88

• Pinyin: 88
• Hanzi breakdown: 88 = bā bā, a sound-alike for bye-bye.

Meaning

Number slang for bye-bye. It uses the sound of eight, bā, to echo bye.

88 is old but still recognizable in casual text. It is quick, friendly, and informal.

Examples

1. 我先下线了，88[bā bā]。 I'm logging off first, 88.
2. 今天聊到这儿，88[bā bā]。 Let's leave it there for today, 88.
3. 他发了个88[bā bā]就走了。 He sent a quick 88 and left.

Usage Guide

Context: chat, gaming, friends

Tone: friendly, quick

Do Say

• 88适合随手告别。（88 works for quick casual goodbyes.）

Don't Say

• 在正式邮件结尾写88。（Use formal closing phrases.）

Common Mistakes

• Reading it as the number only; it is sound-based goodbye slang.

Origin & History

Based on the pronunciation bā bā sounding like bye-bye.

Cultural Context

Era: 1990s onward

Generation: Older internet users and still broadly understood

Social background: Chat and gaming culture

Regional notes: A classic Mainland internet number slang.