goodbye
The word "tạm biệt" is the most standard way to say goodbye in Vietnamese. It carries a sense of "see you later" or "until we meet again," derived from the root meaning of a temporary separation rather than a final departure. While "tạm biệt" is widely understood, it can sound a bit formal or literary in very close relationships. Friends often prefer context-specific leave-takings like "chào nhé" or "gặp lại sau," whereas "tạm biệt" is safe and polite in almost any professional or semi-formal social setting.
In conversation
Leaving the office
Tạm biệt mọi người, mình về trước nhé!
Goodbye everyone, I'm heading home first!
Ừ, tạm biệt Lan, mai gặp lại.
Yeah, goodbye Lan, see you tomorrow.
Used in a polite, professional workplace setting.
Ending a phone call
Thôi mình cúp máy đây, tạm biệt nhé.
I'm hanging up now, goodbye.
Tạm biệt, chúc bạn ngủ ngon.
Goodbye, have a good night.
A standard, polite way to conclude a conversation.
Examples
Tạm biệt, hẹn gặp lại bạn.
Goodbye, see you again.
Cô ấy vẫy tay tạm biệt chúng tôi.
She waved goodbye to us.
Đã đến lúc phải nói lời tạm biệt với nơi này.
It's time to say goodbye to this place.
