goodbye
"Hej då" is the most common and versatile way to say goodbye in Swedish. It literally translates to "hi then," reflecting a casual and friendly tone. It is the go-to expression for friends, family, and colleagues in almost any informal setting. While widely used, it is considered too informal for very formal business settings or serious situations, where "adjö" or "vi ses" might be preferred. It is very flexible and can be used regardless of the time of day or the duration of the upcoming separation.
In conversation
Leaving a friend's house
Tack för ikväll, det var jättekul!
Thanks for tonight, it was great fun!
Ja, verkligen! Hej då!
Yes, really! Goodbye!
A standard, friendly way to end a social visit.
Ending a phone call
Vi hörs imorgon då.
We'll talk tomorrow then.
Det gör vi. Hej då!
We will. Goodbye!
Commonly used as the final word before hanging up.
Examples
Hej då, vi ses imorgon!
Goodbye, see you tomorrow!
Det är dags att gå nu, hej då allihopa.
It's time to go now, goodbye everyone.
Jag vinkade hej då när tåget körde iväg.
I waved goodbye as the train pulled away.
