16 Ways to Say Goodbye in Russian
When learning a new language, knowing how to say goodbye is just as important as knowing how to greet someone. In Russian, like in many other languages, there are various ways to bid farewell, depending on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the formality of the situation. Here, we’ll explore the different ways to say goodbye in Russia, from saying "bye" to your best friend to wishing potential business partners all the best.
How to Say Goodbye in Russian
До свидания, Пока, and Всего хорошего are just a few ways to say bye in Russian. But what do they mean, and when should each be used? After mastering your Russian greetings, see how the following words and phrases can help you connect with native speakers and showcase both formal and informal farewells.
1. До свидания (Do svidaniya)
"До свидания" is the most common way to say goodbye in Russian. It's also quite versatile and can be used in almost any situation, whether you’re speaking to a colleague, a stranger, or even a friend. Although the phrase literally translates to “goodbye” in English, it's often used as a way to say "until we meet again" or "see you later." Thanks to its formality, it's less likely to be misconstrued as some of the more informative goodbyes in the Russian language. This means you can safely use it whenever you'd like.
2. Пока (Poka)
"Пока" is the most popular informal way to say goodbye in Russian. It's roughly the same as saying "bye" in English and is often reserved for use among friends, family members, and people you’re well acquainted with. "Пока" can also be repeated for emphasis or to convey a warmer farewell. So, "пока-пока!" can be likened to saying "bye-bye!" in English. The word "пока" also translates to "for now" to indicate a lack of permanence. This could be when saying goodbye or in other situations.
3. До скорого (Do skorogo)
When you expect to see someone again soon, "до скорого" is the perfect parting word. This informal yet widely used phrase translates directly to “until soon” and conveys a sense of anticipation about the next meeting. In English, it's the same as saying, "See you soon." If you know you're going to see the other person in the upcoming days or weeks, this informal way of saying goodbye in Russian can be used. But keep it among friends, family, or close acquaintances.
4. До встречи (Do vstrechi)
"До встречи" is another common farewell that is slightly less formal than "до свидания." It directly translates to "until the meeting" or "until we meet." This phrase is often used when there’s a definite plan to meet again or when you’re parting ways after arranging another meeting. However, this Russian expression is slightly more personal than "до свидания," as it implies that both parties are looking forward to the next encounter. It’s often used among colleagues, classmates, or in situations where you want to acknowledge a future meeting without being too formal.
5. До следующей встречи (Do sleduyushchey vstrechi)
"До следующей встречи" is a more specific version of "До встречи," meaning "until the next meeting." This phrase is used when there is a clear plan or expectation for a future meeting. This way of saying goodbye in Russian is ideal when you want to acknowledge the next encounter, whether it’s a business meeting, a scheduled event, or a planned reunion. It’s slightly more formal than "До встречи" and can be used in both professional and personal settings.
6. Прощай (Proshchay)
"Прощай" is a pretty emotional way to say goodbye in Russian and is rarely used in everyday conversation. It’s the equivalent of "farewell" in English and is reserved for situations where you never expect to see the person again... sad. When used in conversation, this word carries a strong connotation of finality and is often associated with dramatic or sentimental partings. This word is often found in literature, poetry, or highly emotional real-life situations, such as when someone is leaving for a long time or during a breakup. So, unless you want to say "goodbye forever," keep this one out of your Russian language toolbox.
7. Прощайте (Proshchaitye)
"Прощайте" is the formal plural or respectful singular form of "Прощай." It’s used when a more formal or respectful tone is required, such as when addressing someone older, a superior, or in a group setting. Like "Прощай," it conveys a sense of finality and is often used in emotionally charged farewells. Because of its gravity, it’s not used lightly and is reserved for special, often poignant, moments.
8. Увидимся (Uvidimsya)
"Увидимся" is another informal way to say bye in Russian, similar to “see you” in English. This phrase is commonly used among friends, peers, or close acquaintances when there’s an expectation to see each other again, but without a specific time frame. Not sure which option is best for your situation? Practice your diverse knowledge of Russian goodbyes even more by downloading Tandem and matching with a native speaker today.
9. Счастливо (Schastlivo)
"Счастливо" is a warm, informal way to say goodbye that is often directly translated to "happily." It's derived from the word "счастье" (schastye), meaning "happiness," so it carries a wish for well-being and good fortune. However, when used among native Russian speakers as a way to say goodbye, its meaning is more "take care" or "good luck." Using "счастливо" as a goodbye conveys a sense of care and goodwill. It’s less common than "пока" or "до свидания," but it’s a nice alternative when you want to leave someone with a positive sentiment.
10. Спокойной ночи (Spokoynoy nochi)
"Спокойной ночи" is the Russian equivalent of "good night" and is used when saying goodbye in the evening or before going to bed. It’s a warm and caring way to wish someone a good night’s sleep, perfect for closing a late-night conversation or saying goodbye to someone late in the evening.
11. До завтра (Do zavtra)
When you know you’ll see someone the next day, "до завтра" is a great phrase to use. It directly translates to “until tomorrow” and is a common farewell among friends, colleagues, and family members. This phrase is casual and neutral and is often used in informal situations, at the end of the workday, in school settings, or whenever future plans involve meeting again the next day.
12. Всего (vsego)
"Всего" is an informal, shortened way of saying "all the best." It's technically the shortened version of "всего хорошего," but it means the same thing.
13. Всего хорошего (Vsego khoroshego)
"Всего хорошего" is a more neutral to formal way of saying goodbye, often used to wish someone well as you part ways. It's another way to say "all the best," just in a more professional context than "всего" alone. The phrase "всего хорошего" can directly translate to “all good” or “all of the good,” implying that you wish the other person all good things in life. It’s a polite and considerate way to end a conversation, often used in emails, letters, or when you want to leave a positive impression.
14. Всего доброго (Vsego dobrogo)
Similar to "всего хорошего," "всего доброго" is a polite and formal way to say goodbye. The phrase also translates to "all the best" and is used to wish someone well as you part ways. However, this expression is slightly more formal than "всего хорошего" and can be used in business settings or with people you respect.
15. Всего наилучшего (Vsego nailuchshego)
"Всего наилучшего" is a superlative form of "Всего хорошего" or "Всего доброго," and it translates to "all the very best." When you learn how to say goodbye in Russian, know that this is a great option to express a sincere and emphatic wish for someone’s well-being and success. Due to the addition of "наилучшего," this phrase is even more powerful than its counterparts. It’s a thoughtful and kind way to say goodbye and can be used in various settings.
16. Счастливого пути (shchisleevava putee)
"Счастливого пути" is a great Russian expression for saying goodbye when you know someone who's heading off for a trip or vacation. It translates to "have a happy trip" or "have a good trip" and is ideal in situations where you know you'll see them when they return. It can often be used as a way to wish them well during their travels.
To connect with native speakers and practice saying goodbye in Russian, download Tandem today. With millions of members worldwide, you can match with a native Russian speaker regardless of where you are. Having real-world conversations with like-minded individuals will help you build your skills, from basic Russian pronunciation to Russian slang words, Russian swear words, and more. You may even find someone to help you practice using the Russian case system.
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