goodbye
The most common way to say "goodbye" in Hindi is "alvida" (often used in more emotional or final contexts) or the more common "phir milenge," which literally translates to "we will meet again." The mental image is one of optimism; Hindi speakers often prefer to focus on the future reunion rather than the act of parting. In daily life, "namaste" or "namaskar" is frequently used as both a greeting and a farewell, especially in formal or respectful settings. If you are leaving a friend, you might simply say "achha, chalta hoon" (okay, I am leaving now) to soften the finality of a formal goodbye.
In conversation
Friends leaving a cafe
चलो, अब मैं चलता हूँ।
Alright, I'm heading out now.
ठीक है, फिर मिलेंगे!
Okay, see you again!
Using 'phir milenge' is the most natural way to say goodbye to a friend.
A formal office departure
नमस्ते, अब मैं निकलता हूँ।
Goodbye, I am leaving now.
जी, नमस्ते। कल मिलते हैं।
Yes, goodbye. See you tomorrow.
Namaste is polite and appropriate for professional settings.
Examples
अच्छा, अब मैं चलता हूँ।
Okay, I am leaving now.
फिर मिलेंगे!
See you again!
उनसे अलविदा कहना बहुत कठिन था।
It was very difficult to say goodbye to them.
