 (zàijiàn) but it’s more formal than 回见 (huíjiàn).

Can’t I just say 再见  (zàijiàn)？

Let’s be clear, 再见 (zàijiàn) is always appropriate to say. It’s safe. Like your mum’s chicken soup on a cold day. That’s why it’s the first and most commonly taught way to to say goodbye! However, it’s fairly formal.

It’s not that you can’t say it, it’s just that we recommend keeping your vocabularly fresh with lots of different phrases. Afterall, do you always say ‘goodbye’ in English?