再见

• Pinyin: zài jiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 再 = again; 见 = 目 (eye) + 儿 (legs) — to see, to meet

Meaning

Goodbye. The standard way to say farewell in Mandarin Chinese.

The most common and universally understood way to say goodbye. Literally means 'see again.' Appropriate in virtually all social situations, from casual to formal. In very casual speech, younger people may use 拜拜 (bye-bye) instead.

Examples

1. 老师，再见！ Goodbye, teacher!
2. 再见，明天见！ Goodbye, see you tomorrow!
3. 他跟我说了再见就走了。 He said goodbye to me and left.

Usage Guide

Context: greetings, everyday

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 再见，路上小心！(Goodbye, be careful on the way!)
• 同学们，再见！(Classmates, goodbye!)

Don't Say

• 在非常正式的商务场合只说'再见'。(In very formal business settings, add a polite phrase: 再见，祝您工作顺利 is better than a bare 再见)

Origin & History

Composed of 再 (again) + 见 (to see/meet). Literally 'see you again,' expressing hope for a future meeting. A calque parallel to French 'au revoir.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal