Phrase: 再见
Pinyin: zài jiàn
English: “Again see”
Usage: This is the most common and direct way to say “goodbye” in Chinese.
Explanation: In Chinese, 再见 (zài jiàn) is the standard phrase used to say “goodbye.” It is widely used and understood across all Chinese-speaking regions and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 我们明天再见。
- Pinyin: Wǒmen míngtiān zài jiàn.
- Translation: We will see each other again tomorrow.
Alternative Ways to Say “Goodbye”:
- 拜拜 (bāi bāi)
- Literal Translation: “Bye-bye”
- Usage: A casual and informal way to say “goodbye,” borrowed from English.
- Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 好了，我先走了，拜拜！
- Pinyin: Hǎo le, wǒ xiān zǒu le, bāi bāi!
- Translation: Okay, I’m leaving now, bye-bye!
- 再会 (zài huì)
- Literal Translation: “See again”
- Usage: A more formal and slightly less common way to say “goodbye.”
- Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 希望我们能再次再会。
- Pinyin: Xīwàng wǒmen néng zài cì zài huì.
- Translation: I hope we can meet again.
Slang and Informal Ways to Say “Goodbye”:
- 走了 (zǒu le)
- Literal Translation: “Leaving”
- Usage: A very casual and informal way to indicate that you are leaving.
- Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 我走了，回头见！
- Pinyin: Wǒ zǒu le, huítóu jiàn!
- Translation: I’m leaving, see you later!
- 回头见 (huítóu jiàn)
- Literal Translation: “See you later”
- Usage: Informal way to say “goodbye,” implying that you will see the person again soon.
- Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 先走了，回头见！
- Pinyin: Xiān zǒu le, huítóu jiàn!
- Translation: Leaving now, see you later!
- 下次见 (xià cì jiàn)
- Literal Translation: “See you next time”
- Usage: Informal way to say “goodbye,” indicating you will meet again in the future.
- Example Sentence:
- Chinese: 好的，那下次见！
- Pinyin: Hǎo de, nà xià cì jiàn!
- Translation: Okay, see you next time!
Pronunciation Guide:
- 再见 (zài jiàn)
- zài: Sounds like “dz-eye”
- jiàn: Sounds like “jee-en”
