goodbye

"Doei" is the most common informal way to say goodbye in Dutch. It carries a friendly, lighthearted tone, similar to saying "bye" or "see ya" in English. It is derived from the older, more formal "dag" (day), which eventually evolved into the diminutive "dagje" and then shortened to "doei." You can use "doei" with friends, family, and colleagues you are on good terms with. It is perfectly acceptable to say it once, or double it up as "doei doei" for a slightly more emphatic or cheerful farewell. Avoid using it in very formal business letters or official government correspondence, where "met vriendelijke groet" or "tot ziens" would be preferred.

In conversation