au revoir

[ oh ruh-vwar; English oh ruh-vwahr ]

interjection

, French.

1. until we see each other again; goodbye for the present.

au revoir

/ o rəvwar /

sentence substitute

1. goodbye

Word History and Origins

Origin of au revoir¹

literally: to the seeing again

Example Sentences

The Mission: Impossible star descended into the stadium carrying the Olympic flag, as the the host city bid an emotional "au revoir" to the 2024 competition.

From BBC

It was a surprising diplomatic event on New York’s Upper East Side — one that started with an auspicious “bonsoir,” and ended with an unexpected “au revoir.”

From New York Times

So maybe it's just au revoir for now....

From BBC

It might be time to shed a little tear as a familiar French face on the streets of Cardiff is saying au revoir.

From BBC

“I’m going to teach you French. They say it better: au revoir. That’s till your return. Good-by always sounds so final.”

From Literature

More About Au Revoir

What does au revoir mean?

Au revoir is a way to say goodbye for now. 

Au revoir is a French term that means “until we see each other again.” It is used by English speakers who speak French or who are interacting in some way with French culture, such as when visiting France or talking with someone who speaks French. Some people use it to give a conversation a French flair, either in seriousness or spoofing French culture.

Sometimes, au revoir will be used alongside other well-known French phrases such as bonjour (“hello”), oui-oui (an emphatic “yes”), or mon chéri. Bonjour and au revoir are typically some of the first terms French language students learn.

Normally, au revoir is used between French speakers who plan to see each other again. But similar to see you later in English, the term may be used informally between strangers who have no plans to ever see each other again. 

Similar phrases for goodbye that English speakers sometimes adopt from other languages include the German auf Wiedersehen, the Spanish hasta la vista, the Italian arrivederci, the Russian do svidániya, and the Hindi phir milenge. 

Example: Laksme was sad to say au revoir to Paris as she headed home.

Where does au revoir mean?

The first records of the term au revoir in English come from around the 1690s. It is directly taken from French.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for au revoir?

• adieu
• adios
• arrivederci
• cheerio
• goodbye
• sayonara

What are some words that often get used in discussing au revoir?

• bid
• departing
• French
• goodbye
• interjection

How is au revoir used in real life?

Au revoir is used most often by people while speaking French, but it’s also sometimes adopted into English as a farewell. 

France u have been amazing! Sorry we couldn't stop to say bye outside. Had to rush to airport. Thank you all so much for coming. Au Revoir

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) October 11, 2012

Thanks for all the lovely comments about The Final Curtain ep and thanks for watching generally. Means an awful lot. Au revoir.

— Miranda Hart (@mermhart) January 2, 2015

France has lost a national treasure, as have we
All. Her spirit will live forever.
Au revoir Jeanne

— William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) July 31, 2017

 

Try using au revoir!

True or False?

Au revoir is only used by French speakers.