While farewells as well as while greeting you can use different phrases in Russian. The choice depends on the situation, the number of persons that are talking, their relationships, and the speaker’s mood. A goodbye usually expresses some kind of wish.
This is a universal phrase that can be used in any situation: when you address one or more interlocutors, with friendly communication and formal goodbye. Literally means ‘See you soon’
Pronounce it like [да свид̀ания /da svidania].
The English equivalent is “Good bye!“
This phrase is less formal than “Goodbye”, though it is more common for formal communication. This is an abbreviated version of the phrase “I wish you all the best.” You say ‘goodbye’ and in the end, you wish well.
Pronounce it like [фсив̀о д̀обрава / fsiv̀o dobrava].
The English equivalent is “All the best!“
This is a relatively young expression in the Russian language — it was first recorded in 2001. It is considered to be a loan translation from English “Have a good day”.
Pronounce it like [хар̀ошыва дн’а / har̀oshyva dn’a].
The English equivalent is “Have a good / nice day!“
This phrase should only be used if you are well acquainted with the person that you are talking to or in a close relationship with him. A lighter version is “Пока-пока!” (paka-paka). It appeared in the 90s of the last century under the influence of English “Bye-bye!”
Pronounce it like [пак̀а / pak̀a].
The English equivalent is “Bye!“
It is a conversational option. It is a short form of “let’s say goodbye / be healthy (stay healthy so we can see each other again)”. You can use it if you are saying goodbye to a very close friend.
Pronounce it like [дав̀ай (бывай) / dav̀ay (byv̀ay)].
The English equivalent is “Take care!“
Literally means “to stay happy.” It is quite a neutral phrase, suitable for communication between close people and in a not too formal setting, for example, between work fellows.
Pronounce it like [щасл̀ива / shchasl̀iva].
The English equivalent is “Take care! Bye-bye!“
If you have made an appointment soon or you just know for sure that you will meet someone, then you can use the following phrases to say goodbye.
When you plan to meet soon, but are not sure exactly about the time, you can use this option to say goodbye. It is suitable for communication between friends and close ones.
Pronounce it like [да ск̀орава / da sk̀orava].
The English equivalent is “See you soon!“
It is a slightly more formal phrase than the previous “До скорого!” You can use it at the end of a formal meeting with partners or work fellows, between a teacher and students.
Pronounce it like [да фстр’̀эчи / da fstr̀echi].
The English equivalent is “Until next time!“
If you are planning a meeting with your interlocutor tomorrow / next weekend, then you can choose this phrase for goodbye.
Pronounce it like [да з̀афтра (выхадн̀ых) / da z̀aftra (vyhodǹyh)].
The English equivalent is “See you tomorrow! (Until weekend!)“
It means exactly that you are going to see someone and say goodbye in anticipation of this meeting.
Pronounce it like [ув̀идимс’а / uv̀idims’a].
The English equivalent is “See you later!“
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There are situations when you want to say goodbye in a special way. Then the following phrases will be in place.
When you accompany someone on a long journey you can wish him a good journey. The person leaving can’t say that..
Pronounce it like [щисл̀ивава пут̀и / shchisl̀ivava put̀i].
The English equivalent is “Have a nice journey!“
When you break up with someone for a long time or even forever, use this phrase.
Pronounce it like [пращ̀ай / prashch̀ay].
The English equivalent is “Farewell!“
If you say goodbye at night, then you can wish the other person good night.
Pronounce it like [д̀обрай н̀очи / dobray ǹochi].
The English equivalent is “Good night!“
The universal phrase “До свидания!” is right in any situation when you say goodbye. Remember it from the beginning. Then gradually master the following phrases, making your speech more vivid and natural.
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